“But I’ll bet that before you’re three-sixteenths of an inch taller, just the same, we’ll have played half a dozen games.”

“Oh my, oh my! Is that so?” jeered Victor.

“Yes, it is so!”

“Come, come, boys,” interposed Dave, smilingly. “No joking, now. Remember to-day is the day when our paths will be separated by a waste of water.”

“A little of it sprinkled on that flowery remark wouldn’t be wasted,” chirruped Victor. “See here, Clifton!”

“Well?”

“Going out with us now?”

“No! I haven’t finished yet. You chaps skip along. But don’t forget to come back in time.”

Victor was ready with a parting shot.

“Just suppose I should shanghai the whole bunch on board the ‘Fearless’ and take ’em clean to Milwaukee?”