I'll be right back." "Go ahead," nodded Dave.
Dick started on a trot, for he had a new thought as to a possible way of securing Dan's happiness.
As young Prescott turned a corner and raced homeward, he was espied by a boy on the other side of the street.
"Hey, Dick!" challenged Hen Dutcher gleefully.

"What time is it ?" Dick flushed, but wisely made no answer.
"Humph!" muttered Hen to himself.

"Just as well his watch did get the run-off.

Now Dick Prescott won't be hauling his old timepiece out every two minutes in school to see what time it is." Dick reached home somewhat out of breath.
"Who's been chasing you ?" demanded Mr.Prescott, snatching up a cane that stood in the corner of the parlor.

He assumed a ferocious expression, which, with one of as peaceable a disposition as Dick's father possessed, looked more than out of place.
"I haven't got time to joke, dad," objected the boy, dropping into a chair.