Silent, who was noted among his companions for the length of time he could stay under water, challenged them to a submersion test. The rules were simple, inasmuch as they consisted in all plunging under at the same time, the winner being he who was the last man up. Silent had steadfastly refused to have his endurance timed, which his friends mistook for modesty, and no sooner had all "ducked under" than his head popped up--but this time he was not alone. Humble, whose utmost limit was not over half a minute, grew angry at his inability to make a good showing and craftily determined to take a handicap. The two stared at each other for a space and then burst into laughter, forgetting for the time being what they should do. Other heads bobbed up, and the secret was out. Only that Silent was the best swimmer in the crowd saved him from a ducking, and as it was he had to grab his clothes and run. After being assured that he was forgiven for his trickery he rejoined his friends and his towel. More fun was now the rule, for dressing required care. The sandy west bank sloped gradually to the water's edge, and it was necessary to stand on one foot on a small stone in the water while the other was dipped to remove the sand. Still on one foot the other must be dried, the stocking put on, then the trouser leg and lastly the boot, and woe to the man who lost his balance and splashed stocking and trouser leg as he wildly sought to save it! Humble splashed while his foot was only half-way through the trouser leg, and The Orphan fared even worse. Then a race of awkward runners was on toward the bunk house, where breakfast was annihilated. "Hey, Tom, what time do we leave?" asked Bud for the fifth time. "Nine o'clock, you chump," replied the foreman. "Three whole hours yet," grumbled Jim as he again plastered his hair to his head. "I'll lose my appetite shore," worried Humble. "We got up too blamed early, that's what we did." "Why, here's Humble!" cried Silent in mock surprise. "Do _you_ like apricot pie, and gingerbread and _real_ coffee?" "You go to the devil," grumbled Humble. "You wouldn't 'a' been asked at all, only she couldn't very well cut you out of it when she asked me along. _I_'m the one she really wants to feed; you fellers just happen to tag on behind, that's all." "Going to take Lightning with you, Humble?" asked Docile, winking at the others. "Why, I shore am," replied Humble in surprise. "Do you reckon I'd leave him and that d-----d Chink all alone together, you sheep?" "I was afraid you wouldn't," pessimistically grumbled Docile, but here he smiled hopefully. "Suppose you take Lee Lung and leave the dog here?" he queried. "Suppose you quit supposing with your feet!" sarcastically countered Humble. "I know you ain't got much brains, but you might exercise what little you have got once in a while. It won't hurt you none after you get used to it."