ming red-and-green coat, and was in
his shirt sleeves. His face was crimson from exertion, and his hair wet
with perspiration.

"Where are you going?" he called.

"We're going to play a round," I answered, with a sinking heart.

"Good; I'll go with you," he returned. "Chuck the rest of those balls
into that sack," he said to one of his caddies, "and follow me."

What could I do but say we would be delighted to have him join us? We
were waiting for him, when who should come from the club house but
Carter.

"Hello there, Carter!" shouted Harding. "Come on and play with us! This
is my first real game, and we'll make it a foursome, or whatever you
call it. What d'ye say?"

"That's fine!" declared Carter.

I happen to know that he had already made up a game with Marshall, Boyd,
and Chilvers, but he did not hesitate to abandon them for his
long-coveted chance to play with Miss Harding.

"We'll have a great game," asserted Mr. Harding mopping his brow. "How
shall we divide up? I suppose you're the best player, Carter, and Smith
comes next, but I can beat the Kid, here," patting Miss Harding on the
shoulder.

"I'll bet you cannot," I declared, angry that he should class Carter
above me.

"Bet I cannot beat my Grace?" he exclaimed. I told him that such was my
opinion.

"Of course I can beat you, papa," laughed Miss Harding. "You have never
played, and know nothing of the game. I can beat you easily."

"Talk of the insolence and ingratitude of children!" he gasped. "Kid,
I'm astonished at you! I'll teach both of you a lesson. What do you want
to bet, Smith?"

I suggested that a box of balls would suit me as a bet.

"Box of monkeys!" exclaimed Harding. "I thought you were a sport, Smith!
A box of balls don't last me as long as a box of cigarettes does Carter.
Tell you what I'll do. We'll all keep track of our shots, and for every
one I beat her you pay me a box of balls, and for every one she beats me
I pay you a box of balls. How does that strike you?"

"Take him up, Mr. Smith," said Miss Harding, a smile on her lips and a
meaning glance in her eyes. I would not have hesitated had I known it
would have cost me every dollar in the world.

"You are on, Mr. Harding," I said.

"We'll teach you a good lesson, Papa Harding," she declared, with a
confidence which surprised me. "You have never seen me play."

He roared with laughter.

"Talk about David and Goliath!" he exclaimed. "Tell you what I'll do,
Kid. I'l