"I'll tell you what I think," said Shep, after the boys had talked
the matter over for several minutes. "I think somebody ought to
stay here to-night and watch this outfit. For all we know, they
may come back."

"There is an old cot in the boathouse---a fellow might sleep on
that," suggested Whopper.

"Then that is what I am going to do,---if my folks will let me,"
answered the doctor's son.

"You'll be lonely," said Snap. "Maybe I'd better stay with you.
If Ham and Carl did come back you couldn't manage them alone."

"I could if I had a shotgun."

"Oh, you wouldn't want to shoot anybody, Snap!"

"No, but I could scare 'em off."

"I've got an idea," cried Whopper. "Why not fix it so as to give
them a warm reception---if they do come," and then he explained
what he meant.

In the end it was decided that Snap and Shep should remain at the
boathouse, and Whopper ran off to tell their folks and to get a
few things. As the boys were used to outings the youths' parents
thought little of their staying away that night, and only sent
word back that they should keep out of mischief.