CHAPTER XIV
HE BUYS VALENTINES
Sid made one more effort to cope with Miss Martin's suddenly aggressive fiancé. John came upon the couple one late, crisp January afternoon, as he was leaving for the paper route. Louise did her best to appear nonchalant as he picked his way carefully across the slippery, wagon-rutted road, and Sid, after a longing glance toward the iron fence which surrounded the home lot, decided to brazen matters out.
"'Nother chop-suey sundae?" John sneered as he eyed his rival scornfully.
"'Tain't fair, always talking about that," blurted Sid. "How'd I know the money I'd need when I left home?"
John deemed the excuse unworthy of notice, and turned to Louise.
"What's he want this time?"
"Go skating with him," she replied after a moment's hesitation.
"Then ask you to have a treat in the warming house, and let you pay for it 'cause he didn't bring enough money. I'll teach you to skate—tonight if your mother'll let you. Silvey said the ice was fine yesterday, and everything'll be peachy. Want to come?"