"Not I!" cried Nellie Agnew. "I wouldn't ride on your old scooter as it is. And to combine a flying machine and iceboat—whew! I guess not."
The boys became enthusiastic, however, and they talked about it all the way home. Lance, however, kept the important idea regarding the new invention for Chet Belding's private ear.
Jess Morse enjoyed the outing that Saturday, as she always enjoyed such fun when with the Beldings; but, after all her mind was on her play. She almost lived that play nowadays!
And, to tell the truth, she began to neglect some of her studies in her concentration of mind upon "The Spring Road." Her mother praised it warmly.
"To think that I should have a daughter who may turn out to be a real genius!" cried Mrs. Morse. "Although it is so hard to get a play accepted by a first-class producer."
"No. I don't want to be a genius," said Jess shaking her head. "But I do want awfully to win that prize."
"Such a sordid child," said her mother, playfully. "I cannot imagine one's putting such emphasis on mere money. It isn't genius, after all, I fear. Our friends would call you eminently
