and youths to don sports outfits; and His Honor, as that mystifying day was not far off, said:—
“This, I think, is a trick by a kid or two, to show us old ducks that an ‘incog’ can hold out, right up to its actual consummation. I don’t know a thing about what’s going on; but, by golly! I’ll show up; and if any fun is afloat, I’ll join in, full blast.”
But!! As our Organization boys and girls, and Branton Hills folks got to Lilac Hill, not a thing was found giving any indication that anything out of ordinary was to occur! Just that calm, charming knoll, with its lilacs, oaks, and happy vista out across Branton Hills’ hill districts! What is this, anyway? A hoax? But all sat down, talking in a big group, until, at just four o’clock,—look! A stir, out back of that island boat landing! What? On that pond? This card said Lilac Hill! But I said that a stir was occurring in back of that boat landing, with its small shack for storing oars and such. If our big crowd was laughing and talking up to now, it quit! And quit mighty quickly, too! If you want to hold a crowd, just mystify it. Old Lady Flanagan was starting to shout about “this phony stuff,” but Old Man Flanagan said:—
“Shut up! You ain’t part of this show!”
Nancy was actually hopping up and down, but Kathlyn stood calmly watching; for this studi-
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