ched, and Andy took off his hat.
Chet did likewise, making an elaborate bow. At the same time he let
slide to the sidewalk the package containing the lobster, and he gave
it a shove with his foot so that it would be in back of him.

For Chet was a very proud youth, and did not want to be seen carrying a
bundle, especially by a young lady whose good opinion he desired.

"Charming day, Miss Chase," murmured Chet, as he resumed an upright
position.

"Delightful," agreed the girl. "Where have you been, Andy? I haven't
seen you in some time."

"Oh, we have been sailing."

"Have you rescued any more strange boys?" she went on. "Oh, I think
that was so romantic! Does he know who he is yet?" For the story of
Paul Gale was well known in Harbor View by this time.

"He hasn't the least idea," answered Andy.

"Beautiful day," observed Chet, edging nearer to the girl. "Oh, I said
that before, didn't I?" he asked in confusion, for the dude's powers of
talk were rather limited. "I mean, do you think it's going to rain?"

"Hardly," replied Andy. "But say, Chet, why don't you open the present
I gave you?"

Andy could not resist the opportunity of seeing how his joke would turn
out--especially when there was a girl present to witness it.

"Oh, I--I don't want to now," replied Chet, and he took a step
backward. Accidentally he stepped on the paper containing the large
lobster. The string slipped off. There was a rustling movement in the
wrapping and the paper suddenly opened. Something of a sort of
greenish hue came into view; something with big claws. Neither Chet
nor Andy noticed it, for they were both talking to Miss Mabel. The
girl saw the lobster slowly reach up one large claw.

"Oh!" she screamed.

"What's the matter?" asked Andy.

He knew a moment later, for the crustacean caught him by the left ankle
in a firm grip, and held on, while the would-be joker danced about on
one leg, holding the other up in the air with the lobster dangling
from, it. The tables were effectually turned.

CHAPTER IX

"THAR SHE BLOWS!"

"Take him off!" yelled Andy, dancing about. "Grab him, Chet. Wow!
How he pinches!"

"Oh! Don't let it get loose!" begged Miss Mabel, looking for a place
upon which she could climb out of danger.

"Loose! That's just what I want to do--get him loose!" cried Andy.

"How--how did it happen?" asked Chet innocently. "Was that a lobster
you gave me, Andy?"

"Never mind what I