"We-ell," hesitated Dick, "I believe that's still a secret."

The Grammar School boys were now walking rapidly through the woods,
but at mention of the clubhouse topic all had gathered close to
their young leader.

"Aren't you going to tell us now?" demanded Greg.

"I'm afraid not right away," responded Prescott slowly.

"See here, Dickins," growled Dave Darrin, "for months you've been
stringing us about what the man on the clubhouse steps said.
Time and again you've sprung that on us, and you've never given
us the slightest satisfaction. Now, you'd either better tell
us, or shut up about the man on the clubhouse steps."

"All right," sighed Dick. "I'll-----"

"Well?" insisted five boys in the same breath.

"I reckon I'll shut up," Dick rejoined.

"Say, somebody ought to hit Dickins!" grunted Reade.

"That's right," grinned Dan. "Well---let Tom do it."

Dick continued to smile mysteriously. He enjoyed this good-natured
teasing of his chums.