Part 3 (1/2)
”Kill my chickens an' I'll have th' law on ye!” he yelled.
”Never came within a mile of 'em!” cried Roger, gayly, and then the car whirled out of hearing.
As they pa.s.sed on, the lads frequently looked at the sky. But the clouds, that had been gathering, appeared to drift away to the northward.
”Maybe the storm is going around us,” suggested Phil.
”I hope so,” answered Dave. ”I don't like to travel in an auto in wet weather--too much danger of skidding.”
A little later they came in sight of the lake and the first of the cottages, and then they ran up to one of the big hotels. A young fellow on the veranda waved his hand to them.
”There is Bert, now!” cried Roger. And then the young fellow, who had been telephoned to early in the morning, ran down the steps to meet Roger and was speedily introduced to the others.
”It's going to be a dandy concert this afternoon,” said Bert Pa.s.smore.
”The bandmaster is going to play one of his new marches and a medley of patriotic airs, as well as a piece called 'A Hunt in a Storm.' They say it's fine.”
”I hope they don't have to play it in a storm,” returned Dave, with another look at the sky.
”Oh, that storm has gone the other way,” answered Bert Pa.s.smore. ”They often do up here.”
”Did you get tickets?” asked Roger.
”Sure; and I've reserved seats for you at our table, too, for lunch, and for dinner to-night, if you'll stay.”
”I don't know about to-night, Bert. But I'm thankful to you, just the same. After the concert we want to give you a ride around the lake.”
”That will be fine!”
The car was put under the hotel shed, and the boys went in the hotel to prepare for lunch. Mr. and Mrs. Pa.s.smore were present and were introduced, and a little later all sat down to eat.
There was an amus.e.m.e.nt park not far from the hotel and the band concert was to be given there, in a large pavilion that was open on the sides.
As it was but a short distance away, the boys allowed the car to stay in the shed and walked to the place. A big crowd was collecting, and by the time the concert commenced, the spot was jammed with people.
”It's a lucky thing your friend got reserved seats for us,” observed Dave to Roger. ”Just look at the crowds coming in!”
Phil had gone off--to get some programs. Now, as he pushed his way to his seat, his face showed unusual excitement.
”Guess whom I saw!” he gasped, as he sat down.
”Who was it?” demanded his chums, quickly.
”Job Haskers.”
”Never!” cried Roger.
”What is he doing here?” demanded Dave.
”I saw him for only a moment,” explained the s.h.i.+powner's son. ”He was right in the crowd and I couldn't follow him.”
”Was he alone?” asked Dave, with increasing interest, for he had not forgotten the trials and tribulations this former teacher of Oak Hall had caused him.