“Yes, they’re chips of the old block—no question about that,” answered Fred’s father.
Colonel Colby was on the point of mentioning the exploded cannon, but suddenly thought better of it.
“Perhaps the boys will have something to tell you, Sam,” he said, on parting for the time being. “If they haven’t, just ask me about it. I want to give them a chance to speak first if they care to do so.”
It was not a pleasant thing to broach, yet the twins thought they must make a clean breast of it, so when Sam Rover had accompanied the boys to their rooms Andy and Randy spoke not only about the exploded cannon, but also of the loss of the silver trophy.
“Gracious! you lads are certainly getting into hot water,” was Sam Rover’s comment. “To lose the trophy was bad enough, but to have that cannon explode——” He ended with a shake of his head. “You’ve got to be more careful. It won’t do to kill anybody.”
“We’d like to get another cannon for Colonel Colby,” said Randy. “Do you suppose Uncle Dick and you and dad could manage it?”
“Perhaps. We can see about that later. I’m glad you told me about this.”
“Did Colonel Colby say anything about it?” asked Jack.
“Not a word.”