The newcomer was a rather slender fellow, taller than any of the others, and the best runner on the team. In times past Josh had been troubled with indigestion; but the month and more spent during their memorable Mississippi cruise had about cured him of this, so that he was looking better than ever before in all his life. That was one reason why his parents were only too glad to allow him the chance of getting in the open again during the coming vacation; for they believed it would be the making of the lad.
Josh stopped running when close to the others, as though husbanding his wind so that he could communicate the news he bore.
“It’s all up, fellows!” he cried, as he finally reached the corner, where the other five gathered around him.
“What do you mean?” asked Jack, anxiously.
“Yes, explain, Josh. What’s up?” demanded George.
“They know where our boats have gone!” gasped Josh, excitedly. “Somebody must have leaked, that’s what. And they’re going to have their new motor boat shipped to the Thousand Islands, too. Now, see what a peck of trouble we’re going to have this summer!”
[CHAPTER II—CHUMS, TRIED AND TRUE]
“Josh, hold up your hand, and look me in the eye!” said Jack, sternly.
“Oh! you don’t believe me, do you? But I never was more serious in my life!” exclaimed the newcomer, meeting Jack’s look squarely.
“Then I’m sorry, that’s all,” declared the other. “If Clarence Macklin has found out where we expect to cruise this summer, he’ll lie awake nights trying to lay plans how to give us all the trouble he can.”