instantly dismissed it as unworthy of consideration. Whatever Mr. Wingate might be in his business actions, it could scarcely be possible that he would be led by a piece of boyish misunderstanding to help his nephew in any underhanded work.

The proceeding, however, was highly mysterious, and Bob, screening himself by the trees and bushes, watched his every move with the greatest curiosity.

Mr. Wingate made frequent entries in his note-book, now and then turning and glancing in all directions, as if fearful that his actions might be observed.

Finally his mission seemed to be accomplished. He slipped the book in his pocket and began walking rapidly in the direction of the lonely watcher.

Bob gave vent to a slight exclamation, threw himself behind a mass of underbrush and anxiously awaited the other's approach. Fortunately for the lad's peace of mind, Mr. Parsons Wingate passed quickly by, totally unaware of his presence.

"Whew! a mighty close shave," soliloquized Bob, scrambling to his feet when he felt that the course was clear. "I'll wager it was something more than curiosity that brought him here, though I'd like to know why he fears being seen."

Of course, all conjecture on the subject was useless. At the first opportunity, Bob told his fellow members about the incident and various explanations were offered.

But Mr. Wingate, and, indeed, almost everything else was lost sight of in the whirl of preparation for departure.

The "Rambler" had yet to be stored with the necessities for the voyage, and lists were gone over very carefully to see that nothing was omitted. As it was their desire to camp out on shore whenever practicable, two tents were included in the outfit.

When lockers and all available spaces were stored to their utmost capacity, Dick Travers and Tom Clifton proposed that they should sleep on board the "Rambler."

"It won't do to take any risks," they argued, and to this all agreed.

Though time seemed to move so slowly for the eager boys, Monday morning at length arrived. The sun had scarcely risen over the eastern hills, sweeping away the mists in the valleys, and awakening with its cheerful beams the life of the woods and fields, when five Kingswood boys, from whose faces all signs of sleepiness had been chased away by eager anticipation, were 

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