They followed this Stoughtonian idea, and worked up stream against the waiters, until they arrived at the fountain of supply in the cellar of the Hall. The springs were very nearly exhausted, but there was enough salad to load two plates. A demijohn contained one glassfull of claret punch. For this they matched, and Dick won it. Then the explorers returned up-stairs, with their brilliantly won booty. Just as they were emerging on the lawn, Dick ahead with his plate in one hand and the glass in the other, they heard an exclamation of "Why, _there's_ Mr. Stoughton!" A huge frigate was bearing right down upon them, with all sail set, and four light craft in tow! Dick's knees shook together, and with a look of astonished horror, he groaned, "Good Lord! How did they ever get here?" "Quick!" said Burleigh; "give me the punch. For Heaven's sake save that. You've got to take your hat off. Hang it, man, where are your manners?" In his confusion Dick handed his glass to Ned, and bowed. The next minute the enemy was upon him. "Oh, Mr. Stoughton, I'm so glad we've found you. You must be surprised to see us, aren't you? So good of you to ask us. I didn't expect to get here, but the girls insisted that they could not miss your Class Day. So we've come all the way from Omaha. Think of that! You are the only friend we've met. Oh! where _did_ you get all that salad?" "Ah--er--delighted,--er--so glad you could come," murmured Dick. "Brought the whole family too--this is awfully jolly. By-the-way, let me present my friend, Mr. Burleigh." Dick turned round for his supporter. Edward was gone; so was the punch. Ned Burleigh fled round a corner seeking a secluded nook that he had marked down for emergencies. His intentions were perfectly loyal; he meant to return and succor his ally after he had safely disposed of the food and liquid. But he had not gone a dozen steps before he encountered Steve Hudson with a weary look in his eye. That organ lit up when it fell on the stout chum and his burden. "Oh, Ned! where did you get it? Give it to me." "There may be a little more where this came from," answered Ned, sweetly. "Give it to me, Ned. I want it for my mother. My whole family is starving on my hands." "Hum," said Burleigh, suspiciously. "I think I will take it to her myself. I know this 'for a lady' dodge. If your statement is true, I want the credit of the sacrifice." "Good," exclaimed Hudson, the weary look passing away entirely. "Come along. My sister has been disappointed at not seeing you all day." The sister's alleged disappointment was not relieved, for she was not with the family at all. Two or three aunts and a pig-tailed cousin were. While Burleigh was yielding up his hard-earned spoils with a hollow, a very hollow grace, and receiving thanks, Steve Hudson disappeared, saying he would be back in a moment.