abe,
wistfully. "Used to be some runner myself; but don't get no chanct
nowadays. But I reckon it's all right, 'cause she says I'm a-doin' fine.
Mebbe some day I can have a little fun like the rest of the fellers. I'm
a heap 'bliged to both of you for holdin' up the hoss. G'lang, Rube!"

Swish! came the whip down on the withers of the late frisky runaway, and
Gabe went helter-skelter down the road, headed for his next stopping
place.

During the late summer the public spirited citizens of Riverport, led by
Judge Colon, had started to raise funds in order to equip a much needed
gymnasium with the latest appliances required by those who would train
their muscles, and make themselves healthier by judicious exercise.

Mechanicsburg, up the river three miles, had done that for her school;
and Riverport was trying to at least equal the generous spirit of the
business men of the other town.

"Oh! the gym's just booming right along," declared Bristles,
enthusiastically. "You know they've already got a long lease on the big
rink where they used to have roller skating years ago. A cinder path has
been laid around the whole of the circuit, equal to any outdoor track
going. Great times we're going to have this winter, I tell you, Fred!"

"And, Bristles, how about the money for all the outfit--punching bags,
parallel bars, boxing gloves, basketball stuff, and all the other things
needed in an up-to-date gym?"

"Heard last night," said the other, joyfully, "that it had all been
subscribed, and the order sent on. We'll soon be in the swim for keeps.
But, while the good weather lasts let's keep outdoors. We can practice
all sorts of stunts, so as to be ready to contest with those
Mechanicsburg boys in an athletic meet. Great times ahead of us yet, old
fellow! Hope we manage to snatch some of the prizes away from our old
rivals; though they say it's just wonderful how clever they're sprinting
and jumping up-river."

"We heard that sort of talk about football, and then when the boat race
was planned didn't they say Mechanicsburg had a crew that was just a
wonder?" Fred remarked, with a pleasant and cheery laugh.

"You're right, they did, Fred; and yet we licked the spots out of 'em
both times. And we can do it some more, if we keep on practicing our
stunts as Brad wants us to. Ten to one now they haven't got as fast a
sprinter as our long legged Colon in their whole school. And when it
comes to long-distance racing they'll have