"It will-----" And then he stopped short.

"Say, Shep, if you keep on like that we'll pitch you overboard,"
cried Whopper. "If you've got anything to tell, tell it, or else
keep still."

"Wait till we get to Lackney's orchard," was all the doctor's son
would reply.

They soon came to a bend in the river and, crossing here, drew up
to a spot where some trees and bushes overhung the water. All
leaped ashore and Snap tied the craft fast to a stake. Then the
chums strolled up to some near-by apple trees, selected some fruit
that suited them, and threw themselves on the ground to enjoy their
feast.

"Now we are ready to listen to your imperial majesty's secret,"
observed Giant as he munched a juicy apple.

"Yes, let us in on it, by all means," added Snap.

"And don't say it's about lessons for the coming fall," put in
Whopper with a mock-serious look.

"Lessons!" burst out Giant. "Perish the thought!"

"Well, to start with," began the doctor's son. "How would you like
to go camping again?"

"Fine!"