"No, I'll sit in the sun and dry myself," replied Bo in a surly tone.
Ned tried to persuade him to run home, but he got angry with both boys.
"Bolax, you're a snapping turtle today, and I'll leave you to recover your good temper."
"I don't care; you may both go to the moon, if you like."
"Oh, very well, Mr. President, of the Patent Brook Crossing Company," said Walter with a provoking laugh.
"You shut up, or I'll throw you in the brook."
Bo did not usually show such temper, but his ducking had given him a chill, and made him nervous. Ned, the peace-maker, then remarked that it was silly for friends to quarrel.
"Let us make up and get you home, Bo, or Hetty will never give us another lunch for a picnic."
When Master Bo got home, he tried to sneak up to his room, but his mother caught him on the stairs, such a sight as he was! mud, slime, weeds clinging to his soaking clothes.
Hetty raised her hands, horrified at the condition of her favorite.