something, you may depend upon that. Now, how would you like to have
some fish for supper?"

"I think I should like it. It is a good while since we had any."

"Then, I'll tell you what--I'll borrow Will Paine's boat, if he'll let
me have it, and see if I can't catch something."

"When will you be home, Robert?"

"It will depend on my success in fishing. It'll be half-past nine, very
likely, before I get fairly started, so I think I'd better take my
dinner with me. I'll be home some time in the afternoon."

"I hope you'll be careful, Robert. You might get upset."

"I'll take care of that, mother. Besides, I can swim like a duck."

Robert went out into the garden, and dug some worms for bait. Meanwhile,
his mother made a couple of sandwiches, and wrapped them in a paper for
his lunch. Provided thus, he walked quickly to the house of Squire
Paine, and rang the bell.

"Is Will home?" he asked.

"Here I am, old fellow!" was heard from the head of the stairs; and
William Paine, a boy of our hero's size and age, appeared. "Come right
up."

"How did you happen to be at leisure?" he asked. "I supposed you were at