Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-07-17

at the boiling sun and reluctantly
agreed.
| ''But look here" interposed Bill Jen.
kins, who had been silently watching
| the procedure of the argument, mean
| time wondering what Bob had up his
| sleeve, 'how are we going to know
that you two both go all the way and
| back?"
''I'n fix that" replied Bob. dad
| is out there at the club this after
noon, and III make him be timekeeper
at that end. The race will be to ride
| out there to him and back her, and,
to make sure you both see him, I'll
make you take something and give to
him. Perky, you can take the jack
out Of the garage, and Red can take
the tire wrench. They weigh about
the same, so there won't be a handi-
cap either way
Red looked suspicious, but Porky
began to boast about his prowess,
and the resulting argument lasted
until the two contestants were stand
ing by their bicycles in front of the
house.
"Now remember" said Bob, "you
have to ride to the Country Club, find
Dad, give him your message and
ride back here. And the last man in
has to pay the club treasury a quar-.
ter. The winner will be acknowledged
the champion rider Of the club-with
the exception of Bill and me. Ready?"
Perky and Red each placed a foot
on pedal
go" shouted Bob. With a leap
both boys were on their bikes, ped
aling madly down the street. They
rounded the corner, neck and neck,
and disappeared.
No sooner were they out of sight
than Bob, with gleeful shout, dashed
to the shade of the porch and
tumbled into a chair, where he lay
yelling with laughter.
well. for cats sake" marveled
Bill. Whats up, Bob? What's it
all about? Come on, tell me-"
you'll know soon enough, when
they get back" gasped Bob. wait
a minute until I run inside. I've got
to telephone Dad that they are COM
ing. Boy. here's where the club treas
ury makes some money!
1t was almost two hours later when
Bill and Bob, still sitting in the cool
shade of the Miller porch, saw a bicy-
Gle slowly round the corner a block
away. Bill jumped to his feet.
tits Red" he cried. RED wins"
"But there comes Porky right be-
hind him." shouted Bob. "He may
catch him. Come on, fellows! Come
on!'
Bill and Bob ran into the street.
Red, bending over the handle bars as
though he could hardly pedal, glanced
up and his face bore an expression of
rage. Behind him came Porky, wiring
ing wet with the exertions of the race,
ms 10 CT fvrf Of tr. %alr
the victor.
RED wins? called Bob, as the
sandy-haired boy pulled up in front
of the house. With a glance of dis
gust at Bob. he staggered to the porch |
and Topped into seat. A minute |
later Perky had followed him.
Bob, with a grin that he tried to |
suppress. quietly took a seat near |
them-but not too near. Bill looked |
on eagerly. Finally, Red exploded. |
"Of all the dirty tricks" he growled |
that takes the cake"
''Why. what's the matter, Red?"
inquired Bob. innocently. you wop.
didn't your"
"Bob." said Porky, sadly. "I'd
never have thought it OF you. Why 7
didn't you tell us that your Dad had
a fiat tire and called you to bring |
out those tools?"
Bill glanced In wonder from Perky
to Red. and then at Bob. Then he
burst into yell of laughter.
well. 1t was this way, fellows"
said Bob, trying hard to keep his face
straight, 1T was dirty trick. But !,
why should ride clear out there
when you two wildcats were aching
for a race? And the club treasury
makes the quarter that Porky lost,
and also a dollar that Dad said he'd
give me for bringing the tools out to
him. So you see 1t was really very
profitable afternoon"
Red, his anger cooling, managed
q rather sheepish grin. Perky, sigh
ing heavily looked apDealingly at