"Well," said Billy, "we'll pull you across. Take hold, boys."
"I declare!" began Uncle Josh; but the boys had seized the rope, and were off in a twinkling.
"It's fun," they heard him mutter; "but what would Sister Sanders say?"
"There she is!" exclaimed Billy, "right down by the shore. She's come to see us skate."
"Hold on, boys! hold on! Let me get my skates off."
But there were so many boys pulling and pushing around that sled that before they could all let go and stop it, the pond had been nearly crossed, and there was Mrs. Sanders.
Uncle Josh did not seem to see her at all, and only said, "Now, boys, just unbuckle my skates for me, will you?"
It would have been done more quickly if there had not been so many to help, and by the time one skate was loose, Uncle Josh was laughing again.
"Deacon Parmenter!"
"Is that you, Sister Sanders? They're all safe—every boy of them. Just wait a moment now, and they'll be ready for you."