"I reckon that will put _him_ next," laughed Chub; "hear what he's sending now--it's just one word--'Hooray!'"
A few minutes later a jolly party sat around the dining-table. Matt interrupted the flow of conversation to do a little justice to one who had not, as yet, been prominently mentioned.
"I want to propose a toast," said he, "and we'll drink it in Adam's ale--standing, if you please."
The party arose and picked up their water-glasses.
"I give you Miss Susie McReady," said Matt, "without whose efficient aid I should never have been able to get here from the Bluebell or to meet O'Day!"
"Hear, hear!" yelped Welcome Perkins, pounding with his wooden leg.
Susie blushed crimson and sank into her chair.
"Just a minute, before you sit down," said Chub. "Allow _me_ to give you Tom Clipperton, who was jointly responsible with Miss McReady for the success of Motor Matt. Tom Clipperton, the fastest boy on the mile and the twenty miles in Phoenix High or any other school!"
This was greeted with cheers and it could be seen that Clip was mightily pleased. A warm glow smoldered in his dark eyes.
"Jest one more," piped Welcome, "an' keep on yer feet. I'm givin' ye ole Lucretia Borgia, who's more dangerous than what she looks--I mean, looks more dangerous than what she is. Lucretia Borgia, notches an' all, pards!"
"Now, it's my turn," said Clip. "Take this one from me. I give you Matt King. A firm friend and a generous foe. Mile-a-minute Matt, King of the Motor Boys! Motor Matt, the best ever!"
Bedlam was at once let loose, and Welcome Perkins made a noise like a menagerie at feeding-time. Matt, raising his hand, kept his friends on their feet.
"I want to give you just one more, pards," said he, "and what Clip said about a 'generous foe' reminds me of the duty. I give you O'Day, Dace Perry, Ratty Spangler and Tubbits Drake. What's the use of holding any sort of a grouch at this joyous time? If they can't be friends of ours, let's treat them honestly as foes. Will you take them?"
A scowl had leaped to Clipperton's face. The toast was intended for him, for his was a nature that rarely forgave an injury. Perry had gained his enmity and Matt was seeking to bridge the gulf to the extent of keeping Clip from taking the offensive and doing something he might be sorry for.