In five minutes his place was taken by Valentine Burns, an intimate
friend of Andy's. His father kept the village store, and was one of the
leading citizens of Arden.

"Hard at work, I see, Andy," he said.

"Don't you want to help me?"

"No, I'm too lazy. I have to work in the store out of school hours, you
know. Are you going to the picnic?"

"What picnic?"

"There's a Sunday-school picnic next Thursday afternoon. Both churches
unite in it. All the young people will be there. You would have heard of
it if you hadn't been absent at school."

"I will certainly go. There are so few amusements in Arden that I can't
afford to miss any. I suppose there will be the usual attractions?"

"Yes, and an extra one besides. There's a gentleman from the city
staying at the hotel, who has offered a prize of ten dollars to the boy
who will row across the pond in the shortest time."

"The distance is about half a mile, isn't it?"

"Yes; a little more."

"I suppose you will go in for the prize, Val. You have a nice boat to
practice in."