ou mean the little girl with the big, snapping eyes and--"

"Yes; she was offended with Hugh because he failed to drag you back
with him to be thanked prettily by us girls!"

"I didn't want any thanks, but I suspect Hugh wasn't sorry I wouldn't
go with him. I'm afraid he doesn't approve of me?"

Laura became suddenly occupied with her rowing and Alene felt called
upon to answer.

"Why--" she hesitated.

"You needn't be afraid to say; I know they think I'm a bad case!"

"Oh--no, Hugh said you were all right by _yourself_!"

"Then he doesn't like my chums?"

"He said if you would give up those Stony Road boys--"

"I'm no snob to go back on a boy because he's poor!"

"Why, it's not that! Hugh and his chums are poor but--"

"They say they torture animals!" broke in Laura.

"I told them I was sure you wouldn't allow that," Alene protested.

Her warm defense seemed to mollify the boy; his air of mockery and
resentment fell away and he gave her a grateful glance. Then his
attention became absorbed in keeping the skiff a safe distance from
some passing barges.

For a time there was silence. The boy cleared the tow and continued
rowing, giving all his attention to the boat.

The girls glanced at each other, fearing they had offended him.

With a sudden impulse he ceased his energetic rowing and let the skiff
drift. His face flushed as he said:

"For myself I make no defense, but you may tell Mr. Hugh that so far as
my chums are concerned he's bearing false witness. They may be poor
and rough and unruly, but they're not cruel! They belong to the
Torchlights!"

"The Torchlights?" cried the girls in duet.

But the boy had resumed his oars, cutting the water vigorously as
though glad of a vent for his pent-up indignation. Alene wondered what
he meant by the Torchlights, but did not like to ask; Laura more
venturesome inquired,

"The Torchlights? What are they?"

"A sort of club," he responded, shutting his mouth with an air of
finality that vexed them.

They glanced at each other. Laura's half-curled lip said plainly, "As
if we really cared!" and Alene's returned scornfully, "The idea!"

They pretended not to notice his taciturnity and talked lightly to each
other of their purchases and other personal matters.

The lad, left to his own reflections, continued rowing manfully.
Presently he announced,

"I'll land you at the upper end of the wharf, that will be nearer home."

"Oh, thank you, th