Part 25 (1/2)

Don't delay a er than that Hustle it!”

Phil darted out and back to the car Every nerve in his body was centered on the work in hand He ran to Conley's berth and shook him

”What is it?” mumbled Billy sleepily

”Get up and come into the stateroom There is business on hand”

Billy hopped out of bed, wide awake instantly, and ran to the stateroom

Phil briefly explained the situation and what he had planned to do After he had finished Billy eyed hily

”You're a wonder,” he said ”What about breakfast?”

”I a some prepared at a restaurant But the men will not have time to eat it They may take it with them and eat it on the road”

”I'll rout out the crew,” returned Billy, hurrying back into the car

There was , but as soon as the hly awake they were enthusiastic Not a ht-faced, clean-cut young car er beat out his adversaries

By the tian to arrive These were quickly loaded with brushes, paste cans and paper, all with scarcely a sound, thein subdued tones by Phil's direction

The darkness before the daas over everything

At last all was in readiness

Phil handed each man his route

”Now, boys, it is up to you I look to you to put the Greatest out of business, for one day at least You should be out of town and on the first daub inside of thirty o with you and pick up the breakfasts; then you will go it alone

Don't leave a piece of board as big as a postage stan a brief agree in addition to the tickets you give hireement that you can copy from Make your route as quickly as you can and do it well; then hurry back here I

”Hold your tongue!” commanded Billy, ”Think this is a Fourth of July celebration?”

”Go ahead!”

Phil hopped into one of the wagons, and off they started It was but the work of a few ons, after which the men drove quickly away

Phil paid the bill But he was not yet through with his earlywork Heover to the car at once I want you to bring the day's work of lithographs and banners here, and my men ork them out from your stables I do not want the opposition car to knoe are doing until it is nearly all done”

”Whew, but you're a ind!” grinned the livery stable on wereback to the car with it The banner-raphers ere to work in town had not been awakened Phil wished theet all the sleep possible; so, with Teddy's help, he loaded the paper on the wagon and sent the driver aith it Then he awakened the rest of the men