This conversation is related so that the reader may form some idea of how the valley has changed from the last time we participated in the Bungalow Boys’ adventures therein. Mrs. Bijur had other boarders, but Mrs. Soopendyke, with her numerous progeny, and Professor Dingle and his inquiring son, were the most striking types. But while we have been relating something of the Bungalow Boys’ neighbors, they have run their canoe up to the wharf, made fast the painter, and, with paddles over their shoulders—for fear of predatory Soopendykes—made their way up to the porch.
“Out early to-day, Tom,” was Mr. Dacre’s greeting.
“Yes, we thought we’d see if we couldn’t succeed in getting a bass or two before the sun got too hot,” rejoined Tom.
“And you did?”
For answer Tom held up a string of silvery beauties.
“Not bad for two hours’ work,” laughed Jack, leaning his rod against the porch.
“No, indeed, and more especially as Jasper has just informed me that we are almost out of meat. I was thinking of taking a stroll up to Mrs. Bijur’s after a while, to see if I could borrow some. Do you boys want to go?”
Tom threw up his hands and burst into a laugh in which Jack joined.
“Might as well,” they chuckled. “At all events, there’s always something amusing going on up there. By the way, the bugologist” (Tom’s name for the dignified Professor Dingle) “is off on a new tack now.”
“Is that so?” inquired Mr. Dacre interestedly, “and what is that, pray?”