Then they set out to hunt their lost wood. The beach, though flat and
shelving at the water's edge, rose in a low bluff farther back, and this
offered among its irregular projections many good hiding-places for
their quarry.

And, sure enough, after some searching, they came suddenly upon three
boys who sat, shaking with laughter, upon a pile of wood.

The two Maynards glared at them rather angrily, upon which the three
again went off in peals of laughter.

"That's our wood!" began King, aggressively.

"Sure it is!" returned the biggest boy, still chuckling.

"What did you bring it over here for?"

"Just for fun!"

"H'm, just for fun! And do you think it would be fun to carry it back
again?"

"Yep; just's lieve as not. Come on, kids!" And that remarkable boy began
to pick up the sticks.

"Oh, hold on," said King. "If you're so willing, you needn't do it! Who
are you, anyway?"

"Well," said the biggest boy, suddenly straightening himself up and