By the time the boat drew up in front of the boathouse Matt and McGlory, in full regalia, were out to welcome their guests.
Lorry, senior, and his daughter were firm friends of Motor Matt. They realized fully how much the young motorist had done for George.
"A surprise party, Matt!" cried George. "I'll bet you weren't expecting the Lorrys, eh?"
"Always glad to receive callers," smiled Matt, grabbing the rope Gus threw to him and making it fast to a post.
"We've got to see the Sprite, Matt," said Ethel. "All our hopes are wrapped up in the Sprite, you know."
"And in Motor Matt," chuckled the millionaire, beside her.
A vivid flush suffused Ethel's cheeks, though just why her emotions should express themselves was something of a mystery.
The party debarked and was conducted into the boathouse. Matt opened the doors at the other end of the building and admitted a good light for inspecting the boat.
All three of the boys were intensely proud of the Sprite. In her fresh coat of varnish she looked as spick and span as a new dollar.
McGlory was a nephew of Mr. Lorry's, and, while he was explaining things at one end of the boat to "Uncle Dan," Matt was performing the same service for Ethel at the other end of the craft.