"I must think this out by myself," was the way he reasoned, and set off at a brisk pace under the wide-spreading trees.
He was less than quarter of a mile away from home when he came face to face with St. John, who was returning from his visit to Old Ben's boathouse.
As the two riders approached each other, the young man glared darkly at our hero.
"Hullo, where are you bound?" he demanded sharply.
"I don't think that is any of your business, St. John," replied Jack, who was just then in no humor to be polite.
"Humph! you needn't get on your high horse about it!"
"I am not on a high horse, only on a small pony."
"Don't joke me, Jack—I don't like it."
"As you please, St. John."
"What's got into you this morning?" demanded the young man curiously.