"What's wrong now, teacher?"
"Axes are for cutting wood, not ice. I'll bet you nicked it."
Ellis shrugged. "Live and learn. I won't do it again."
He seemed irritable, depressed, and Joe stole a sidewise glance at him. "A penny for your thoughts."
"You'd be cheated," Ellis grinned sheepishly.
"Say, what are you so gosh darn low about?"
"I'm not low. Are you coming over tonight?"
"The kids will be over. I have work to do."
"Don't you ever think of anything else?"
"Can't. When you're an old man like me, with a bunch of youngsters looking to you, you won't be able to either."