replied Bob quickly. "However, we'll do our best to get the Ripper
during our stay here, and we'll take the girls out for some nice
rides."

"That's what we will."

Charlie speeded his boat about the bay for some time longer, and then;
as the girls said they thought they had better go home, he put back,
picked up the anchored boats, and the motor boys and their hosts were
soon rowing to shore.

"Come over any evening, Charlie," called Rose.

"Yes, come to-night," urged Jerry. "We can talk over the boat
proposition then."

"I'll be there," replied the Ripper's skipper, as he put about and
went whizzing over the blue waters of the bay.

When the young people entered the gateway they saw Ponto stretched out
on the bench in the shade, fast asleep.

"Wait a minute," said Rose. "I'll play a trick on him."

She stole softly up, and, with a long piece of grass tickled the old
colored servant on the ear. He put up his hand and sat up with a
start.

"I 'clar' t' goodness!" he said, "I were jest waitin' fo' yo', an' I
close mah eyes, jest fo' one little second, but dis atmosphere am so