"Very good, then," nodded his father. "You may do as you like, but if you refuse Dr. Bentley's suggestion for an immediate examination you will stand no chance of securing an order dooming the dog." Fred's further answer was an angry snort as he turned away. His father lingered to say: "If your suspicions that my son was here improperly are anywhere near correct, then you are entitled to my most hearty apology. Fred is a peculiar and high-strung boy, but I believe his impulses are right in the main. I will add that I believe his account of how he came to be in this strange plight. He took the car early this morning. I am just returning from a spin in our larger automobile. I saw my runabout at the edge of the road and it occurred to me to stop and see if my son were here. Is there anything more to be said about my son's peculiar experience here?" "Nothing, thank you, Mr. Ripley," replied Dr. Bentley, after a sidelong glance at Dick. "Then I will bid you all good afternoon," replied Squire Ripley, raising his hat to the women. Dr. Bentley watched the lawyer out of sight, then turned to Hazelton with a smile. "Harry," remarked the physician, "your dog won't be shot by order of the court." CHAPTER XV AT THE GREATEST OF FEASTS It proved a glorious affair, that picnic by the edge of the lake. Tom and Dan took Clara and Susie out in the canoe to watch them as they fished. The other four boys fell to with a will, reweaving in new guy ropes and erecting the tent again. Then firewood was gathered in armfuls and several campfires started. Just before dark the canoe came in with a cargo of nearly four dozen fish. These Tom and Dan took to one side and quickly cleaned. Just as Dick and Dave were beginning to realize with some embarrassment that they had nowhere near enough dishes for such an affair, the man from the launch appeared with two baskets of dishes. He then brought up three folding tables and proceeded to set them up, next bringing on campstools. Dr. Bentley had overlooked nothing. Last of all paper lanterns were strung from the trees, and just at dark these were lighted. Potatoes were set to boil in a kettle. Embers were raked down and corn still in the husks was set in the embers and covered up to roast. Some of the girls sliced more tomatoes than the whole party could eat. Cucumbers, too, were prepared. Fish were broiled on grates over the fires. All was ready just before dark. Dick gave the launch man a hearty invitation to join them at supper, the latter shaking his head, expressed his thanks and hurried away. What an appetizing meal it was! Nothing seemed to have gone wrong. It was a merry party indeed that sat down around the tables. Suddenly there came an interruption. "Camp! Oh, I say---camp!" called a gruff voice from the road. "Here!" called Dick, rising from the table. "Who is it?" "Any girls there?" demanded the same voice. "Several," Dick acknowledged.