“What’s an ordeal?” demanded the watchful Mr. Higman.
“I am,” replied Miss Ames.
“Yep: I’m on,” observed her youthful admirer, enlightened. “Mr. Wade on the School Board made us a talk Sat’day, about ordeals. Said each one of us should adopt a high ordeal and stick to it. If you’re one, and I got to do it, I choose to adopt you.”
“Buddy,” said his rival.
“Yep?”
“Will you sell out your claim for a dime?”
“No, sir!”
“For a quarter?”
“Nope.”
“Foradol—”