"Can't play to-day. Got an awful sore throat, and earache and toothache."
And away he ran. Preston was left staring after him, and wondering why he hadn't spoken of his sufferings before.
"He's queer, Tommy is. Don't see what he wanted to go swimming for if he's sick. Thought I should 'a' froze!"
A guilty feeling was upon Preston, which made him shiver more than the cold.
"Wish my hair wasn't so thick. Can't go home till it dries."
He played about with some boys for an hour or two, then went home. The family were all seated at dinner, and Flaxie would not eat till he came.
"I've got something you'll want to see, Flaxie. Come out here and show yourself, sir." This to his handkerchief, which he whipped out of his pocket.
"What is it? I don't see any thing," said Flaxie.
"Why, where in the world? Why, what's this?" cried Preston, in dismay.
There was nothing in the end of the handkerchief, and the knot was untied.