In the excitement of saying good-by to Ella, Polly thought no more of Fred's behavior. He had had an air of suppressed excitement, she thought, "the way he acts on Christmas," Polly expressed it.
As no one felt up to any very strenuous form of exercise, Mrs. Marley suggested that they hold a session of the Riddle Club on the front porch.
"Before the callers descend," she added laughingly. "You're sure to have a good many to-day, friends who want to see for themselves that you are safe."
Polly called the meeting to order and was about to proceed by calling on Margy for a riddle when Fred interrupted.
"I have an announcement to make, as treasurer," he stated.
"No dues!" Ward warned him. "This is an—an informal meeting."
"This is once when I don't care a snap about dues," said Fred, his voice rising as it always did when he was excited. "Look at that—you fellows who squawk when I ask you for ten cents!"
He laid a slip of green paper in Polly's lap and the others crowded about her.
"A hundred dollars!" cried Polly, in amazement. "A check for a hundred dollars, payable to the Riddle Club. Why, Fred!"