CHAPTER XVI. CONCLUSION.

TAKING A BIG 'GATOR. A TIGERS' HAUNT.

CHARACTERS THAT APPEAR IN THIS STORY.

=Matt King=, concerning whom there has always been a mystery--a lad of splendid athletic abilities, and never-failing nerve, who has won for himself, among the boys of the Western town, the popular name of "Mile-a-minute Matt."

=Chub McReady=, sometimes called plain "Reddy," for short, on account of his fiery "thatch"--a chum of Matt, with a streak of genius for inventing things that often lands the bold experimenter in trouble.

=Carl Pretzel=, a cheerful and rollicking German lad, who is led by a fortunate accident to hook up with Motor Matt in double harness.

=Colonel Plympton=, secretary of the Stark-Frisbie Motor Company.

=Uncle Tom=, an old darky who was once a member of a traveling dramatic company, but who is now, by self-appointment, Motor Matt's "'fishul mascot."

=Mr. Trueman=, of the Jarret Company, who gives Matt car No. 13 in the race.

=Slocum=, an unprincipled schemer, who plays a deep game.

=Sercomb=, } =Mings=, } six members of the Motor Drivers Association, some of =Higgins=, } whom prove themselves ready to go to any length to =Grier=, } keep Motor Matt out of the great race for the Borden =Finn=, } Cup. =Martin=, }