the lad's arm, as Dick stood on the sidewalk chatting
with Dave Darrin.

"Work, mostly, doctor. I'm getting near the age when fellow should
try to bear some of the expense of keeping himself."

"What will you work at?"

"Why, reporting for 'The Blade.' I believe I can capture a good
many stray dollars this summer."

"Good enough," murmured Dr. Bentley, approvingly. "But are you
going to have any spare time?"

"A little, I hope---just about enough for some rest."

"Then I'll tell you where you can take that rest," went on the
medical man. "My family are going into camp for the summer, in
three days. They'll be over at the lake range, on a piece of
ground that I've bought there. You can get over once in a while,
and spend a night or two, can't you? Mrs. Bentley charged me
to ask you and Darrin," added the physician. "Belle Meade is
going to spend the summer in camp with Laura."

Both boys were prompt with their thanks.

"Confound it," muttered Dr. Bentley, "I'm forgetting two thirds
of my message at that. The invitation includes all of Dick &
Co. Now remember you'll all be looked for from time to time,
and most heartily welcome."

Both boys were most hearty in their thanks. This took care of
whatever spare time they might have, for Dave, too, was to be
busy a good deal of the time. He had work as an extra clerk at
the express office.

Then the two girl chums came along. Dick and Dave strolled along
with Laura and Belle. The other partners of Dick & Co. were soon
to be seen, their narrow-brimmed straw hats close to bobbing picture
hats.

"Your father gave us a message, Laura," Dick murmured to the girl
beside him.

"And you're going to accept it?" asked the girl quickly.

"At any chance to be honestly away from work," Dick promised fervently.
"Yet at my age a fellow must keep something of an eye toward
business, too, Laura."

"Yes," she answered slowly, glancing covertly at the bronzed young
face and the strong, lithe body. "You're nearing manhood, Dick."

"Just about as rapidly as you're growing into womanhood, Laura,"
answered the boy.

Dave and Belle were chatting, too, but what they said wouldn't
interest very staid old people.

Gridley was prouder than ever of its athletic teams. The great
record in baseball, with Dick & Co. in the team, was something
worth talking about.

Lest there be some who may think that a season of baseball with
no defeats is an all but impossible recor