"You can do it, Elmer, we know you can! Give the rascals the best licking they ever had! It's been a long time coming; hand 'em the interest that's due!"
Evidently these last remarks did not come from any fellow in khaki, since they had been learning other things from the day they signed the roster of the scouts. But even Elmer himself was thrilled with indignation; it seemed so mean and contemptible in those Fairfield boys to want to spoil the greatest hike contest that had ever been started.
The machine that had been loaned to him was in good trim; and, moreover, Elmer knew considerable about managing a motorcycle, though he had never as yet owned one.
He started his engine without the least difficulty, and then jumped into the saddle with the grace of one who had long since mastered the art. The crowd opened up before him, and Elmer sped along the road.
"Oh, you Indian, I bank on you!" called one of the enthusiastic town fellows.
"Hi! Get a move on you, Toby and Nat!"
"Give the old wrecks a poke in the slats, and make 'em be good!"
"There goes Toby! Good boy, you!"
"Now, Nat will you let that dare slip by? Hit her up, Nathan; that's the ticket!"
"Whoopla! We're all off!"