However, none of the guests on the porch paid any particular attention to Dick and Dave.

Both campers and canoers were common enough at this summer resort.
It was Clara who led the way into a parlor, in one corner of which there was a writing desk.

Dick seated himself at the desk, and after a moment's thought began to write, then promptly became absorbed in his task.

Dave and the girls seated themselves at a little distance, chatting in low tones.
There were other guests of the Hotel Pleasant in the parlor, while still others passed in or out from time to time.
One young man, quite fashionably dressed, stepped into the parlor, looked about him, then started as his glance fell on Dick and Dave.
It was Fred Ripley.
"Hello!" muttered Ripley in a voice just loud enough to carry, as he stood looking at Dick and Dave.

"I thought I saw, out in the grounds, a sign that read: 'No tramps, beggars or peddlers allowed on these grounds or in the hotel.'" Dick's fingers trembled so that he dropped the pen, though he tried to conceal his feelings.
Dave Darrin's fists clenched tightly, though he had the good sense to realize that to start a fight in the parlor was out of the question.
Ripley's remark had been loud enough to attract the attention of nearly every person in the big room toward Dick and Dave..