“Then I will telephone to Woodock to bring two good wheels for them. No trouble at all. I made arrangements to provide five wheels, if necessary.” He went into the hotel and telephoned for the wheels. Fifteen minutes later Woodock and Wallace arrived with the extra wheels, which Hodge and Diamond immediately adjusted to suit them. The wheelmen gathered swiftly when seven o’clock arrived, and a few minutes after the hour struck the party started from in front of the hotel, with Dustan, Merriwell, Diamond and Hodge leading. It seemed that all the boys of the city were on hand to watch them start, and the youngsters set up a great yelling as they rode away. Along the pleasant street they pedaled in the cool shadows of the tall trees. Handsome residences were to be seen on either hand, and Diamond found a novelty in mentally contrasting them with the houses of the South. To him, despite the fact that the Northern houses were tasty and pleasant, there was something about a Southern dwelling that satisfied him far better. Had he been asked to tell just what that something was, he could not have done so, but he felt it was a certain distinctive air that belonged to the South. For a moment something like a strong feeling of homesickness swept over him. He remembered how little time he had spent at home since entering college, and a sense of guilt settled upon him. To himself he seemed half a traitor. “But I am a Southerner still!” he mentally exclaimed. “Nothing can wean my heart from the South. The North is smart and bustling and pleasant, but it is not like my dear Virginia home. No matter where I may go, I know my heart will always turn back to Old Virginny.” At length they came to the forks of the road where Northport Avenue began. Just as they reached the fountain at the forks, down from the other street came eight young lady cyclists, merrily ringing their bells. The boys answered in a similar manner as the young ladies approached. Dustan explained that they were friends of the club members, and they were chaperoned by a young married woman whose husband belonged to the wheelmen. Mabel Mischief and Hattie Hazle were with the party. They bowed to Frank. A flush came into Bart’s cheeks as his eyes rested on Mabel. “Jove!” he muttered. “What a stunning girl!” “Which one?” asked Merry. “The one with light hair.” “Keep away! I met her first.” “Then I haven’t a show,” came ruefully from Bart. “I don’t suppose you will introduce a fellow?” “Well, did I ever refuse anything of the kind? When the opportunity comes, I will introduce you.” Bart watched for the opportunity. He saw Mabel and Hattie racing for the lead, laughing as they did so. Hattie won, and Mabel stopped trying, so that Frank soon was at her side. Then Bart pushed forward so that he was abreast of them and coughed. Frank took the hint, and the desired introduction followed. Bart lifted his cap gracefully.