"Well, very annoying, Miss St. Clive," was Warren's answer. "Just to think of that lot being here!"
"I don't see that they need annoy us," she answered.
"We will go a little farther along the bank, down by the weir."
Some of the other boys greeted Warren, and raised their hats as they saw Irene—whom most of them knew by sight; but of Ralph they took no notice, and Elgert, coming by in his canoe, called out loud enough for all to hear—
"Keep your eyes on your property, you fellows, you might lose something here."
"The cad!" muttered Warren, while Irene gave Ralph's arm a little squeeze, as if to tell him never to mind.
"The cad!" said Warren again. "He would not dare do that if you were in the playground; and just look at him showing off in that canoe—as if no one but he could use a paddle."
"He cannot use one," laughed Ralph. "That is not the way to swing it. He takes it over and over like the sails of a windmill, describing circles with every stroke."
"Well," asked Warren, "how would you use it? I confess that is the way I should handle it."
"It is not the right way. It should be swung from side to side, and he will be over if he tries to play tricks like that"—as Elgert made a fancy stroke which brought the boat down on one side.—"There, he has dropped his paddle! Be careful"—and he raised his voice—"Be careful! He is over!"