"No, you don't, Clip," said Chub. "We're going to have a feast here, and you're invited. Besides, I've got something to say to you. In the eyes of the McReady outfit, and of old Perk, the ex-heathen, you stand as high as Bunker Hill monument. Now, listen. I threw that rock down by the canal, and I threw it at Perry----" "I know," answered Clip. "Got it out of Drake." "Are we pards? If I've ever said anything you don't like, I ask your pardon. How's that? Shucks! I'm so plumb happy this afternoon I want to be at peace with all creation. Shake!" Chub extended his hand, and Clipperton, with a slow, quiet smile rarely seen on his face, caught the same heartily. "I've been foolish," said Clip, shaking hands all around. "It takes experience to show us some things. I've had a heap of experience since last night. But I don't want to butt in. It's your supper-party----" "Get away if you can!" snorted Chub, "I----" The sounder in the corner began to click. Chub broke off abruptly and leaped for the machine. "Dry up, all of you!" he cried. "Delray's telling me something." "He must have fixed the machine, then," said Matt. "It went wrong a little just after we had got through with it at the Bluebell." "She's all right now, anyway. Listen to this: Delray wants to know if Matt got here in time for the race. Watch me knock the tar out of the ether in sending him the news!" Chub grabbed the key and rattled away at it until the spark-gap was fairly blue. "I reckon that will put _him_ next," laughed Chub; "hear what he's sending now--it's just one word--'Hooray!'" A few minutes later a jolly party sat around the dining-table. Matt interrupted the flow of conversation to do a little justice to one who had not, as yet, been prominently mentioned. "I want to propose a toast," said he, "and we'll drink it in Adam's ale--standing, if you please." The party arose and picked up their water-glasses. "I give you Miss Susie McReady," said Matt, "without whose efficient aid I should never have been able to get here from the Bluebell or to meet O'Day!" "Hear, hear!" yelped Welcome Perkins, pounding with his wooden leg. Susie blushed crimson and sank into her chair. "Just a minute, before you sit down," said Chub. "Allow _me_ to give you Tom Clipperton, who was jointly responsible with Miss McReady for the success of Motor Matt. Tom Clipperton, the fastest boy on the mile and the twenty miles in Phoenix High or any other school!" This was greeted with cheers and it could be seen that Clip was mightily pleased. A warm glow smoldered in his dark eyes. "Jest one more," piped Welcome, "an' keep on yer feet. I'm givin' ye ole Lucretia Borgia, who's more dangerous than what she looks--I mean, looks more dangerous than what she is. Lucretia Borgia, notches an' all, pards!" A roar of laughter greeted this toast.