"I guess you had better blame us. If we hadn't rolled that big snowball down the hill"
"Oh, but you said you didn't mean to hit the ice-boat"
"Which was true—we didn't see the ice-boat until it was too late. I hope you and your friend got home safely?"
"We did. When we reached the road we met a farmer we knew with a big sled, and he took Mary and me right to our doors."
"Do you live in Oakdale?"
"Yes,—just on the outskirts of the town,—the big brick house with the iron fence around the garden."
"Oh, I've seen that place often. You used to have a little black dog who was very friendly and would sit up on his hind legs and beg."
"Gyp! Yes, and I have him yet—and he's the cutest you ever saw! He can do all kinds of tricks. Some day, when you are passing, if you'll stop I'll show you."
"Thank you, I'll remember, and I'll be sure to stop," answered Dave, much pleased with the invitation.
"Here they come! Here they come!" was the cry, and suddenly the youth and the girl found themselves in a big body of skaters. Vera was struck on the arm by one burly man, and would have gone down had not Dave supported her.
