By this time they had reached their destination. Though keenly
interested in the conversation of his companions Tad leaped to the
ground, tying his horse without an instant's delay, and proceeded to
the house to deliver his merchandise.

The boys watched him disappear around the corner of the house before
resuming their conversation.

"I'll tell you, now," began Walter. "I didn't want to explain before
him. Tad is the best rider in town, you know, Ned----"

"Next to me," added Ned humorously.

"Yes, next ahead. And he is the second best scholar in the high
school. Nothing could stop him from heading the class if he had the
time to devote to his studies, so Professor Zepplin tells me. I like
him, Ned----"

"Since he fished you out of the mill pond, when you fell through the
ice there last winter, eh!"

"Yes, partly. But, I liked him just as well before that. Do you know,"
continued Walter after a moment of silence, "I never told my father
that Tad did that for me?"

"You didn't? Why not?" asked Ned, his face reflecting his surprise.

"Because Tad made me promise I wouldn't. He's such a modest chap that
he didn't want father to thank him, even. So I never did----"