I want _you_ to have the first ride on that toboggan."
CHAPTER XXI
THANKS SERVED WITH HATE
It didn't take long for the Gridley boys who were most interested
in athletics to figure up that three out of the eight prizes offered
had gone to the freshman class.
More than that, the three freshmen winners were all members of
the firm of Dick & Co., Limited.
"Saturday's work, and some other things, show us that Dick & Co.
are going to be heard from a whole lot in the athletics of future
years at this school," Ben told Dick at recess Monday morning.
"Whew! But I'm sorry I'm not going to be here to watch the progress
of you freshmen!"
Monday afternoon, while he was eating the midday meal, just after
school had been dismissed, Dick received, by messenger, a note
from Lawyer Ripley, asking the young freshman to call at his office
at three o'clock.
Though actually retired, the wealthy lawyer maintained an office
in one of the big buildings on Main Street. To this office Mr.
Ripley went once in a while, to transact business.
"As I haven't a dollar in the world," smiled young Prescott, "it
is hardly likely that he has been engaged to bring a suit against
me. Oh, hang it, I know! He means to thank me for hauling Fred
out of the water. What an infernal nuisance!"
For a few minutes Dick was inclined to disregard the invitation.
He spoke to his mother about it.
"Have you any good reason for not going?" asked Mrs. Prescott.
"No, mother; except that I don't like the Ripley crowd particularly.
Pages:
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166