Page:Castlemon--Joe Wayring at Home.djvu/83

 supper, too?" exclaimed the young lady, who looked so charming in her neat uniform that Tom had half a mind to go back and pound Arthur Hastings for telling him that he couldn't become a Toxophilite at once.

"Must—can't be helped," answered Tom, giving his cousins a look which they understood. "We are indebted to you for a very pleasant afternoon, Miss Arden."

"I don't believe you have enjoyed yourselves one bit," exclaimed the fair archer. "If you have, why do you go away so early? The next time you attend one of our lawn parties, be sure and arrange your business so that your other engagements can wait."

After a little more badinage of this sort, Tom and his cousins lifted their hats and walked off. As soon as the front gate had closed behind them, the expression on their faces changed as if by magic, and the three boys turned toward one another with clenched lists and flashing eyes. After each one had glared savagely at his neighbor as if he were going to strike him, they all put their hands in their pockets and moved away. Tom was the first to speak.