had
hauled up but was now going on.

"If you had been going a little faster it would have been all up with
us," said Phil, with a grave shake of his head.

"Let me take the wheel now," said Dunston Porter, quietly, and Dave
slid out of the driving-seat willingly enough, for the excitement had
left him somewhat limp.

Half-past six found them in Ryeport, and a few minutes later they
rolled up to the National Hotel, and the girls and boys got out, while
Mr. Porter took the car around to the garage. They had sent word ahead
for rooms, and all soon felt at home. The girls had a fine apartment
on the second floor, front, with Dunston Porter next to them, and the
three boys in a big room across the hallway.

When the young people assembled in the dining-room, after brushing and
washing up, a surprise awaited them. They had a table to themselves,
ordered by Dunston Porter, and decorated with a big bouquet of roses
and carnations. A full course dinner was served.

"Oh, this is lovely!" cried Jessie, as she caught sight of the
flowers.

"Just grand, Uncle Dunston!" added Laura. And then she added, in a
lower voice: "If there wasn't such a crowd, I'd give you a big hug for
this!"

"And so would I," added Jessie.

"All right, that's one you owe me, girls, remember that," answered the
old hunter and traveler.

They spent over an hour at the table, enjoying the bountiful spread
provided, and telling stories and jokes. The boys were in their
element, and kept the girls laughing almost constantly.

"We'll be back to the grind day after to-morrow, so we had better make
the best of it," was the way Dave expressed himself.

After the meal, Dunston Porter went out to give directions concerning
the touring car, and Phil accompanied him. This left our hero and
Roger alone with the two girls. They sought out the hotel parlor,
which they found deserted, and Dave and Jessie walked to the far end,
where there was an alcove, while Roger and Laura went to the piano.

"Dave, won't it be hard work to go back to the grind, as you call it?"
questioned Jessie, as both stood looking out of the window.

"In a way, yes, but it's what a fellow has got to expect, Jessie," he
returned. "A chap can't get an education without working for it."

"I trust you pass with high honors," the girl went on, with a hopeful
look into his face.

"I'll try my best. Of course, I've lost some time--going to Cave
Island and all that. Maybe I'll flunk."