"Guilty consciences!" exclaimed Dick shortly, and with some emphasis, andthen he and Jack went on to their tent.

"They will want to know more, Dick," exclaimed Jack. "You should not havegiven them a clue like that."

"I won't say any more, then. They are within hearing and they willunderstand, and you will look at that they are careful how they talkabout you to any one after this."

"Let them talk," laughed Jack.

For two or three days things went on as usual in the camp on the river,the boys doing a certain amount of study, drilling a little,exercising in the outdoor gymnasium, skimming along the river intheir boats and otherwise occupying themselves, the time, on thewhole, passing somewhat pleasantly.

Then one day a messenger came from a kids' camp some miles down theriver asking them to take part in a regatta, which was going to takeplace at the other camp in a day or so.

"We know you Hilltop boys," exclaimed the messenger, "and we would liketo have some representatives of your Academy at our sports. Willyou send a few of them?"