"Come on, then, quick! We must let Momsy know I won. She'll be worrying her heart out," exclaimed the victor, as he seized Margie's hand and broke into a run, followed by the others.
The arrival at the house affording Margie the first chance to catch her breath long enough to speak, she put her face close to Fred's and whispered:
"One of the reasons I like you is that you are so thoughtful of your mother. Another is because you were not afraid of that Bart Montgomery."
CHAPTER IX
THE SUPPER CLUB
To the surprise of the happy four, they found the other boys and girls awaiting them, and Fred was subjected to merry bantering for his remissness in not being at home to welcome his friends.
"I didn't know you were coming to spend the afternoon," he laughed in return, gazing significantly toward the clock whose hands pointed to ten minutes before seven.
"My, but isn't he the stickler for form," commented Sandow. "Does your majesty wish us to go out and wait until seven and then come in?"
"I told Mr. Hill I thought we would be too early," interposed Bronson apologetically.
"You mustn't mind Fred, Mr. Bronson," quickly exclaimed Mrs. Markham. "When you are better acquainted with him, you will know, he is always joking. Besides, supper is ready, so, as you are all here, we can begin just as soon as Fred makes himself presentable."