[THEY PULLED BOB THE LENGTH OF THE SMOOTH PORCH.]
“Whoop! That was some race!” yelled Ned.
“And I beat!” declared Bob.
“Go on! You did not! You were disqualified by falling!” declared Jerry. “I’m the champion!” and he executed a clog dance on the veranda.
At that moment the front door opened, and there stood Mrs. Hopkins, while behind her were Mr. Slade and Mr. Baker. Mrs. Hopkins did not smile, and there were rather serious expressions on the faces of the two gentlemen.
“Oh, was it you making all the noise, Jerry?” his mother asked.
“I guess we did our share,” admitted Ned, a little sheepishly.
“Come in, boys,” said Mr. Baker. “We have an announcement to make to you.”