CHAPTER XXIV.
WORK FOR THE HEAD AND THE HANDS.
The boys were given to skylarking. Lick Milton and Phil Gawner were carrying the board. It rested on the right shoulder of one and the left shoulder of the other, with the arm above the elbow raised to keep it in place. Just before they reached the shop, Dick Short, who was half monkey in his movements, made a sudden spring, leaping upon the top of the board.
Down went the board, and down went the two boys under it. Dick turned a somerset, and came down upon his feet. Phil Gawner was not at all pleased with the incident; and, picking himself up, he rushed upon the assailant, evidently determined to thrash him for his trouble. But Dick Short had no idea of getting into a fight, and ran away as fast as his legs would carry him.
Phil chased him till they approached a tall maple whose lower limbs were at least ten feet above the ground. Dick seized hold of the tree, and went
up it like a monkey. Phil attempted to grasp his feet, but the boy-ape kicked until he was out of reach of his pursuer.
“Let me get hold of you!” exclaimed Phil, rubbing his elbows, which had suffered in his fall.
“I’ll let you get hold of me if you can,” laughed Dick.
“What are you about here? Don’t you know it is school-time?” demanded Mr. Brookbine, who was indignantly following the skylarker. “Come down out of that tree!”
“Send Phil back to the shop, and I will,” replied Dick.