"No, this isn't about Ham, or any of that crowd. It concerns-----
But I'll tell you later," and Sheppard Reed put on an air of great
secrecy.

"All right. If you don't want to tell I suppose I'll have to wait,"
said Whopper disappointedly. "But you might tell me what's on your
mind."

"I want to tell the whole crowd at once," answered his chum. "Then
nobody can say somebody else was told first."

"I see. Well, you go down to the dock and meet Snap, and I'll hustle
around and stir up Giant," went on Frank Dawson.

"I was going to have you all over to my house to-night, to tell you,"
explained Sheppard. "But I might as well speak of it when we are
together on the river."

"Say, you must have something wonderful on your mind!" cried Whopper.
"I'm dying by inches to know what it is. I'll find Giant somehow,
and have him at the dock inside of a quarter of an hour sure." And
away he ran on his errand, while the youth who had the important
announcement to make turned in the direction of the water-front.

To those who have read the former volumes in this "_Boy Hunters
Series_" the lads who have been speaking will need no further
introduction. For the benefit of others let me state that Sheppard
Reed was the son of a doctor who had a large practice in and around
the town of Fairview. Shep, as he was usually called, was a bright
and manly youth, and one who loved life out of doors.