"I'm so sorry we didn't know in time to meet him," lamented Miss
Chapin.
"And I could have run over to the railroad to bid him welcome," laughed Speed. "Twenty miles would do me good."
Still Bill and Willie approached the gallery curiously, and in subdued tones inquired:
"What's the matter, Mr. Speed?"
"You ain't been summoned away?" Willie stared questioningly upward. "No, no! My running partner is on his way here, that's all."
"Running pardner?"
"Culver Covington."
"Oh, we was afraid something had happened. You see, Gabby Gallagher has just blowed in from the Centipede to raise our bets."
"We think it's a bluff, and we'd like to call him."
"Do so, by all means!" cried the excited athlete. "Come on, let's all talk to him!"