“Andy, oh, Andy Nelson!”
“Hold on there!” ordered an officer, trying to head off the trespasser.
“Silas Pierce!” exclaimed Andy.
“He goes with us, officer,” called out Parks. “You bet you go with us, you grand old hero!” he cried, giving the farmer boy a joyful, friendly slap on the shoulder.
“Yes, indeed,” smiled Andy, catching the arm of Silas and hugging it quite, “if it hadn’t been for you, there would have been no race.”
“Andy,” gasped Silas, “I can hardly believe it. Why you’re famous.”
“Am I?” smiled Andy.
“And rich.”
“Rich in good friends, anyway,” replied Andy.
“I hung around. When I saw you coming in on the lead, I nearly fell flat I was so excited,” declared Silas.