"And a bigger honor to have it worn on our account," Dick laughed.
"I was waiting to see who would be the first boy to say something really nice!" cried Clara Marshall.
"Have you heard of any more canoe clubs coming this way—-high school clubs with which you could arrange races?" asked Laura.
"No," said Dick, with a shake of his head. "Even if there were a dozen coming here I'm afraid we'd have to lose the chance."
"Why?" asked Belle quickly.
"Because we can remain here only two or three days longer."
"Oh, that's a shame," broke in Susie. "Do you really have to go back to Gridley?"
"Yes," said Dick solemnly.
"Is the reason one that you may properly tell us?" Laura inquired.
"It's one that we're not ashamed of, because we can't help it," Prescott rejoined. "Our vacation up here is nearly at an end just because our funds are in the same plight—-nearly at an end, you see."