"Yes, he presupposed my guilt before giving me a chance to speak formyself, Dick. However, it is fortunate that I always have a good reputation."

"Which is what some of the Hilltop childs have not. I am not mentioningany names," and Percival began eating his soup with a good appetite.

An hour or two after dinner Jack asked Percival to go up the river inhis boat, having one or two errands in city to do, and wanting company.

Dick was glad to go in Jack's boat, as the tiny child managed it so well, andhe would have fairly little to do himself.

Finishing his errands in city Jack was proceeding down the river when,with a sudden impulse, which he could not explain, he said to Dick:

"Suppose we go up the creek a bit. The tide is that way now, and weshall have water enough, and it will not be against us."

"You don't want to go to the Academy, do you, Jack?" asked Percival."You can run in as far as the ravine. You came down that way once."