Fantasy Football Challenge - Football Fanatics Library

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Fantasy Football Challenge presents
The Adventure Club Afloat

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that rock we climbed out on this morning when we were swimming was volcanic." "Sure," agreed Perry. "It was pumice stone. I meant to bring a bit of it along for you to clean your hands with." "I didn't say pumice," replied Ossie haughtily. "It was more probably obsidian." "My idea exactly! In fact, it had a very obstinate feeling. It--it left quite an impression on me!" The _Follow Me_ developed engine trouble that morning and they lay by for a half-hour or more while Tom Corwin toiled and perspired, argued and threatened. It was well after two o'clock when they ran up the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island and finally dropped anchor in Frenchman's Bay. They ate only a luncheon on board and then clothed themselves in their gladdest raiment and went ashore. They "did" the town that afternoon, mingling, as Wink said, with the "haut noblesse," and had dinner ashore at an expense that left a gaping hole in each purse. But they were both hungry and glad to taste shore food again, and no one begrudged the cost. It was when they were on their way back to the landing that the glow of coloured lanterns behind a trim hedge drew their attention to the fact that someone was conducting a lawn party. The imposing entrance, through which carriages were coming and going, met their sight a moment later and inspired Perry with a brilliant idea. "Say, fellows, let's go," he said, as they paused in a body to allow a handsome landau to enter. "I've never been to one of these lawn ftes, or whatever they call them in the society papers, and here's the chance." "Anybody invited you?" drawled Joe. "No, but maybe they meant to. You can't tell. Maybe if they knew we were here--" "Might send word in to them," suggested Wink Wheeler. "Say that the crews of the _Adventurer_ and the _Follow Me_ are without and--" "Yes, without invitations," agreed Perry. "I get you, but that might cause our hostess embarrassment, eh? Why not just save her all that by dropping in sociably?" "Are you crazy?" demanded Steve. "Crazy to go and see all the pretty lanterns and things, yes. And maybe they'll have a feed, fellows! Come on! Take a chance! They can't any more than put us out! Besides, they probably won't know whether they invited us or not. It's just a lark. Be sports, fellows!" The notion appealed to most of them, but Steve and Phil and Bert Alley declined to countenance it. "What will happen to you," said Steve grimly, "is that you'll all spend the rest of the night in the town jail for impersonating gentlemen!" "Oh, if that's all you're afraid of," responded Perry sweetly, "you might as well come, too, Steve. They'd never charge _you_ with that." "Sub-tile, sub-tile," murmured Cas Temple. "Anyhow, our clothes are perfectly O.K.," continued Perry. "White trousers and dark coats are quite _de rigor_. Come on, fellows." They went on, all save the disapproving trio, Perry and Wink Wheeler leading the way up the winding avenue toward the glow of fairy lights ahead. No one challenged them, although they were observed with curiosity by several servants before they came out on a wide lawn in front of a spacious residence. Fully a hundred guests were already assembled. A platform overhung by twinkling and vari-coloured electric lamps had been laid for dancing and, as the uninvited guests paused to survey the scene, an orchestra, hidden by shrubbery and palms in tubs, started to play. Chairs dotted the lawn and a big marquee was nearby. On a low terrace in front of the hospitable doorway of the residence the hostess was receiving as the carriages rolled around the immaculate drive and stopped to discharge the guests. The boys viewed each other questioningly. Perry pulled down his waistcoat and walked boldly across the lawn and the drive and stepped to the terrace. Wink followed unhesitatingly, but the others hung back for a moment. Then they, too, approached, their assurance oozing fast. They reached the terrace in time to witness Perry's welcome. "Good evening," said that youth in bored and careless tones, shaking hands with the middle-aged lady. "Awfully jolly night, isn't it!" "How do you do, Mister--ah--so glad you could come. Yes, isn't it splendid to have such perfect weather? Marcia, you remember Mister--ah--" Perry was passed on to a younger lady, evidently the daughter of the house. "Howdy do?" murmured the latter, shaking hands listlessly. "How do!" returned Perry brightly. "Bully night, eh!" "Yes, isn't it?" drawled the young lady. Then Perry gave place to Wink. "Good evening," said Wink, grinning blandly. "Howdy do? So nice of you to come," murmured the lady. Wink joined Perry and they crossed to the other side of the terrace and maliciously watched the embarrassment of the other boys. Joe and Harry Corwin carried things off rather well, but the others were fairly speechless. Perry chuckled as he saw the growing bewilderment on the face of the hostess. But finally the ordeal was over and Perry led the way back to the festivities. Ossie groaned when they were safely out of ear-shot. "She's on to us," he muttered. "I could see it in her eye! I'm off before they throw me out!" "Don't be a jay," begged Perry. "The evening's young and the fun's just starting. Mrs. Thingamabob doesn't know whether she asked us or not. I'm going to see what's in the big tent over there. Come on, fellows." They went, dodging their way between chattering groups and impeding chairs, but when Perry peered through the doorway of the marquee he was met with a chilly look from a waiter on guard there. "Supper is at ten o'clock, sir," said the servant haughtily. "That's all right," replied Perry kindly. "Don't hurry on my account, old top!" What to do for the succeeding hour was the question, for, while all save Perry and Ossie danced more or less skilfully, they knew no one to dance with. "If you ask me," remarked Cas Temple, yawning, "I call this dull. I'd rather be in my bunk, fellows." "Well, let's find something to do," said Joe. "Maybe they've got a roller-coaster or a merry-go-round somewhere. Let's--um--explore." By this time the dancing had begun in earnest and the platform was well filled with whirling couples. The boys paused to look on and, since the throng was growing larger every minute, were forced to change their

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