On his way he met a half dozen village lads.

They swam, and hatched (it was John's device) a bit of mischief involving Billy, who was fond of watching their sports when he was tired of doing chores about the stable.

John heard of it later.

The likelihood of unpleasant results from their mischief was discussed as they walked homeward.

There were in all five boys from the village, with whom by this time John had formed democratic intimacies and moderate likings which would have shocked his mother.