"Just as well be prepared for trouble when you're bossing things, that's sure," grumbled Ben.
"Oh, jumping mackerel!" giggled Pudge, who had dropped to the sod and was now having difficulty in smothering his desire to give broader vent to his delight. "The way you did it, Horrors! You're a dandy! You're a bird! And he swallowed it whole."
"He didn't have much to swallow," the leader of the party said quietly.
"Huh? 'Tain't much, I suppose, for you to string him along that you are this Rex Kingdon? Oh, no!"
"I didn't tell him I was," said the tall lad, smiling easily.
"What's that?" exclaimed Kirby. "Well, you just as good as did."
"I let him think so if he wanted to," the other returned, plainly enjoying the admiration of his companions. "Quibb did it all. He can't blame me."
"But you don't get me," continued Pudge, sitting up and with tears of laughter running over his fat cheeks. "You don't get me, Horrors. You to pose as this Kingdon chap."
"Well, why not?" asked the tall lad.
"You as black as Joe, yonder—almost; and him a strawberry blond. I remember him plain enough now. Saw him play against Winchester last year. In size you are not far out, old boy; but blond and brunette were never farther apart—believe me!"