"That he certainly likes our company," said Dave, with a smile. "Still I—"
"Look out! Here he comes back," put in Tom.
Nat planted his chair in their midst.
"I wasn't going to be cheated out of a lot of fun," he proceeded; "and, if Hacky had had any real sand, the whole crowd might be together now. Say—did you notice how he glared when Uncle Parse was talking?"
At the recollection, Nat began to laugh again.
"We've had a queer trip," said Bob; "some mighty funny things happened."
"I should say so. Both boats gone—well, we can have a good time yet. Hacky's got my gun, though," he added, reflectively, as he glanced at those of the Ramblers'.
"You're welcome to ours," said the poet laureate.
"Thanks! What's on the programme, Somers?"
"We are going to Tocono, see a bit of the town, then keep right on."