Although it was September, the evening proved to be very warm, and, on arriving at Creighton’s, Frank and Bart found something of a lawn party was in progress. The garden was illumined by Chinese lanterns, with the exception of certain cozy corners where comfortable seats could be found, and such corners were much sought by more or less sentimental young couples. An orchestra furnished delightful music, and the hum of voices and sound of laughter could be heard on all sides, while pretty girls and manly-looking lads strolled and flitted hither and thither about the grounds. “Jove!” muttered Frank, as he and Bart paused and looked about. “This is a surprise! Creighton didn’t tell us what was going to happen.” “If he had, I should have spruced up a trifle more,” came ruefully from Hodge. “I have half a mind to skip out now.” “And I have half a mind to skip with you,” confessed Merry. “Neither of you shall do anything of the kind!” exclaimed the voice of Mabel Creighton, and then she, accompanied by Bessie Blossom, swooped down on the hesitating lads and made them captives. “This is just a jolly surprise all around,” Mabel explained. “There is scarcely a soul present who knew what was going to happen. Charlie said it was the last opportunity we’d have for a lawn party this season, and we decided to improve the occasion. We’ll have a jolly time.” “We always have a splendid time here,” said Bessie, clinging to Bart’s arm. “Charlie said you were coming, and we have been waiting for you.” “And now we’ve caught you, you can’t get away,” laughed Mabel. “Then we must resign ourselves to fate and thank goodness we have such charming captors,” smiled Frank. “I don’t seem to care what happens to me now,” Hodge declared. “I can be led to any fate without a struggle.” “Then come on,” cried Mabel, “and we’ll lead you to cake and ices.” Soon they were cozily seated at a small table, with ices before them. As they chatted and laughed, another couple came along and took a table near at hand. Before they appeared Frank recognized the saucy laugh of Fanny Darling. “Oh, it was such fun!” she was saying, as she sat down. “I knew I could touch him if I kept firing hot shots in his direction, and I was right. He stood it as long as he could, and then he shot back. But wait till I get another good chance. I won’t do a thing to that fellow!” “He is not worth wasting your time and breath on, Miss Darling,” said the voice of Wallace Hegner. “The best thing you can do is not to notice him.” “Oh, I couldn’t do that! There wouldn’t be any fun in it. He may be smart, but there are others. I’d like to see you get at him, Mr. Hegner. I’ll bet you’d do him up in short order with the gloves.” “Well—ahem!” coughed Hegner, “I mean to get at him some time, and I may not wear the gloves. What I’d like to do is to leave the mark of my fist on his——”