“I have it—a great idea!” exclaimed Alec. “Some day, soon after Hugh gets here, we’ll motor down to Red Key and——”
Ruth interrupted him with a silvery laugh. “Oh, that will be fine!” she cried gaily. “Dad will be so glad to see you-all and to thank you for all you’ve done for me to-day. And I’m sure you’ll like the crew over at Red Key; they’re the nicest, kindest, bravest fellows in the world! And they’ll like you, too; I know they will!”
CHAPTER III.
COMING EVENTS.
Ruth’s spirits, considering the shock and excitement which she had experienced scarcely an hour ago, seemed to have risen wonderfully. And somehow her light-hearted gaiety was soon felt by the three courageous young Scouts who had shared her danger. As they all walked over to the waiting auto, chattering and laughing, even Billy forgot his sorry plight, though he was still “soaked and sticky,” as he said jocosely. Alec went to find his coat which he had cast aside, and, returning with it presently, he made Billy remove his wet one and put on the dry garment as well as the dust-robe which lay folded upon the seat in the tonneau.
“I’ll look like an Indian with a blanket,” said Billy, laughing.
“Never mind; please put it around you tight—like this,” urged Ruth, and forthwith she wrapped it shawl-wise around Billy, who immediately ceased to demur.
She was about to spring into the car, when she paused, one foot on the running board, and looked questioningly at Alec.
“Oh, I almost forgot poor Carlo!” she exclaimed, struck by a sudden misgiving. “What can we do with him? He can’t run all the way and keep up with us, can he?”
“Not much!” was Alec’s emphatic reply. “He’s going to ride with us. There’s plenty of room in the car.”
“But he’s dripping wet!”