The Grammar School Boys in Summer Athletics | Page 9

all the fines you
incur. This is a matter of life and death."
The speaker and his two men crowded into the car.
"You come, too," called the tall one to Dick.
"Is there room for one other boy?" asked Dick.
"Yes; we can squeeze him in."
"Want to come, Dave?" Dick inquired.
Darrin was by his chum's side in an instant.

"Let out the speed!" ordered the tall man. "Prescott will tell you where
to go."
Four members of Dick & Co. had been worrying about their suppers,
but now not one of them but would have waited indefinitely for a
chance to go on that one especial auto trip.
"Greg, tell my folks where I've gone, and why," Dick shouted back.
Then---whizz! The automobile was down the street and around a corner
before anyone could say "Jack Robinson!"

Chapter III
DICK MARCHES HIS NINE ON
The automobile party arrived just in time to see the blazing roof of the
little cottage crash inward, sending up a shower of sparks against the
sky of the dying day.
"I hope Amos wasn't inside, hurt and helpless!" gulped the tall stranger,
leaping outside. "But why hasn't the fire department been out here?"
"The Gridley fire department doesn't respond outside of city limits,
except on request and by permission of the mayor, sir," Prescott
answered.
"I'll drive down and telephone any message for you," offered the
chauffeur, who had left his ear behind and had traveled on foot up to
the cottage.
"Firemen would be of little use now," replied the man in charge of the
party. "We can do nothing until the blazing embers cool, which won't
be for hours yet. Still, We might go as close to the blaze as possible,
and see if there are any signs of a human body in the embers."
While this was being done darkness came down over the summer day.

There was plenty of light, however, around the destroyed cottage.
For some time the searchers explored as well as the heat of the glowing
embers would permit.
"I am satisfied," said the tall man at last, "that no human being was
consumed in this fire. If so, we would certainly see some evidences of
remains. Still, these ashes, when cool, must be searched."
"You don't need me any more, do you, sir?" asked Dick.
"Is it near your bedtime yet?" smiled the stranger.
"I haven't had my supper yet," Prescott smiled. "Neither has Darrin."
"Bless me! What a brute I am to forget a boy's stomach!" cried the tall
one. "Here," taking a banknote from his pocket, "I will have the
chauffeur drive you back to town and then return for us. Take this
money and get the best supper you can for two, at the best restaurant in
Gridley."
"Thank you, sir," replied Dick, shrinking back; "our parents wouldn't
allow us to do that."
"Are your parents any easier on such questions?" smiled the stranger,
turning to Darrin.
"Not a bit, sir, thank you," Dave responded.
"I may at least pay you something for your kindness and trouble in
coming out here with me," urged the stranger, still offering the cash.
But both boys shook their heads, declining with thanks. Neither had
been reared to accept money for doing a human kindness.
"If you don't need us any more," Dick went on, "we'll just find the road
and jog back."
"If you won't accept anything else," retorted the tall man, "you will at

least allow me to send you back in the auto. And you will also accept
the thanks of John Winthrop, and of Colonel Garwood, whom I
represent."
Both boys protested, with thanks, that they were able to get home on
their own feet. Mr. Winthrop, however, insisted on their going in the
car. Truth to tell, both youngsters had used their feet so much that day
that they did not object to being taken home.
"I hope you will find your man, sir, and alive," Dick called, as he and
Dave were leaving.
"I believe that we shall," replied Mr. Winthrop. "Yet it will be by
beginning the search from this point."
The chauffeur drove them home in good time, for he was under orders
to report back to Mr. Winthrop as speedily as possible.
Neither Dick nor Dave had any trouble in getting a late supper served at
home.
"You've brought home a good tale, as you often do, to pay your mother
for her extra trouble," laughed Mr. Prescott.
"I hope that poor, half-witted fellow didn't destroy himself in his own
fire," murmured Dick, as he fell to at the meal.
By morning the people of Gridley knew that the ruins of the abandoned
water-works cottage had been explored, and that the remains of Amos
Garwood had not been