APTER XVII

SCRANTON'S "OPEN-HOUSE" DAY

Saturday opened with a promise of fair weather, and thousands of
anxious hearts beat high with satisfaction when this important fact
became manifest.

Before the morning was half over many strangers were noticed in town,
having taken the day off in order to attend the wonderful meet, of
which so much had been said. Every boy in Scranton was wild-eyed,
and on the run most of the time, trying to be here, there, and in
half, a dozen places at once, if such a were possible.

Indeed, there was so much going on it reminded some people of the
famous circus that visited the town two years back, with three separate
rings, and something taking place in each at the same time; so that
the spectators hardly knew how to take it all in and keep from being
cross-eyed.

Out at the athletic grounds there were crowds gathered. Men were
working at the fence, while another gang, under the orders of Mr.
Leonard, carefully put in place such paraphernalia as would be needed
in carrying out the programme. Even big pole had been well greased
for the climbing match; while the hurdles for the obstacle race where
ready to be placed in position at the proper time; and a thousand and
one other matters engaged the attention of the physical director, who
as probably the most industrious man in seven counties that Saturday A.M.

Nor was that all. Some of the would-be contestants, not wholly
satisfied with their record for proficiency, and wishing to key
themselves up top-notch speed against the now near hour of trial,
were on the ground, and in their working togs. Here a bunch galloped
swiftly around the cinder path, with one of their number holding the
watch on them to ascertain what time they made. Further along several
other fellows were jumping with might and main, and showing either
jubilation or deep chagrin as they found themselves able to do a
shade better than ever before, or else going backward in their scoring.

Indeed, that was going to be a red-letter day in the lives of all
Scranton's young people. They begrudged the passing minutes, because
their period of enjoyment would be shortened just so much with the
loss of every sixty seconds.

When Hugh came on the grounds, after his trip to Hackensack, and seeing
the hermit of the quarry once more safely lodged in the bosom of his
delighted family, he had only one regret. This was the fact that
poor K.K., whose heart had been so set on