Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/149

Rh lent me her ring, and it was so small I couldn't easily get it off again. She was trying to help me."

"Say, when you tell 'em, tell 'em good and big!" laughed Tom. When are the girls coming?' Say, you're a nice one, you are, and"

Tom ducked in time to avoid the shoe Sid threw at him.

"Easy, fellows," cautioned Phil. "There are other people on the island besides us, and they may want to go to sleep."

"Then make him dry up! " demanded Sid.

"I'll be good," promised Tom. "But when you hold hands don't be afraid to admit it. I"

The other shoe came in his direction with such poor aim that the candle was knocked over, the lanterns not yet being in service.

"Cheese it!" warned Frank. "You'll have the place on fire. Light a match, somebody."

All began groping about in the dark tent.

"Oh, for the love of tripe!" suddenly exclaimed Tom.

"What's the matter?" asked Phil.

"I stuck my foot in the water bowl!" exclaimed the lad. "It was on the floor. I'm as wet as a duck."

"Serves you right!" declared Sid vindictively.

Be good, sweet lad, and let who will be clever, misquoted Phil with a chuckle.