The stout gentleman clung to his hand.
"Want to see princess," he observed. "Want to salute princess. Want to extend hospitality——"
"If you will go up on your porch," said Pete, "I will drive the princess by. She will be charmed to see you, sir, and in her behalf I now thank you for all your goodness."
He threw in the clutch and the motor-cycle started forward with a leap. Straight across the lawn Pete headed it, bringing it to a halt at the edge of the grove. Leaving the engine running, he leaped from the saddle and ran in among the trees, in the direction of the summer-house.
Mary Wayne was standing in the doorway as he approached.
"Where—where have you been?" she demanded.
"I'll explain later," he answered briefly. "Hurry. I've got a car."
"You stole——"
"It was presented to me. Come on."
He seized her hand and urged her forward at a run.