"We have been camping at Lake Pleasant for two days," Dick explained.
"We came up herewith our canoe and camping outfit on Billy Heckler's
wagon. We brought along Harry's bull-dog to watch the camp.
As to how long we'll stay, that depends."
"Depends upon what?" Clara asked.
"On how long our funds hold out," Prescott explained, with a frank smile. "You see, all our Wall Street investments have turned out badly."
"I'm truly sorry to hear that young men of your tender age should have been drawn into the snares of Wall Street," retorted Clara dryly.
"So, having had some disappointments in high finance," Prescott went on, "we can stay only as long as our dog fund lasts."
"Dog fund?" asked Susie Sharp, looking bewildered.
"Dick is talking about the money we made in bark," Greg Holmes explained readily.
"Then you really expect to be here a fortnight?" Laura asked.
"Yes; if we don't develop too healthy appetites and eat up our funds before the fortnight is over," Dick assented.
"Oh, you mustn't do that," urged Belle.