Ed shook his head. He was puzzled over something.




CHAPTER IV

TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS


"Say, Jack," remarked Ed a few days later, when the two were
sprawled beside a brook, with rod and reel, "I believe I'll have to
get better acquainted with the young folks out here. Honestly, I
feel wobbly when I get to talking to them. I've been out of touch
with them so long that I'm afraid I'll ask after some dead and gone
aunt or uncle, or for some brother that has been in trouble and
isn't spoken of any more in polite society. For instance, who is
Ida--Ida Giles? You know--the girl who was with Sid? He introduced
me to her last night."

"Oh, Ida--why--she's--just Ida. That's all. But that's a good idea
of yours. I was thinking myself that you ought to begin studying up
the blue-book of Chelton society. Now, as to Ida, the red-haired
girl--"

"Not really red," corrected Ed slowly, "but that bright, carroty
shade--so deliciously like lobster a la--"

"Oh, pardon me," and Jack assumed an affected manner. "Of course,