Accordingly, when the bully proposed putting Harry Watson to the test, the other boys sat down on the double-runner, taking good care to leave the steering seat vacant.
“When I shove off, everybody stand up!” whispered Pud. Then he exclaimed aloud:
“Hey, Watson! Can you steer a sled?”
Stopping as he heard his name, Harry looked toward the group of boys.
“Sure thing, if you’d like to have me,” he answered. “My name is Harry Watson.”
“And mine’s Pud Snooks,” announced the bully. Then bowing in mock seriousness, he continued:
“That fancy blonde behind me is Elmer Craven. He is the richest and most famous personage we have at Rivertown High. Twice a week he goes across the river to Lumberport, and he believes that Viola Darrow is never happy when——”
“Oh, cut it out, Pud!” growled Elmer.
With a grin, the bully went on with his introductions.
“The next exhibit is Socker Gales, and the specimen with the ten-foot reach is Longback, whom his family calls Sam Dalton. Now just take the ropes and I’ll push off. We’re a precious load, as I hope I’ve made clear to you, so don’t tip us over!”