“I—I guess I wouldn’t know which to take if it was me,” answered Tom shyly. “They’re both dandy, aren’t they?”
“Know anything about these tubular ones?” asked Sidney. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pair before.”
“They’re new,” said Tom. “They look pretty strong, though.”
“They’ve got a dandy edge. I sort of think I’ll take these, Mumsie. Gee, I wish I could try them to-morrow! You skate, don’t you, Tom?”
“Not very well.”
“Ever play hockey?”
Tom shook his head. “Not real hockey, I guess. We kids used to knock a hard rubber ball or a hunk of wood around on the ice. We had goal posts, too, but I suppose real hockey is—is scientific, isn’t it?”
Sidney replied with enthusiasm that it certainly was. When Sidney was enthusiastic his brown eyes sparkled and his lean, good-looking face lighted up from the firm, pointed chin to the dark hair brushed smoothly back from the forehead. Sidney was sixteen, small-boned, and as lithe as a greyhound. As right end on the school eleven he had won laurels all season until an accident to the shoulder, that was still immovably bandaged, had laid him off. In baseball, too, in hockey, and, in fact, in all games and athletic endeavours he excelled by reason of a natural ability. He was the sort of boy who, if thrown into the water, will strike out and swim as inherently as a puppy; who if handed a baseball bat will swing it as knowingly as an experienced player. Lean, supple, and graceful, his muscles were as responsive to demands upon them as—well, as a kitten’s! And anyone who has watched a kitten at play will appreciate the simile. He had a temperament to match. He was ardent, impulsive, and at times quick-tempered. He possessed good judgment, but was liable to be biassed by his sympathies. He was extremely popular at school and something of a leader in the sophomore class. Being an only child, it was a good deal of a miracle that he had not been spoiled. Most of the credit was due to Mr. Morris, but much to Sidney himself.
While Sidney was still explaining hockey, Mrs. Morris left the room. Only Tom saw her go, for Sidney was much too interested in his subject. “I’m going out for the team,” he explained. “Why don’t you try it? Even if you don’t make it, you’ll have a lot of fun. Why don’t you!”
“I wouldn’t have time,” said Tom regretfully. “I work in Cummings and Wright’s after school every day.”