They came forward with
grave and serious mein, requesting a moment's interview. It was
plain there Was something of more than ordinary importance upon
their minds from the manner in which Stover spoke, but when Helen
quickly volunteered to withdraw, Speed checked her.
"Stay where you are; I have no secrets from you," said he. Then
noting the troubled face of the foreman, quoted impatiently:
"'You may fire when ready, Gridley.'"
Still Bill shifted the lump in his cheek, and cleared his throat
before beginning formally.
"Mr. Speed, while we honor you a heap for your accomplishments,
and while we believe in you as a man and a champeen, we kind of
feel that it might make you stretch your legs some if you knew
just exactly what this foot-race means to the Flying Heart
outfit."
"I assured you that the Centipede cook would be beaten," said the
college man, stiffly.
"Isn't Mr. Speed's word sufficient?" inquired the girl.
Stover bowed. "It had sure ought to be, and we thank you for them
new assurances. You see, our spiritual on-rest is due to the fact
that Humpy Joe's get-away left us broke, and we banked on you to
pull us even.
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