"I hope Rip isn't sneaking anywhere about these grounds," muttered
Danny Grin.
"Who's Rip?" Bob Hartwell asked curiously. Then: "Oh, I beg your pardon for being too inquisitive," as he saw Dick frown at Dalzell.
"I'm going to remain on the float, while you fellows go up into the hotel grounds," said Tom.
"All of you go, and I'll stay and watch your canoe," suggested
Bob Hartwell. "That is, if you're willing to trust me as sentry."
"Of course we're willing," Dick responded. "But it's only right that one of our own crowd should do such work. Are you coming up with us, Hartwell?"
"Why, yes," Bob answered, "if I can't be of any service to you here."
Slowly the boys sauntered up through the walks. Then out on the porch came Manager Wright, waving a yellow envelope.
"That's probably the answer from the Athletic Council of Gridley High School," Dick explained, turning to Hartwell. "You don't mind if I run on ahead and leave you, do you?"
"You may run on ahead and leave me if you're as handy at running as you are at bragging," chuckled Bob. All of the boys in the group were soon at the porch. Mr. Wright descended the steps to hand Dick the envelope.
Dick tore open the envelope hurriedly.