One bright, clear day, when the ice was in superb condition, a daring design flashed into Seth's mind, which he made haste to share with his friend.
"How would you like to take a good long skate, Reuben?" he asked in a significant tone, which caused the other to guess that the question had a purpose behind it.
Reuben gave him a searching glance as he replied:
"That depends. Which way were you thinking of going?"
Seth paused long enough before answering to give special emphasis to his words, although he took care to utter them in a tone of well-feigned carelessness.
"Oh, up north! There's nothing to see at this end of the lake."
A smile of intelligence broke over Reuben's homely countenance. The answer was just what he expected, and he was quite ready to share its spirit.
"How far north might you be thinking of going, Seth?" he inquired.
"Until it seems best to turn back, if we don't want to stay there for good," responded Seth, returning the smile of comprehension.
"Very good. I'm willing to go with you. Shall we ask any of the others to join us?"