"Cold," Prescott answered, blowing out a mouthful as he struck
out for the middle of the pond. "You'd better keep out."

"He wants the pond all to himself," muttered Tom, and dived at
once.

In a moment all six boys were in the water, sporting about and
enjoying themselves.

"I wish they'd get further away from here," thought Ted wistfully.
"They're hanging right around here. If I show myself they'll
all swim in. There wouldn't be time to do anything."

All too late Ted heard some one coming through the woods behind
him. He crouched, ready to crawl away to privacy, but found himself
too late. Hi Martin parted the bushes as be forced his way through.

"Hello, Teall," called the North Grammar captain.

"Hush---sh---sh!" warned Ted, putting a finger to his lips.

"What's the matter?"

"Prescott and his crew are out there swimming, and their clothes
are right below."

"I see," nodded Martin. "You want to get the clothes?"

"Sit down here, out of sight, and keep quiet, won't you?" urged
Teall.