"You were not always above stretching the truth a little in an emergency."
"I am now." Matt did not blush in saying it, either.
"We are going to stay on the lake all summer, if we don't get tired of it," continued Spickles. "I depended upon having you with us, Matt; for we don't know much about the navigation in these waters, though we have the government charts."
"I don't see how you could depend upon me, for I told you that I was under strict discipline in the Beech Hill Industrial School," argued Matt. "I can't come and go when I will."
"Confound the Beech Hill Industrial School! Run away from it, and join our party for the summer."
"I certainly shall not run away from it, for I am perfectly contented and happy here," replied Matt.
"At least you will come on board of the La Motte?"
"What's the La Motte?"
"She's the schooner we chartered for the summer, though she's nothing but a lumber-vessel fixed up for our use. She sails very well, and is large enough for a party of ten. We found her at Rouse's Point. Now, come on board of her. We have just opened a keg of beer in view of your expected visit," said Spickles, in the most persuasive tones he could command.
"I don't drink beer," answered the student of the school.