“Why didn’t you?” asked Bob.
“Oh, I carried things for some fellows once,” chuckled Tom, “and I don’t do it again in a hurry.”
The boys laughed heartily at this hint of the time when some chums at Springville Academy got Tom to carry a heavy chain several miles to tap a bee-tree that did not exist.
“Besides,” added Tom, “I’m too fat to climb trees, so I’m no use except to have fun with.”
The party trooped down the pleasant country road, joking, singing, and hailing every farmer they met. Dick Hazelton met them about half a mile out of town.
“Here’s our guide,” shouted Sammy.
“Yes,” cried Dick, “and I’m going to lead you to the biggest raft of hickory nuts you ever laid your eyes on.”
“Jolly!” shouted Sammy, waving his cap in glee.
“I went over to the flats this morning early,” said Dick. “I tell you the nuts are prime for picking.”