s easy for him to wade out
without assistance.

The hired man was very much put out, for it was his fault that the horse
had run away. He led the animal around to the barn and gave him a good
rubbing down.

Harry started for the house and met Jerry coming out.

"How is Cora?"

"She's all right. Come on," and Jerry brushed on toward the row-boat.

"Why, what's your hurry, Jerry?"

The young oarsman blushed.

"Oh, I hate to stand around and receive thanks," he said. "Mrs. Fleming
wants to make a first-class hero of me and I----"

"And that's just what you are," cried Harry.

"Indeed he is," added Blumpo.

"Nonsense!" Jerry brushed them to one side. "Come on!" and he made a run
for the row-boat, and the others were compelled to follow.

"But your clothing is all wet," insisted Harry, when they were seated in
the craft.

"So is Blumpo's," returned Jerry.

"I'se most dry, the sun is that warm," remarked the homeless youth.

"I don't mind the wetting a bit," said Jerry. "Rowing will keep me warm
and the sun will dry me off quick enough."

"You're a regular water dog, anyway," laughed Harry. He could not help but
admire Jerry's modesty in running away from Mrs. Fleming as soon as it was
ascertained that little Cora was all right. On and on up the lake the boys
went. Inside of half an hour they came to a sheltered nook on one of the
numerous islands.

"I move we take a swim," said Harry.

"Second de emotion," said Blumpo, and before Jerry could say a word the
homeless youth was running about as if in the savage wilds.

It did not take Jerry and Harry long to disrobe. The plunge into the water
was very pleasant, and they remained in bathing until Jerry's clothing,
spread out on the top of a number of bushes, was thoroughly dry.

In the meanwhile Jerry and Harry raced to another island and back. Jerry
came out first, with Harry four yards behind.

The swim over, they dressed, and, after picking several handfuls of
berries, which grew on the island in profusion, they once more embarked in
the row-boat.

"Time to get back, boys," said Jerry. "I promised to be home before
dark."

"So did I," said Harry, "and we have several miles to go."

"It don't make no difference to me when I git back," remarked Blumpo,
dolefully.

"Don't worry, Blumpo. Think of the good time we are going to have when we
go camping," said Jerry.

"And I must ask father for a regular situation for you when we come back
from our o