"Can you swim down to that old elm?" asked Hi, indicating a tree at the further end of the pond.
"We ought to," smiled Dick.
"Come along, then," invited Hi, starting with a side stroke.
Dick & Co. started in irregular fashion, Darrin and Reade soon spurting on ahead of Martin.
"How long can you tread water?" inquired Hi, after they had reached the neighborhood of the elm.
This sport is always interesting to boys who are good swimmers.
Forthwith some endurance tests at treading were started. Then
Hi showed them all a few "stunts" in the water, some of which
Dick & Co. could duplicate easily, and some which they could not.
Thus the minutes slipped by. Hi, for once in his life, went out of his way to be entertaining to Central Grammar boys. But, at last, he muttered to himself:
"I guess Teall has had plenty of time for his tricks. If he hasn't, then all afternoon wouldn't he time enough."
"Hello, Hi," called Dick. "Where are you going?"
"Back to dress," Martin replied. "I've been in long enough."