He raced away to the dressing rooms, and Tom, Phil and Frank, who were “presentable” now, went to talk to Madge and her chums.
“Well, how about it?” asked Tom, as he approached them.
“We haven’t a word to say,” replied Miss Tyler. “You won fairly and squarely, and—well——”
“You helped,” said Tom boldly. “You waved our colors at the right time.”
“Yes, just as if she belonged to Randall, instead of Fairview,” said Miss Harrison.
“She does, I guess,” said Ruth, with a glance at Tom.
There was laughter, talking, quips and jibes, but over all there was the spirit of gaiety.
“Your mother wired her congratulations,” said Mr. Parsons, making his way to Tom. “I’m going back home again now.”
“No, you’re not, dad,” insisted the winner of the mile run. “You’re going to stay here to-night.”
“You’ll have the time of your life,” added Sid. “Better stay.”