had had over a ball game, but had returned for the spring term.

"I've got something to tell you," Sandy said.

"I'm listening," Bart replied.

"I can't tell you here," Sandy went on, with a look about him. "I don't
want any of the Upside Down boys to hear."

"Oh, ho!" said Bart softly. "Something in the wind, eh?"

"I think there is," Sandy replied. "I'll meet you after school down by
the boathouse."

"I'll be there," Bart answered. "Don't say anything to any of the
others."

Sandy promised; and then the gong rang and the boys and girls hurried
into the school. All that morning Bart was wondering what Sandy had to
tell him. That it had to do with the dinner the nine intended to hold was
his belief, but he did not see how the first-year lads had found out
about it so soon.

"If they're up to any tricks," said Bart softly, "I think we can play two
to their one. Let 'em try; it's all in the game."

"Let's go for a swim, Bart," proposed Ned, when school had been dismissed
for the day. "Frank and Fenn are going."

"Where you going?" asked Bart.