--look
here!" and he held up three or four dingy, chewed-looking articles,
which had hung on a tree to dry, and might have been towels once. The
boys broke into a hearty laugh at their own expense. The day was very
long and dull, and the next, stories and jokes fell flat, cold
victuals didn't relish, they began to feel quite blue. The third day
Farmer Potter appeared upon the scene.

"What on airth ye doin' here; trespassin' on other folks' grounds?
Mebby ye don't know it's agin the law!"

The boys felt a trifle uneasy, but answered him politely.

"Hevin' _fun_, be ye! Wall, I'll vow, settin' in the wet, eatin' cold
rations, haint _my_ idee of _fun_." And away he stalked.

The boys looked at each other.

"I say, fellers," said Con, "a piece of pie and a hunk of fresh bread
_wouldn't_ go bad--eh?"

The two answered with a hungry look.

"But let's tough it out over Sunday, or they'll all laugh at us." And
so they did; but it was the longest, dreariest Sabbath they ever
spent.

"I'd rather learn ten chapters in Chronicles," Tom affirmed, "than put
in another such a Sunday."

They had, in the main, a jolly time, but the ending was not as
brilliant as they had looked for. They never regretted going, but the
next year took a larger party, and went for a shorter time.

THE SENTIMENTAL FOX.

"Oh, beautiful wild duck, it pains me to see,
You flying aloft in that gone sort of way,
Sweet one, fare you well. I could shed many tears,
But my deepest emotions I never betray.

"I've always admired you, wonderful bird,
By the light of the sun and the rays of the moon;
I tell you 'tis more than a fox can endure,
To know that you take your departure so soon.

"I snatched a few feathers, in memory of you;
I desired a whole wing, but you baffled my plan;
Oh, what a memento to hang in my den!
And in very hot weather to use as a fan.

"Descend, O, thou beautiful creature, to earth!
There's nothing I would not perform for your sake;
If once in awhile I could see you down here,
I'd never get tired of the shores of this lake!"

"Cheer up, Mr. Fox," said the duck, flying higher,
"The parting of such friends is sometimes a boon;
When they get far away, and have time to reflect,
They see that it came not a moment too soon.

"You wanted a wild wing to fan yourself with;
You see if I granted that favor to you,