fer, then?"

"We don't feel that we could pay more than five dollars," Dick
answered promptly.

"No money in that," replied Billy Heckler, picking up a piece
of wood and whittling.

"No; I'm afraid there isn't," Dick admitted. "I guess our crowd
will have to content itself with staying at home and using the
canoe on the river."

"The river is a good place," Heckler argued. "Why aren't you
all content to stay at home and use your canoe on the river?"

"Because," smiled young Prescott, "I suppose it's human nature
to want to get away somewhere in the summer. Then we understand
that there are other crew canoes on Lake Pleasant. Of course,
now we've spent a few days in the canoe, we believe we're real
canoe racers."

"If you could call it ten dollars," Heckler proposed after a few
minutes, "that might-----"

"The crowd hasn't money enough," Dick replied. "You see, we've
got to get the canoe back, too. Then we'll have to use money
to feed ourselves up there. I don't see how we can go if we have
to spend more than five dollars to get there."

Billy Heckler started to shake his head, but Mart, getting behind
Dick, made vigorous signals.

"We-ell, I suppose I can do it," agreed Heckler at last. "There's
nothing in the job, but I can remember that I used to be a boy
myself. We'll call it a deal, then, shall we?"

"I'll have to see the other fellows first," Prescott answered.
"I'll hustle, though. The fellows will all have to get permission
at home, too, you know."

"Let me know any time before six to-morrow night," proposed Billy.
"It must be understood, though, that if I get a paying freight
order to haul to the lake between now and starting time, then
my deal with you must be off."

"Of course," Dick agreed. "And thank you, Mr. Heckler. Now,
I'll hustle away and see the other fellows."

Dick sped promptly away. When he reached Main Street he found
the other fellows there. Dick gleefully detailed the semi-arrangement
that he had made.

"Great!" cried Dave.

"Grand, if we can all square matters at home," Tom Reade nodded.
"Well, fellows, you all know what we've got to do now. We'll
meet again at this same place. All do your prettiest coaxing
at home. It spoils the whole thing if anyone of us gets held
up from the trip. Did you hear about Rip's pony, Dick?"

"Yes."

"Served him ri---" began Greg Holmes, but stopped suddenly.

For Fred Ripley, turning the corner, saw Dick & Co., and car