The path led back of the Hall grounds and then through a dense woods fronting the lake, where the shore made a sweeping turn. As the boys were all good walkers, they covered the two miles with ease, reaching Gerry’s Point inside of an hour after starting.
“Now then for a rest and a swim,” cried Pepper.
“And then we’ll sample some of the good things Jack has provided,” added Stuffer, smacking his lips.
“Say, Stuffer, you could eat about all the time, couldn’t you?” queried Andy.
“No, not all the time—he must sleep,” put in Jack, and this brought forth a laugh.
“I caught myself eating once in my sleep,” said Stuffer. “I began to cough and woke up with a piece of pie in my hand. I had had the nightmare, gone down to the kitchen pantry, and helped myself. After that ma locked the pantry up and hid the key.” And at this tale there was another laugh.
After a short rest the boys went in bathing, placing their baskets in a secluded spot behind some bushes. Not far away was a small stream of water, and they did not know that in this one of the Hall rowboats was hidden, containing Baxter, Paxton, and Mumps, who had watched their arrival.
“Now is our chance!” cried Baxter, when all but two of the boys had gone in bathing. “Let us take their baskets and make off with them. We can go up the lake shore and have a dandy time on the good things!”
“Right you are,” put in Paxton. “And won’t Jack Ruddy and the others be mad!”
“Be careful, or they’ll spot you!” whispered Mumps, in a trembling tone.