"What's that?"
"Having his face blacked. He's sure to object to that."
"But he needn't know anything about it till we get him over in the plantation; then he can kick and squeal as much as he likes. It won't matter. Let's hunt him up now."
The two thereupon went in search of Hibbert. When they found him, Harry informed him in glowing language of their project for the coming Saturday.
"And just by way of a little treat we thought we'd take you with us," said Plunger, as Harry concluded his explanation. "It'll be fine fun. When we get on the desert island we can have splendid adventures!"
"Yes, yes; it'll be fine fun, as you say; but I'd rather not," answered Hibbert, for whom the river had little attraction. He somehow feared it. "I'll give way to some of the others."
"But you're not going to give way. You're too fond of taking a back seat. You never have any fun; the other fellows have plenty. It's a jolly shame!" exclaimed Plunger, waxing indignant. "It isn't right, is it, Harry?"
"No, it isn't," Harry promptly assented. "I don't see why the Camel shouldn't have as much fun as the rest of us."
"But—but I don't want it. I'm quite content."
"Ah, that's it. You're too content; but we're not. We mean making things better for you. It's nearly time some alteration was made. Baldry, Sedgefield, and the others would never think of giving you a bit of pleasure. They're too selfish—aren't they, Harry?"