"I won't say any more, then. They are within hearing and they will
understand, and you will see that they are careful how they talk
about you to any one after this."

"Let them talk," laughed Jack.

For two or three days things went on as usual in the camp on the river,
the boys doing a certain amount of study, drilling a little,
exercising in the outdoor gymnasium, skimming along the river in
their boats and otherwise occupying themselves, the time, on the
whole, passing very pleasantly.

Then one day a messenger came from a boys' camp some miles down the
river asking them to take part in a regatta, which was going to take
place at the other camp in a day or so.

"We know you Hilltop boys," said the messenger, "and we would like
to have some representatives of your Academy at our sports. Will
you send a few of them?"

The messenger had met Percival and Jack, and Percival now answered:

"We shall be very glad to send any number. Do you intend to have any
other besides aquatic sports? Any running, jumping, or anything of
that sort? Our boys are good at all of them."

"Mostly water sports, but I suppose we could have some of the rest.
There will be races for motor-boats, shells, canoes, a tub race, and
a swimming match. We have a good stretch of river at our camp, and
there is plenty of room."