“But where is Vaughn?” asked Cryton, turning to Milton, after the story was finished.
The latter repeated his explanation in the same embarrassed manner.
“He’ll be along directly,” he concluded, avoiding Marjorie’s eyes.
“Maybe this is he now,” remarked McDaniel, catching sight of a car that was just about to enter the gate.
“No,” replied Milton immediately; “that’s a touring car, and his is a racer.”
At these words Marjorie’s heart took a wild leap. A touring car! Could it—was it possible that it could belong to the boys?
She did not have long to wait for her hope to be confirmed; a moment later the machine stopped in front of the steps, but, to her consternation, only her brother got out!
“Jack!” cried Marjorie and Lily, both rushing down the steps at the same time. “Oh, where did you come from?”
“Sis!” he exclaimed joyfully, but taking care to hold her at arms’ distance. “I’m too dirty to touch—have been driving day and night!”
Almost beside herself with happiness, the girl led her brother up to the porch and presented him to Miss Vaughn. Then she introduced the others, recalling the fact of his previous acquaintance with Cryton and McDaniel at Lima.