"My goodness me!" the friends heard the Central High dandy exclaim. "I weally wouldn't want to travel any faster, Ira. I—I haven't weally got my breath yet!"
"Oh, I say!" cried another voice from the ice-boat, and they recognized Lily Pendleton's. "What do you think about the prize? Did you hear?"
"Why, they haven't decided on the best play yet, have they?" returned Jess, eagerly, and before her chum could speak.
"No. But I heard they'd put it all into Mr. Monterey's hands. He's the manager of the Opera House, you know. And mother is very well acquainted with him. You girls laughed at my play"
"Not I, Lily," interrupted Laura, good-naturedly. "I was too afraid that the rest of you might have a chance to laugh at mine."
"Well, I bet I've a good chance to win. Mr. Monterey is real nice, and mother is going to see him."
"Pooh!" exclaimed Chet. "She's one of those people who think influence brings things about. Don't you be worried, girls; I bet Mr. Sharp won't let anybody get that prize through favoritism."
"That's very encouraging, Chet," said Jess.
