“Yes—yes, that’s just it!” the large girl exclaimed. “It means a great deal to you young folks, that race.”
“A terrible lot.”
“And if I should go in and win—”
“You’d be the girl of the hour. Then, why, we’d ride you in triumph on our shoulders.”
“Good, broad shoulders,” Florence smiled. “And you don’t think of me as an outsider?”
“Certainly not. Anyone related to Pop Kennedy just couldn’t be an outsider. Besides, you’re a member of the club, aren’t you?”
“Thanks—I—I just sort of wanted to know. I’ll be going.” Florence turned away.
“No. Wait. There’s something father told me last night. You pass it on to Jodie if I don’t see him first. Tell him to keep a good watch on his dogs. There are things they do, you know, dope them or something, that slows them up.”
“But that old-timer rival of his, Smitty, wouldn’t do that?” Florence was shocked.
“No. Not Smitty. He’s a real sport. Win fair or not at all. So are the others going in, Scot Jordan and Sinrock Charlie. They’ll play fair.”