“Will yer give a feller a ride?”

“Certainly.  Jump in.”

The Hillers accordingly clambered into the boat, and, in a few moments, they reached the wharf, at the back of the post-office.

Lee and his companions immediately sprang out, and walked off, without saying a word; and Frank, after fastening his boat to the wharf, began to pull down the sails, when he discovered that the Hillers had left two large strings of trout behind them.

Hastily catching them up, he ran around the corner of the post-office, and saw Lee and his followers, some distance up the road.

“Hallo!” he shouted, at the top of his lungs; “Lee Powell!”

But they paid no attention to him.

“I know they heard me,” said Frank.

And he shouted again, but with no better success.

At length, one of the village boys, who was coming across the fields, with a basket of strawberries on his arm, shouted to the Hillers, and, when he had gained their attention, pointed toward Frank,

“See here!” Frank shouted, as he held up the fish; “you have forgotten these.”

“No, I guess not,” shouted Lee, in reply.  “We Hillers don’t forget favors as easy as all that comes to.  Ye’re welcome to ’em.”

And he and his companions walked rapidly off.

CHAPTER XI.

Trout-Fishing.

A few days after the events related in the preceding chapter transpired, Frank, with one or two companions, was standing in the post-office, waiting for the opening of the mail.  The steamer had just landed, and the passengers which she had brought were slowly walking toward the hotel, where they intended to take dinner.  At length, a village hack came rapidly down the road leading from the wharf, and, when it came opposite the post-office, a head was suddenly thrust out at the window, the driver reined in his horses, the door flew open, and Archie Winters sprang out.

We shall not attempt to describe the meeting of the cousins, nor the joy that prevailed among the village boys at the arrival of their city friend.

Archie had not written that it was his intention to come so soon, and his sudden appearance among them took them completely by surprise.

After a few moments’ conversation, Frank and Archie got into the carriage, and, in a short time, were set down at the door of Mrs. Nelson’s house.

Frank’s mother and sister expressed much joy at Archie’s arrival, and, after the excitement of meeting was over, they inquired after his parents.

“When are they coming?” asked Frank.

“They intended to come in the fall,” answered Archie, “but father has more business on his hands than he expected, and they may not be here before the holidays; but I couldn’t wait.”

“I’m glad you didn’t,” said Frank.  “You are not going home before spring, are you?”