“No. Gif and Spouter! They’re on a little tour, and they told me to tell you girls that they have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise! What can that be?” questioned Martha.
“They didn’t say—only said that it was a complete surprise,” answered Jack.
“Which way are they coming?” questioned Fred.
“They’re driving this way from Albany in the Powell’s sedan. They said they would strike the new highway at Margot.”
“Say, what’s the matter with going out to meet them?” cried Randy. “This aërial can wait. Perhaps they’ll be glad to help us adjust it. Gif knows more about radio than any of us—he’s a regular bug on it.”
“Oh, I’d like an auto ride this morning! Let’s go!” exclaimed Martha. “The air is just lovely after yesterday’s rain.”
“And maybe by the time we’re coming back we can hear how they decided about the race,” said Fred.
The Rover boys had not seen their old military academy chums for a long time, and it was quickly agreed that they should take two of the autos and all of the young people should go.
During the other times they had been out in the cars Ruth had always sat on the front seat beside Jack, who usually drove. Now, however, when they were getting ready to go there was an awkward pause. Martha expected Jack to say something to Ruth, but he did not and Ruth held back while the others got in.