and was shown to a seat directly opposite the boys. He did not
notice them at first and began to eat a dish of oatmeal silently
and rapidly.

Tom nudged Sam, and the younger Rover nudged his oldest brother,
and a snicker went up. At this Josiah Crabtree glanced at them
carelessly. Then he started back in amazement.

"Why - er - why - ahem - so it is you!" he stammered. "Er --
where did you come from?"

"We came from our bedroom," answered Tom promptly. "Where did
you come from, Mr. Crabtree?"

"Why - er -- don't be impertinent, Rover. I might say that I
came from my bedroom too."

"I thought you came from the river," remarked Dick carelessly.

"From the river?

"Yes."

"You are -- ahem, mistaken, my lad. I have not been near the
river -- at least, not since I came up from New York on the
boat."

"Stopping here for the summer?" put in Sam.

"I do not know as that is any of your business, Samuel. I am no