andled them."

"That is true, too,--although I somehow think Merrick is the prime mover
in this swindle."

"I think that, too," said Tom.

The _Golden Star_ was a trim little side-wheeler with a fair-sized deck
fore and aft. The boys sat on the forward deck, and as the boat ran
along the shore of the lake they pointed out many localities known to
them.

"There is where we went on the paper chase," said Sam.

"Yes, and that is where we went on one of the encampments," added Tom.

"We came fishing down here once," put in Dick. "One of the boys went
overboard."

"It was John Fenwick, the fellow we used to call Mumps," said Tom. "By
the way, I wonder what has become of him?"

"Went west, I think," answered Sam. "One of the boys said he was in the
insurance business with some relative."

"He was a great toady to Dan Baxter."

"So he was, but he had some good points, too."

So the talk ran on, until Cedarville was reached. On account of the
delay it was dark, and the boys wondered if they would find any
conveyance to take them to the Hall.

"Hullo, here is Peleg Snuggers with the carryall!" cried Sam, as the
general utility man of the school appeared. "How are you, Peleg?"

"Fust rate," replied the man, grinning. "Been waiting a long time for
you."

"Sorry, but we couldn't make the captain hurry the boat," answered Dick.

"Peleg, you're a sight for tired optics," said Tom, giving the man's
hand a squeeze that made him wince. "How's your grandmother?"

"Why, Master Tom, I ain't----"

"And your great-granduncle? Is he over the shingles yet?"

"Why, Master Tom, I ain't got no----"

"And your second cousin by your first wife's sister? Did she get over
the heart failure she had when the canary took a fit?"

"Now, see here, Master Tom, don't you go for to joking an old man----"

"Joking, Peleg?" returned Tom, solemnly. "Why, you know I never joke."
And he took on an injured look.

"Don't joke, eh? Well, if you ain't the greatest joker Putnam Hall ever
see then I'll eat my hat," declared Peleg. "Jump in an' don't ask me
about no grandfathers, or wife's sisters, nor nuthing. Ain't you
hungry?"

"Hungry? I could eat a brickbat fried in lemon oil."

"Then, unless you hurry, you won't get no supper."

"Oh, Mrs. Green will get something for us, never fear," said Dick,
mentioning the matron of Putnam Hall, who was a warm-hearted and
generous woman, even though a little bit "peppery" at times.

"All the ot