“The young villain gave you a fright, did he? One of his usual tricks. Well, as his father, and more or less responsible for him, I offer the most humble apology. Have you had breakfast?”
“Yes. But why did he do such a thing?”
“Ask him. Here he comes.”
Out from the tent came the youth in shorts, the warm glow of his body showing through the filmy material.
“Hello!” he cried, backing toward the tent door. “You are the man with the paddle. Is there by any chance a lady with you, or did I hear a lady's voice over there? I assure you I got a deuce of a fright.”
“You gave me the supreme fright of my life, young man, I can tell you that.”
“But I surely heard a lady's voice,” said the youth.
“You did. It was my daughter's voice, and it was she who suggested that you had swum around the bend. And she sent me over here to investigate.”
“Oh, your daughter. Excuse me,” said the youth. “I shall be out in a few minutes.” He slid into the tent, and did not reappear.
The man remained chatting with the youth's father for a few minutes, then rising said,