r
sun.

His face wore an expression of habitual good humor, and he had a rare
command of his temper.

His grave displeasure was more dreaded than a passionate outburst would
have been.

And now that two of the characters have been introduced to the reader,
we must resume the thread of the story.

Randy's stipulated ten minutes had gone by, and five additional ones,
when a shrill whistle was heard in the rear of the boathouse.

Both doors were open, and when the boys turned in their chairs and
looked through they saw their tardy companion descending the steps that
led from the top of the bank.

"It's Clay at last," exclaimed Randy.

"And some one with him," added Ned, as a second figure came into view.

At that instant the lad in the rear slipped, plunged head foremost down
the remaining half dozen steps, knocking Clay to one side, and sprawled
out in the doorway like a flattened frog.

Ned and Randy sprang up and hurried through the room.

"Why, it's Nugget," they exclaimed in great surprise. "Where did you
come from, old fellow? We're awfully glad to see you."

Nugget, otherwise known as Nugent Blundell, rose painfully to his feet
and glared at the boys.

"Why don't you ask me if I'm hurt?" he demanded wrathfully. "I believe
you fellows greased those steps on purpose."

"See here, Nugget, you don't believe anything of the sort," said Ned.
"I'm sorry you fell, and I'm glad you're not hurt. Come, old fellow,
shake hands."

Nugget's face assumed a mollified expression, and he accepted a hearty
handclasp from Ned and Randy. Then he began to brush the dust from his
neat gray suit and patent leather shoes.

Meanwhile Clayton Halsey had been fairly choking with stifled mirth in a
dark corner of the room. He now came forward, trying hard to assume an
expression of gravity.

He was a short, thickset lad, with a beaming countenance, red cheeks,
blue eyes, and light curly hair. He was in the same class at the academy
with Ned and Randy, and their constant companion on all occasions. His
father was a prominent lawyer.

"What kept you so long?" asked Randy in a slightly aggrieved tone.

"That," replied Clay, pointing at Nugget. "He arrived in town this
afternoon, and came to the house after supper. I knew you fellows would
be glad to see him, so I brought him along. But what do you think?"
added Clay, winking slyly at Ned and Randy, "Nugget says he's going
canoeing with us."

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