"It was gotten up by two men named Lapham and Hausermann."
"I read about that expedition!" cried Roger. "There was an account of it in this morning's Times."
"When was it to start?" asked Dave, anxiously.
"I don't know."
"Do you know, Jasniff?"
"Not exactly—some time this week, I think."
"Was my sister Laura going with my father?" went on Dave, anxiously.
"No."
"Where is she?"
"I give it up."
"Jasniff, tell me the truth!" And again Dave looked at the runaway sternly.
"I don't know where she is."
"You met her."
"Certainly—half a dozen times."
"How did you get acquainted with my folks?"
"Oh, I met them by accident, and as soon as I learned who they were I introduced myself and said I knew your uncle Dunston Porter."
"What did you say about me?" and now Dave was more anxious than ever.
"I—er—I"
"Come, out with it, and tell the exact truth, Jasniff, or it will be the worse for you."
"I—er—I didn't mention you," stammered the
