“They’ve got to think up something mighty soon,” said Bill, as he and his brothers and their chums turned down a street that led to their homes. “We’re going off to school in about three weeks.” “Not before the close of the ball season, though; are you?” asked Bateye anxiously. “We can’t win the championship if you go.” “Oh, we’ll finish out the season on the nine,” promised Cap. “And I guess our team will win, if you don’t make any more wild throws.” “Nary a one,” promised Bateye fervidly. It was several days before the town got over talking about the fire. Mr. Smith heard of the part his sons had taken in it, and talked severely to them. “Why are you always up to such risky tricks?” he asked. “This wasn’t risky,” declared Bill in justification. “We didn’t think it was any harm,” added Pete. “That’s the trouble. You don’t think enough. You didn’t think the time you started the runaway handcar, and you remember what happened. Now be more careful.” They promised, and Mr. Smith, who was a very busy man, sighed and wished the boys would settle down and be less playful. “Maybe when they get to the Academy, life there will help to settle them,” he said with a shake of his head. Whether it did or not we shall soon see. Meanwhile Beantoe and Spider were racking their brains for some plan to get even with the Smith boys and their friends. “I don’t care so much for Bateye and Doc. and Norton,” said Beantoe, “but I would like to play a trick on Pete and his brothers.” “I’ll see if I can’t think of one,” promised Spider. A few days later he came to his crony with joy written on his face. “I think we have them,” he said exultingly. “There’s a chance to put one over the Smith boys.” “How?” “Come along, and I’ll show you. They’re going out fishing. I just saw Bill down to the hardware store buying some hooks, and I heard him tell Bateye they were going down past the swimming hole.” “Well, what’s the answer.” “We’ll stop at my house, get an auger and a loaf of bread, and I’ll tell you on the way.” “What’s the auger and bread for?” “I’ll show you. Come on. I want to get to their boat before they arrive. Then we’ll hide and see some fun.” A little later Beantoe and Spider stole cautiously to the Smith boys’ boat house on the banks of the Waydell river. “You keep watch, and I’ll bore the holes in the boat,” suggested Spider. “It won’t take long.” He was soon busy with the auger, and then his crony understood. “I see!” he exclaimed. “You’re going to make holes in the boat, and then when they’re out fishing, it will sink!” “Sure! You’re a regular detective,” said Spider, boring away while Beantoe watched. “But won’t the water come in as soon as they start out, and won’t they get on to the trick,” asked the stumbling lad after thinking it over.