But the boys lingered for several days, and during that time their newly made friends did all possible to make the stay a pleasant one. “We won’t forget you Yale boys!” cried one, on parting. “Let us hear from you, by all means.” “Ve vill,” said Hans. “Put don’t neffer oxbect me to kill some more piks py mineselluf again alretty!” There was a gay time at the parting, for a crowd had come to see them off as far as the railroad station. It had been decided to make their way eastward to the Potomac River, for Diamond wanted to show his friends that beautiful stream of water. “I’ve sailed on the Potomac many times when at home,” said the Virginian. “And I want to give you boys a sail, too.” “All right—anything to take it easy,” sighed Bruce. “That mountain climbing was work enough to last a month.” The ride in the train was enjoyed by all, and as they passed eastward, mile after mile, Diamond pointed out many objects of interest. At last they reached the station to which their wheels had been sent, and here they left the train. “There is an easy road along here,” said Jack. “I know you will all delight in a spin.” Bruce groaned. “More work—and just as I was getting so comfortably settled in that car seat, too.” “Oh, brace up, Bruce!” cried Frank, cheerfully. “You’ve done well ever since we left New York. Don’t collapse on the last lap.” “All right; I’ll brace up,” sighed the big fellow, and followed the others. Toots had seen to it that the bicycles were polished to the last degree, so that they shone like silver in the bright sunshine. For over an hour the crowd spun along over the road. Then unlucky Hans ran into a hollow, throwing himself over the handle bars and twisting one of the pedals of his machine. Luckily, there was a repair shop not very far off, and to this they took their way, where a machinist went to work on the wheel without delay. While the others were waiting for Hans’ bicycle to be mended, Diamond called Frank to one side. “Come down to the river with me,” he said. “I want to show you a particularly fine view.” “How far?” asked Frank. “Only about half a mile.” “All right, I’ll go with you.” And the two set off, never dreaming of the tremendous surprise in store for them. CHAPTER XI—A TRAITOR AND A SPY “Steady! steady!” roared a commanding voice. “Stroke, keep at it, and pick it up quicker on the beginning.” The eight oarsmen in the boat were doing their level best, their oars flashing in the sunlight as they came dripping from the water to disappear again, sending the light craft flying along. On the shore, which at this point was a high bank, the coach watched them as they skimmed past, and shouted his commands. “Drive your legs at it, four! What are you in the boat for? Carry it through all the way. Up, now! Long swing! Great Scott! don’t think you’ve got to break your neck to recover because you pull hard on the stroke.”