They wouldn't be back of any tricks of that sort." "Well, Fred has managed to cover himself, anyway," returned Dave rather disgustedly.

"He called his father and mother out to see the rope before he cut it away from the stakes.

Oh, I guess a good many fellows will believe Ripley's yarn!" "I'm afraid you don't, Dave;" "Oh, yes; I'm easy," grinned Darrin.
"Can you see two young ladies, Richard ?" asked Mrs.Prescott, looking into the room.
"Certainly, mother, if I get a chance.

My vision is not impaired in the least," laughed Dick.
Mrs.Prescott stood aside to admit Laura and Belle, then followed them into the room.
"We came to make sure that Gridley is not to lose its great pitcher to-day," announced Laura.
"Then your father must have told you that I'd do," cried Dick, eagerly.
"Father ?" pouted Miss Bentley.

"You don't know him then.