"Then I wouldn't go," said Sammy. "I want to be near the water. We're going to a cottage near a big mountain lake, I think."

"That sounds good!" cried Frank. "I wish we were going near a lake. I want to learn to sail a boat the right way this year."

"Yes, then we won't have any more shipwrecks, the way we did when we went out in the Puff," laughed Bob.

"Where are your folks going?" asked Frank, of the lad who had pushed Sam into his arms.

"To the seashore for ours! It's the first time since I was a[Pg 9] little fellow, and I'm going to have lots of fun. We're going on a sort of cove, where there's still-water swimming, and lots of fishing and crabbing. Not far off, is the regular ocean, but of course I won't be allowed to do much swimming in that. I can hang on the bathing ropes, though. Oh, I'm going to have some great times all right!"

[Pg 9]

Bob Bouncer's two chums looked rather enviously at him. He seemed to be going to have the best time that Summer vacation.

About the three boys was gathered a crowd of other school children. There was laughter, talk, and various kinds of excitement, for it was the last day of the term, and, after some simple exercises, the building would be closed for the long vacation.

Because of this, discipline was a little relaxed. It was a little past the regular opening hour, but the principal, Mr. Tetlow, did not want to mark any one tardy on that last day, so he told the janitor not to be in too much of a hurry to ring the bell.

On all sides were heard questions,

"Did you pass?"

"Where are you going this Summer?"

"Oh, did you hear about Henry Black?"

"No, what about him?"

"Why, he didn't pass again. This is the third time he'll be in the fifth grade."

"Oh, isn't that too bad! But you know he won't study."

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