Prescott rejoined. "Our vacation up here is nearly at an end
just because our funds are in the same plight---nearly at an end,
you see."

"Oh, what a shame!" cried Clara sympathetically.

"To be short of money is more than a shame," blurted Tom Reade.
"It is a crime, or ought to be. No one has any right to be
poor---but what can we do?"

"Oh, well, there are plenty of pleasant times to be had in good
old Gridley in the summer time," Dick declared stoutly. "And
we shall have our canoe there."

While chatting the young people had been walking up through the
hotel grounds until now they stood just behind the stone wall
that separated the ground from the road.

"Why---look what's coming!" urged Dave Darrin, in a voice expressive
of mock interest.

All looked, of course.

Fred Ripley, his hat drawn down over his eyes, came trudging along.

In one hand he carried a dress suit case, and from the way his
shoulder sagged on that side, the ease appeared to be heavy.

On young Ripley's face was a deep scowl.