The day was Saturday, and it was a busy one for both Mont and Link, with packing trunks and bags, and getting ready otherwise.
The Sabbath passed quietly enough, and five o'clock Monday morning found the two boys on their way to Nautical Hall.
The run of the train was to New York, and here they fell in with their mutual chum, Carl Barnaby, a rich young fellow from their town, and several others who will be introduced as our story progresses.
From the Metropolis the boys took another train directly for the seacoast. At Pemberton they had to change cars, and here they met several more scholars of Nautical Hall.
"There is Ike Brosnan and Hoke Ummer!" cried Link. "Two of our fellows."
The newcomers were quickly introduced. Ike Brosnan looked a whole-souled fellow and full of fun. Hoke Ummer, on the other hand, seemed of a decidedly sour turn of mind.
"Hoke is a good deal of a bully," whispered Link, later on. "You want to steer clear of him."
"Thanks; he'll not step on my toes," returned Mont firmly. "The first man who tries to haze or bully me will get his fingers burnt."
"Oh, the boys will be sure to want a little fun. You mustn't be too particular."
"I don't mean that—I mean they mustn't go too far," replied Mont.