“Juniors and lower middlers have to fix up the slide after supper,” explained Small. “Put snow on the boards and wet it down so it will freeze to-night.”
Bert turned and regarded the slide which began back of the house and swept down the hill to the meadow beyond. He shook his head. “I shall be very busy this evening,” he said. “Sorry.”
“But you’ll have to!” exclaimed Small in horrified tones. “It—it’s the rule.”
“Who made the rule? I didn’t see it in the catalogue.”
“Of course not, but it’s a rule just the same. And it isn’t so hard. In fact, it’s sort of fun—if the weather isn’t very cold.”
“Well, the weather is cold to-day,” responded Bert. “Much too cold for me to go out after supper.”
“You’ll go, just the same,” said Kid with a grin.
“I think not,” replied Bert quietly. “Not only that, but I’ve made up my mind that after this I’m not going to shack for any one.”
“You can’t help yourself,” said Small. “Of course, you’re new here and don’t understand, but the juniors always shack for the seniors and upper middlers. It—it’s always been done.”
“Not by me,” replied Bert, cheerfully. “The rest of you can do it if you like, but I’ve quit.”