“No, and I wish they did have. We have some challenges from a lot of uniformed teams, and our boys don’t look good next to the fellows with suits on. But we haven’t the money yet, and some of the lads can’t raise the cash themselves. We’re going to have a show soon, and try to make some money.”
“Are you? Say, that’s a good way.”
The boys walked on in silence for some little distance farther, and though Jakie was very lame and stiff, and had a number of bruises, his heavy clothing, and the fact that the road was covered with a layer of soft dust, had saved him from a serious injury.
“I’m going to stop at Mr. Armstrong’s on my way home,” he said, after a while, “and ask if the horse got back all right. He might think it was my fault.”
The horse was back in his stable when Tommy and Jakie reached the Armstrong farmhouse, and Mr. Armstrong, very much worried by the return of the steed alone, and by the cut ends of the line, was about to start off in search of Jakie.
As Tommy and his new friend were proceeding on toward their homes, the larger lad turned suddenly to his companion, and asked:
“Say, wouldn’t you fellows like to take my moving-picture magic lantern for your show?”
“Say! I just guess we would!” cried Tommy, in delight. “But it’s a big machine, isn’t it? It might get damaged.”
“I’ll take a chance,” replied Jakie, good-naturedly. “I’ll run it for you myself, if you’ll let me. I’d like to do you some favor for what you did for me to-day.”
“Thanks,” answered Tommy. “It would be fine if you’d run the lantern. I’ve been wondering if we could get up anything good enough to charge ten cents admission for, and the lantern will be just the thing.”