"You have performed a most valuable service for me, Prescott,"
began the Sawyer again, in a heavy, solemn voice.
"You are quite welcome to the service, Mr. Ripley, and I hope
you won't think any more about it," Dick replied.
"But it is impossible that I forget it," replied the lawyer, raising
his eyebrows in some astonishment. "You saved the life of my
son, my only child."
"At not very much risk to myself, sir," smiled the freshman.
"I was able, soon after, to go in and win a skating race."
"At not much risk?" repeated the lawyer. "Why, your life was
in very considerable danger. Do you call that little?"
"Almost any of the High School fellows would have done it, Mr.
Ripley."
"But none of them did."
"Because I happened to be right at hand, and jumped in first---that
was all," Dick insisted.
"Young man, I am not going to allow you to make little of the
great service that you did me. I---ah, here comes the young man
we've been discussing." The lawyer changed the subject as Fred
entered. "Frederick, you are late, and, on an occasion of this
kind, I could hope that you would be more prompt."
"My watch was slow," replied Fred Ripley, using one hand to cover
a slight yawn.
"Don't you see who is here?" demanded his father.
"Yes, sir."
"Is that all you have to say?"
"How do you do?" nodded Dick, for Lawyer Ripley was looking curiously
from one boy to the other.
"Don't you---er---consider, Frederick, that it would be an excellent
idea if you were to offer your hand to Mr.
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