that can be upset easily, and unless you want a ducking out in the
middle of the lake, restrain your enthusiasm a bit, please. It isn't the
easiest thing in the world, climbing over the stern of a canoe with all
your clothes on," he warned them.

"But is it really true?" pleaded Will. "Have I crawled through decently?
Well, I'm glad; not only because it will keep four chums together a
while longer, in college, but my mother has set her heart on this thing.
Yes, I'm mighty well pleased."

Will's mother was a rich widow, and as he had only a twin sister,
Violet, for whom Frank entertained a pronounced liking, the two were
more than ordinarily dear to Mrs. Milton.

"Well, fellows, let's give one mighty cheer because of our good
fortune," said Jerry, his face beaming with delight; for the chums were
very fond of each other, and had a single one been left behind on the
following year, when the college term opened, there would have been many
a keen regret.

"Hip, hip, hurrah! Hurrah! hurrah! Tiger!"

No doubt, many persons ashore, who heard that lusty shout come ringing
over the clear water of the beautiful little lake on which the town of
Centerville was located, wondered what the burst of enthusiasm meant.

But then they knew these four boys were built along the right lines,
and that while they loved the whole outdoors, with its attendant
exciting times, never had they been known to indulge in mean pranks.