things when, as darkness
began to gather, the young people of the town began to assemble at the
party. They came from all directions, some of them awkward and shy, for
it was their first big affair, while others were more self-possessed.

"Well, are you ready?" asked Simon Scardale, as he called at Guy
Fletcher's house, for both had been invited to the gathering.

"Yes, but I don't care much about going. We'll have a slow time."

"Maybe we will, but I've got a little thing I want to plan out, and I
can do it there, I think. The fact is, I need money badly, and I've got
to get some."

"I hope you're not going to rob the house," remarked Guy, with a nervous
laugh.

"Of course not, but I've got a scheme that may work. Come along."

CHAPTER XV

THE CONSPIRACY

Dick stood at the entrance to the tent receiving his guests. He was a
little pale from his recent experience, but otherwise did not seem to
have suffered any ill effects.

"Well, Bricktop," he called heartily, as the sandy-haired youth
approached, his face almost the color of his locks, "I was afraid you
wouldn't come. If it hadn't been for Bricktop there wouldn't have been
any party here to-night," he went on, turning to a group of young
people. "No, nor any Dick Hamilton, either. He pulled me out in the nick
of time."

"Oh, pshaw! I didn't do anything," protested Bricktop, who hated praise.

"I think he was perfectly splendid!" exclaimed Mabel Ford, looking at
Bricktop with her big blue eyes in a way that made that modest hero
blush more fiercely than before.

"It was perfectly grand!" declared Bertha Lee, known as "Birdy" among
her friends. "How I wish I was a big, strong young man," and she gazed
admiringly at Bricktop.

"Why not a strong lady," suggested Simon Scardale, with a grin, as he
joined the group.

At his approach several girls moved away, as they did not like him. Guy
was close in Simon's wake, and both boys nodded to Dick.

"Feeling pretty fit now, old chap?" asked Simon.

"Oh, I'm all right," answered Dick.

"Feel like having a game of billiards?" went on Simon. "I'll bet you ten
dollars I can beat you on your own table."

"No, thank you," replied Dick, with a laugh. "I'm too busy looking after
my guests to-night. Besides, I don't play for money. Come over some
other time and I'll play you all you like, for fun."

"Stingy beast," muttered Simon, as Dick moved away to greet some
newcomers, "and I need the money, too."