“Not at all,” denied Dick indignantly. “He naturally chortles a little at times.”
“Oh, was he chortling? I thought he was champing his bit. Hello, see who’s here!” added Gordon, as the car swayed across B Street. A lusty shouting was heard, and Fudge came racing along the sidewalk. Dick stopped.
“W-w-where you going?” panted Fudge. “Take me, too, Dick. You haven’t given me a ride yet!”
“All right,” laughed Dick. “Open the door and sit on the edge there, Fudge. But don’t drag your big feet and stop the car.”
“Oh, just for a ride,” replied Dick, throwing in his clutch again after a calculating survey of the empty street.
“The Springdale road’s pretty good,” suggested Gordon, with a wink at Fudge.
“I thought I’d run out toward the Point,” said Dick carelessly. “You don’t meet many teams that way.”
“By the way,” asked Gordon, “when do they move in?”
Dick laughed. “Who said anything about the Brents, you idiot?”
“No one; only you spoke of going to the Point. You can drop Fudge and me at the hotel. We don’t want to be in the way.”
“Oh, you run along and play!” said Dick good-naturedly. “If you really want to know when they’re coming back to town, I’ll tell you. They’re going to move in next Wednesday. Morris says it’s too hard to get to school on time. And since football practice has begun——” Dick broke off to negotiate a corner.
“Morris is crazy to think he can play this Fall,” said Fudge. “He will bust his leg again. You’ll see.”
“He’s going to try, anyway,” said Gordon. “They’re going to mark out the gridiron this morning, Dick.”
“That so? Oh, by the way, I heard from Harold. I’ve got his letter here somewhere. Steady the wheel a minute, Gordie, will you?” Dick drew forth an envelope from his pocket and handed it across. “Read it aloud.”
“‘Dear Dick,’” read Gordon, “‘I passed all right. Only I have got to do some extra Math this term. I was sort of rotten on Math. Old Penny (he’s the principal) says I did better than lots of fellows who come here. Loring said I was to thank you, and I do awfully, Dick. You were fine and dandy to me, and I am sorry I was such a rotter at first. And I am very sorry about the Math. It wasn’t your fault, Dick. Please remember me to the fellows, and tell them I am coming back next year. I am going out for the junior baseball team next week and maybe next summer I can play for you, Dick, if you want me. Loring says remember him to you, and so no more at present from your firm friend, Harold.’”