Tipson came lazily forward.

"Sir! Did you address me?" asked the startled professor, glancing in surprise at the uncouth figure before him.

"That's just what I done; and I says again, if your ears ain't good, and things has to be said twice, which is sometimes the case,—that you ain't no sailor."

"Why, sir, I may say—er—that your observation seems to me uncalled for," said Professor Hopkins.

"When I sees a thing, and knows a thing, I says it right out in meeting. This here country guarantees the right of free speech, and I'm inclined to like it. I don't know who you be, but I says, for a third time, you ain't no sailor."

"Who is this—this gentleman?" inquired the professor.

"A man what's just as good as the next one, even if he can't wear no fancy trimmin's. Do you know what I says to the pop, or uncle, of that there little spindle legs that went in bathing yesterday? I says—"

But Professor Hopkins, with his head held erect, passed on, the boys trooping at his heels, leaving the "Major" to gaze after them in a state of profound indignation.

"It was Mr. Wingate, as we thought," whispered Sam to Dave Brandon. "Perhaps he came over to complain about that little incident which proved so disastrous to Nat."

This seemed to be the general opinion among the boys, but Bob Somers, whose curiosity had been thoroughly aroused, felt an irresistible temptation to remain in the vicinity, and, after excusing himself, left the party.

He cautiously made his way back through the woods to a thick clump of bushes by the edge of the clearing, where, completely hidden from view, he was enabled to keep an eye on the "Rambler" and its surroundings.

Five minutes elapsed, when a tall figure came into sight and walked with an elastic step to the wharf.

"Good gracious, I'm glad I returned—there is Mr. Wingate now," muttered Bob, in some excitement. "He just waited long enough for us to get safely out of the way. What in the world is he doing?"

The slim form of Nat's uncle could presently be seen, with note-book in hand, leaning over and apparently examining the motor boat in a most earnest manner.

For a moment, a wild suspicion entered Bob's head that some trickery was being planned, but he 

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