l headquarters where
the various committees appointed could consult, and go forth to the
work assigned to their particular charge.

The girls were just as enthusiastic as the boys, and demanded equal
representation upon a number of the said committees, especially the
ones designed for the welcome and entertainment of the vast crowds
expected to be present from neighboring towns and villages.

It was going to be an event long to be remembered in Scranton, and
the town dressed in gala attire in honor of the occasion. Flags and
banners were being displayed as though a great wave of patriotism had
overwhelmed the place. If a stranger had suddenly dropped down on
the town just then he must have believed American soldiers were on
the fighting line across in France, and that news had been cabled
over to the effect that they had met the enemy in their first
engagement, and won a decisive victory.

The fairly good town brass band had promised to be on hand, and play
during the best part of the afternoon. Then there would be a host of
refreshment booths at which Scranton's fairest daughters would
preside, accompanied in each instance by a matron of mature years, to
lend dignity to the occasion. Here the good folks from Allandale,
Belleville and other places, who honored the town with their presence
would always be warmly welcomed, and given a cup of delicious tea,
coffee or chocolate, as they preferred, accompanied with sandwiches
galore, and even cake.

Meanwhile it was planned that those who meant to take part in any of
the events on the long programme should have a last "workout" that
Friday afternoon. Saturday morning it was intended they should rest
up, so as to be in the pink of condition when the meet opened at one
o'clock.

That might seem to be an early hour, as some had argued, but the
programme was so extended that there was a possibility of darkness
creeping up on them before the fifteen-mile Marathon, the greatest
event of the day, had been fully completed.

During that energetic morning at school, when boys and girls were
hustling to carry out the part of the work entrusted to them, Hugh
had managed to keep an eye on Leon Disney from time to time. He felt
pretty certain that the tricky boy had no intention of fulfilling the
promise he had made under duress, and while a threat of exposure hung
over his head, like the famous sword of Damocles, suspended by but a
single hair.

Leon watched Hugh also, an