eploring
it. We will show you a little life, Mamma and I. I will put you up at my
Club, and take you out in my new auto; in a week, you will not know
yourself, I give you my word. Oh, very, very, very!"

As the speaker stood beaming benevolence at Mr. Merryweather, and
diffusing contempt among the rest of the party, two hands were laid on
his shoulders; hands which gripped like steel, and propelled him forward
with irresistible force. He staggered, struggled to save himself--and
the next instant disappeared with a loud splash beneath the water.

Gerald confronted his father with a face of white fire.

"I told him, sir, plainly and distinctly, that if he patronized you I
should duck him!" he said. "He has had fair warning: this has gone on
long enough."

"Gerald," said Mr. Merryweather, gravely, "you are behaving like a
foolish and ill-tempered child. I am fully able to take care of myself.
We will talk of this later. Meantime you will apologize to your cousin."

"Oh, certainly, sir! I intended to, of course."

While this brief colloquy had been going on, Phil and Jack, with
sparkling eyes, waited at the edge of the wharf for the reappearance of
Mr. Belleville. Up he came presently, splashing and sputtering, his eyes
flashing angry sparks. Phil held out a hand; a vigorous pull, a
scramble, and he stood once more on the wharf. Gerald walked up to him
at once. "I beg your pardon, Claud!" he said. "I had no business to do
it, and I apologize."

Claud gave a spiteful laugh, and shook himself in his cousin's
direction, spattering him with drops. "Don't mention it, dear fellow!"
he said, through his chattering teeth. "It serves me right for expecting
civilized manners in the backwoods. This no doubt appears to you an
exquisite pleasantry, and its delicacy will be appreciated, no doubt, by
others of your circle. _Enfin_, in the presence of your father, whom I
respect, I can but accept your apology. Since you are sorry--"

"I did not say I was sorry!" Gerald broke in. "I said I begged your
pardon."

"My son, will you go at once and attend to the fire?" said Mr.
Merryweather.

"Father--"

"_At once!_" repeated Mr. Merryweather.

Gerald went.

"Phil, take your cousin in, and get him some dry clothes. His own will
be dry before the wagon comes, if you hang them by the kitchen stove.
Hurry now!"

Phil and Claud went off in surly silence, and Mr. Merryweather turned to
Jack Ferrers, who had remained an amused but s