Andy put down the firearm, and packing was resumed, Jack going into the house to obtain a carving-knife for the trip.
At last the sled was loaded, and covered over with an old rubber horse-blanket which Mr. Woodruff gave to Boxy. The load was strapped on as tightly as possible, and over it was placed the stick Jack had mentioned, the two ends sticking out and downward nearly two feet on either side.
“Now we are all ready for the start,” observed Andy, as he surveyed what had been done. “How I wish it were Monday morning, so that we wouldn’t have to wait.”
“You mustn’t forget the rides to-night on the Buster,” said Harry. “It may be the last time we can use the toboggan this winter.”
“Oh, I guess the snow will keep until we get back,” said Andy. “But I am right ready for the sport to-night, nevertheless.”
The packed sled was locked up in the barn, and the boys repaired to their various homes for supper.
“Well, Harry, all ready?” smiled Mrs. Webb, who took a keen interest in her son’s doings.
“All ready, mother,” he returned. “Is supper ready? We are going tobogganing for the last time to-night.”
“Yes, you can have supper at once, Harry. But I want some wood brought in first.”
“That’s so! I didn’t mean to forget it!” he cried, and, dashing out into the woodshed, which he had piled high with split wood ready for the stove, the boy brought in an armful. “Paul Larkins has promised to bring in wood and do errands for you while I am away,” he said. “So you won’t miss me so very much.”