"I always do, Donald Graeme," retorted Rand; "but what I was really
going to say when you interrupted me with your irrelevant remark,
was--"

"Hurrah!" broke in Donald, waving his cap in answer to the hail of
another boy who was just then seen hurrying down the road toward
them. "Here comes Pepper in a rush, as usual."

It was just after dawn of a June morning that the boys were
assembling. It was still dark and gloomy, for it had rained during
the night and the storm had not yet passed, but the boys having
planned a fishing trip for this morning were not to be deterred by
the fear of a wet jacket.

"Hello, fellows!" panted the newcomer, who was smaller and slighter
than either of the others, but who made up in activity and energy
what he lacked in size. His hair was a glowing red and with it
went a temper so quick that the nickname, Pepper, that some chum
had given him, was most appropriate. It is doubtful if any of his
comrades really knew his Christian name. Certainly he was always
"Pepper" to every one, even at home, although he was christened
Philip.

"I say, I was afraid you'd be gone when I got here."

"Well, we would have been," drawled Randolph, "only we knew you'd
be late, and we took our time."

"Now that isn't fair, Rand," laughed the other, "you know I'm not
always late."