Page:Ned Wilding's Disappearance.djvu/22

12 barge on the river, because it was learned they knew something of the mystery the strangely acting men were trying to keep hidden. By dint of much pluck and hard work the boys managed to solve the affair, and, in order to avoid a law-suit, the men involved offered the boys one thousand dollars each, in valuable oil stock. This they accepted and their parents and relatives did not prosecute the men, as they originally intended, for detaining the boys on the barge.

"Here's the lemonade!" cried Ned, as Alice came in with a big pitcherful while the chums were examining Bart's gun. He took it from the girl, as it was quite heavy.

"Now I'll get the cakes and glasses," Alice said.

"Let me help you," begged Fenn.

"Here, you quit that!" called Ned.

"Quit what?"

"Walking downstairs with Alice. I'll tell Jennie on you, Stumpy!"

"Oh, you dry up!" cried Fenn, and, despite the boys' laughter Fenn accompanied Bart's sister to the next floor, where he got the cake and glasses.

"Stumpy's as bad as ever," commented Frank. "He reminds me of—" Frank did not finish his sentence.