"
Fred tried to look unconcerned; he fished mentally for something
smart to say. For once, however, his self assurance had utterly
deserted him.
"Oh---well!" he muttered, then turned and left the parlor in the
midst of a deep silence that completed his utter humiliation.
"Mr. Wright," said Laura, "I want you to know Mr. Darrin, one
of our most popular high school boys in Gridley. Dick, can't
you come over here a moment? Mr. Wright, Mr. Prescott. Our two
friends, Mr. Wright, have brought up a racing canoe. They are
camping across the lake. We hope they will arrange for races
with the Preston and Trentville High School Canoe Clubs."
"I am most glad to meet your friends," said the manager, shaking
hands with Dick and Dave. "Two of the Preston High School young
men are stopping here in the house, and the others are over at
the Lakeview House. I hope, Mr. Prescott, that we shall be able
to have some fine high school races. It will increase the gayety
of the season here."
"Thank you," said Dick. "But I am afraid, sir, that we have been
worse than neglectful---stupid.
"How so?" asked Mr. Wright, his manner quickly putting both rather
shabby-looking boys wholly at their ease.
"Why, sir," Prescott explained, "we had never thought, until this
morning, to secure authorization from the Athletic Council of
our school to represent Gridley High School. I am now engaged
in writing a letter asking for that authorization.
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