"No," said Sawtelle; "it's my sister."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'd like to oblige you, but you see how it is," said Red Dog, lamely.
"I see."
"Ta, ta, Beauty! So long!"
Sawtelle shut his lips, struck a valiant blow at an imaginary puck, and began to whistle.
'Tis a jolly life we lead
Care and sorrow we defy—
After piping forth this inspiring chorus with vigorous notes, the will gave way. He began another:
To Lawrenceville my father sent me,
Where for college I should prepare;
And so I settled down,
In this queer, forsaken town,
About five miles away from anywhere.
The bellows gave out. Overcome by the mournfulness of the last verse, he dropped wearily on the bank, continuing doggedly: