“But your clothing is all wet,” insisted Harry, when they were seated in the craft.
“So is Blumpo’s,” returned Jerry.
“I’se most dry, the sun is that warm,” remarked the homeless youth.
“I don’t mind the wetting a bit,” said Jerry. “Rowing will keep me warm and the sun will dry me off quick enough.”
“You’re a regular water dog, anyway,” laughed Harry. He could not help but admire Jerry’s modesty in running away from Mrs. Fleming as soon as it was ascertained that little Cora was all right. On and on up the lake the boys went. Inside of half an hour they came to a sheltered nook on one of the numerous islands.
“I move we take a swim,” said Harry.
“Second de emotion,” said Blumpo, and before Jerry could say a word the homeless youth was running about as if in the savage wilds.
It did not take Jerry and Harry long to disrobe. The plunge into the water was very pleasant, and they remained in bathing until Jerry’s clothing, spread out on the top of a number of bushes, was thoroughly dry.
In the meanwhile Jerry and Harry raced to another island and back. Jerry came out first, with Harry four yards behind.
The swim over, they dressed, and, after picking several handfuls of berries, which grew on the island in profusion, they once more embarked in the row-boat.