As Blumpo’s hat was of straw and full of holes, this made both Jerry and his friend burst into a fit of laughter.
“I don’t mean this hat. I mean my Sunday-go-to-meetin’ one,” said the homeless youth, hastily.
“Blumpo, on your honor, did you ever own two hats at once?” asked Harry gravely.
“Well, since you buckle me down, no,” was the low reply. “What’s the use? Can’t wear but one at a time.” “That’s as true as you live,” returned Jerry.
The three boys talked over the subject of an outing for some time. All thought it a glorious idea, and Jerry said he would go if he possibly could.
All this time Jerry and Harry were rowing up the lake at a moderate rate of speed. Jerry loved the water, and spent nearly all of his spare time in the vicinity of the lake.
Presently Harry grew tired and Blumpo took his place at the oars.
“Here comes the Cutwater!” cried Harry, a few minutes later.
The Cutwater was a large sloop owned by one of the gentlemen living in Lakeview. As she came past, those in the row-boat noticed several young ladies on board, who were sailing the boat under directions of a young man named Clarence Conant.
Clarence had but little idea how a boat should be managed, and as the sloop went by Harry’s face grew troubled.