"Well, I was just in search of information," Allen answered defensively. "And all I get is scorn and ridicule."
"Hard luck, old man," said Will, feelingly. "I am in the same boat. But you girls had better look out," he added threateningly. "Don't forget that I had something to suggest to-night and if you don't treat me better, I'll——"
"Will this do," interrupted Mollie, and, with hands clasped in prayerful attitude, she besought Will, with tears in her voice, to have pity. "Oh, kind and noble sir," she said, "be kind—be gracious to us, your humble slaves, and deign to honor——"
"Now that's something like," broke in Will, beaming around on the assembled company. "If you had done that from the first, Mollie——"
"Oh, Will, please hurry," Betty urged impatiently. "I know you have something good to tell us, and I wish you wouldn't keep us in such terrible suspense."
"Well, since you appreciate how great is the——"
"Yes, yes, go on," Grace interrupted.
"News I am about to impart," he continued without a glance in her direction.
"You will impart it," Allen finished for him.
"Thank you," said Will, bowing gravely in Allen's direction. "As our friend says, I will proceed. Well, to come down to brass tacks," he continued, dropping the air of dignity, which, considering his youthful appearance, was always very comical, "I thought maybe you fellows would like to put up a tent on the same island and camp there near the girls for the rest of the summer. We could have no end of fun."