The stage had passed, by this time, and they were walking towards the ford. When they reached it, Willy, nothing daunted, drew off his stockings and shoes, and began to roll up his pantaloons.
"Look here, Billy; if you see any fun in this business, I don't!"
"Fun? O, but we don't spect that, you know," said heroic Willy, stepping into the stream.
"Cold as ice, I know by the way you cringe," said lazy Fred, who had not yet untied his shoes.
"Come on, Fred; who minds the cold?"
"Now wait a minute, Billy. I hadn't got through talking. I'm not going to kill myself for nothing; I want some fun out of it."
"Do come on and behave yourself," called back Willy; "when we get rich we'll have the fun."
"Well, go and get rich then," cried Fred; "I shan't stir another step! My father's got money enough, and I needn't turn my hand over."
Willy stopped short.
"But you are going to the Forks with me?"