something to discuss that will be of great interest to you," added
Mrs. Butler with a knowing smile.

"W-e-l-l," answered Tad. "If you think I ought to, of course I
will. "What are you going to do?"

"I am going out to take tea with Mrs. Secor. I will leave your supper
in the oven and you can help yourself. Besides, it will do Jinny fully
as much good as it will you to have a rest. Have you seen Mr. Perkins
to-day?"

"No. Why?"

"He said something about wanting you to drop in soon, when I saw him
downtown this morning," answered Mrs. Butler softly. "Now, run along
and attend your important meeting, my boy."

"All right," answered Tad cheerily, after a second's hesitation. He
ran lightly from the house, whistling a merry tune as he went.

Arriving at the headquarters of the club, he found all the members
there awaiting him.

"Hello! How's the skate!" they cried in chorus.

"Howdy, fellows," greeted the freckle-faced lad with a pleased
smile. "Jinny goes when the automobile doesn't. Give me a horse every
time. How's the new pony, Chunky? Been too busy to drop in to look him
over."