“It’s a January evening, and old Hike is studying hard, in his Morris chair, on the other side of the fireplace from where I’m writing. He’s been hitting the books hard, and I guess he’ll make up that Latin.

“I think there will be some fun next spring. Besides the track team, probably we will be organizing a Santa Benicia band of Boy Scouts, and even though Hike and I do feel so awful grown up, watch us connect with all the fun.

“Lieutenant Jack Adeler is organizing the band, and he has a plan to take the scouts on a long outing next summer, down the coast below Monterey.

“I think we’ll have an exciting time, for I’ve heard that there’s a bunch of Chinese smugglers down there, in caves and so on, and horse thieves.

“So when you’re getting ready for scouting, remember that Hike and I send you a wireless ‘Hullo.’ Maybe we can even lend you some leggins or frying pans by wireless. Good luck, anyway.

“Well, I’m kind of sleepy, and there’s a fine young bed waiting for me, and

“So long!
“Poodle Darby.”

THE END

Transcriber’s Notes