The instruction in swimming had been continued on every suitable day, and, as the boys were deeply interested in this amusement, they soon became very expert in the art. The timid ones obtained the necessary confidence, and the shallow waters of Beech Hill Lake were abandoned for those of Champlain itself. The boating and swimming were now combined, and an excursion to Sandy Beach had been arranged for the day.
"Hurry up, fellows; we haven't any too much time, for it is a four-mile pull to Sandy Beach," said Matt Randolph, when he saw that the crew of his boat were thinking of something besides the excursion.
"I don't know that I care about going," replied Lew Shoreham, with a cross-grained look.
"Don't care about going?" exclaimed the coxswain of the Gildrock. "What has come over you fellows?"
"I don't like the idea of being dressed up like a monkey," answered Lew, apparently fanning his discontent.
"And all because a couple of fellows took a glass of beer each," added Bob Swanton.
"I should like to know how many fellows ever took any beer since they joined the school," continued Lew Shoreham. "I never drank any for one."
"I never tasted beer in my life," said Phil Gawner.
"I never tasted it but once in my life, and then it made me as sick as a horse," added Lick Milton.