"Why, I thought you boys were all off down the river this morning?"
"Not all of us," answered Herbert. "I'm here."
"I see you are. But I thought the new skates were for this occasion?"
"Well, they were; but I let another boy take the job of scratching the ice. I—well, I changed my mind about going."
"Humph! I should think so."
A minute or two after Mr. Earle said, suddenly—
"Herbert, can I help you any?"
"I don't know. I guess not."
"But you need help."
"Perhaps," answered Herbert, briefly.