Barbour Ralph Henry - Four in Camp: A Story of Summer Adventures in the New Hampshire Woods стр 8.

That aroused laughter, and Nelson stared at his antagonist in deep disgust. What an idiot he was, he said to himself; he couldnt be serious even over a quarrel.

Well, she did it, anyhow, he said rather lamely.

Well, its over now, isnt it? asked Dan calmly. So lets take the score down, and he moved toward the placard.

No you dont! Nelson exclaimed, moving in front of him; not until youve apologized.

Dan smiled at him in his irritating manner.

Dont you believe I could lick you? he asked.

Maybe you can, said Nelson, but talking wont do it.

Well, I can; but Im not going to. There isnt going to be any row, so you fellows might as well chase yourselves. It was just a joke, Tilford. Hilltons all right. Its the best school in the country, barring one. Howll that do for an apology, my fierce friend?

It isnt quite truthful, answered Nelson, smiling in spite of himself, but I guess itll answer. Heres your old paper.

Dan accepted it and tore it up. Then he stuffed the pieces in the first bunk he came to.

War is averted, he announced.

Then he went out, followed by most of the inmates of the dormitory, who were laughingly accusing him of taking water.

Hes a queer chump, said Nelson, with something of unwilling admiration in his tones. But Bob didnt hear him. He was back on his bed, absorbed in a magazine.

And youre another, added Nelson under his breath.

CHAPTER V

TELLS HOW DAN PLAYED A TRUMP CARD, HOW BOB GAINED HONOR, AND HOW THE BIG FOUR CAME INTO EXISTENCE

6.55. First reveille: morning bath.

7.00. Last reveille: colors.

7.25. First mess-call.

7.30. Last mess-call: breakfast.

8 to 9. Duties.

11.00. Assembly: soak.

12.30. Mess-call: dinner.

1.30 to 2. Siesta.

2 to 5.25. Recreation.

5.25. First mess-call: colors.

5.30. Last mess-call: supper.

7.30. Assembly: camp-fire.

8.30. Taps: Juniors lights out.

9. Seniors lights out.

That was the daily schedule. On Sunday it differed in the rising-time and time for dinner, the first being half an hour and the latter an hour later. But there was nothing very hard-and-fast about the schedule, for frequently an afternoons outing on the lake prolonged itself past the hour for supper, and quite as frequently the tales about the camp-fire became so absorbing that taps didnt sound until long after the accustomed time. Largely for this reason the schedule never proved irksome. Life moved very pleasantly and smoothly at Chicora. Ordinary misdemeanors were passed over by the councilors, to be dealt with by the fellows, and so to a great extent the boys governed themselves. To be ducked by his companions was the most degrading punishment a boy could receive, and only twice during the summer was it meted out. The Chief and the councilors mingled with the fellows on all occasions, and were tireless in the search for new methods of enjoyment. Mr. Clinton played the headiest kind of a game at second base in the scrub games, and knocked out three-baggers and home runs in a manner beautiful to see. Mr. Verder, too, was a good player, while Dr. Smith, laying aside his eye-glasses, would occasionally consent to go into the field and excitedly muff everything that came in his direction. Mr. Thorpe was the camp champion at ring toss, and Mr. Ellery was never defeated at shovelboard.

The afternoons were given over to baseball, or tennis, or boating, if the weather permitted, or, if it rained, to fishing for bass, pickerel, perch, and chub in the lake, or to the playing of games or reading in the recreation-hall or dormitories. But always, rain or fine, there was a bath at five oclock, which few missed.

By the end of his first week at Chicora Nelson was thoroughly at home, and any doubts he may have entertained as to his liking the place and the fellows had vanished. It was a healthy life. He was out-of-doors all day long, and even at night he could scarcely consider himself housed. He went bareheaded, barelegged, and barearmed, and rapidly acquired a coat of tan of which he was very proud. He went to every meal famished, and jumped into bed at night in a condition of physical weariness that brought instant slumber. And he made friends on all sides. The closest of these were Bob Hethington and Tom Ferris. But there was one other who, if as yet scarcely a bosom friend, had captured Nelsons respect and liking; and that one was Dan Speede.

After the incident of the placard in Maple Hall Dan had not offered to molest Nelson in any way during the two days following; neither had he appeared to take any notice of him. But on the evening of the second day Nelson was coming back from the dormitory after supper when he met Dan.

Youre the fellow I was looking for, Dan announced in quite the most cordial manner in the world. Want to go down to the Inn with me in the dory? Im going to take a note for Clint.

Nelson hesitated.

I dont believe I can, Speede. I promised Bob Hethington to help him mend his camera.

Oh, let that go. Ill ask him to come along.

Well, said Nelson.

Bob consented, and the three tumbled into the dory and set out. The distance to the Chicora Inn landing was short, if you kept along the shore; but Dan suggested prolonging the trip by going around Bass Island, with the result that they navigated most of the upper end of the lake before they reached their destination. Dan was evidently on his best behavior, for the trip was completed without misadventure, and they got back to camp just as assembly sounded.

After that Nelson and Dan saw a good deal of each other, and the more they were together the more Nelson liked the big, handsome, red-headed fellow with the clear blue eyes, and began to understand him better. There wasnt a grain of meanness in his make-up. The jokes he was forever playing were usually harmless enough, and served as outlets for an oversupply of animal spirits. Nelson thought he had never seen a fellow more full of life, more eager for adventure and fun, than Dan. He would go almost any length to secure a laugh, even if it was against himself, and toil for days at a time to bring about an event promising excitement. He seemed to be absolutely without fear, and no one ever saw him really angry.

Nelsons liking for Dan was not, however, altogether shared by Bob, who dubbed Dans tricks and jokes kiddish, and usually treated him with a sort of contemptuous indifference. As a rule he avoided Dans society, and finally Nelson was torn between his allegiance to Bob and his liking for Dan. Affairs stood thus when, about two weeks after Nelsons arrival, the election of captain of the baseball team came off, and Dan played a card which, if it did not at once gain Bobs friendship, at least commanded his gratitude.

At camp-fire Mr. Clinton announced that he had received a note from Camp Wickasaw asking when Chicora would be ready to arrange a series of ball games with them.

Last year, said the Chief, as those of you know who were here then, Wickasaw won all three games from us. Theres no disgrace in being beaten, but its lots more fun to beat. So this year lets see if we cant do better. They have fewer fellows than we have, and last year we allowed them to play their councilors. I guess it was that that beat us. But it was only fair, and unless you fellows object they will make use of the same privilege this year. How about it? and Mr. Clinton looked about the fire-lit group questioningly.

Let them use them, sir, exclaimed one of the boys. We can beat them anyhow.