The Story of Sugar | Page 6

smiled.
"I'd advise your seizing upon the first clear day for your Monadnock
tramp," Mr. Carlton continued. "You'd better make sure of good
weather when you get it. It won't make so much difference with your
other plans; but for the mountain trip you must have a good day."
"I do want Van to get the view from the top if he makes the climb,"
Bob answered.
So the chat went merrily on.
Yet despite the gaiety of the evening and Mr. Carlton's evident interest
in the boys' holiday schemes Bob more than once caught his father
furtively studying Van's profile. Obviously something either puzzled or
annoyed him. There was, however, no want of cordiality in his hearty
goodnight or in the zest with which he advocated that if the next

morning proved to be unclouded the two lads better make certain of
their mountain excursion. He even helped lay out the walk and offered
many helpful suggestions. Bob's uneasiness lest his father should not
like his chum vanished, and when he dropped into bed the last vague
misgiving took flight, and he fell into a slumber so profound that
morning came only too soon.
It was David who, entering softly to start the fire in the bedroom
fireplace, awakened Bob.
He sat up and rubbed his eyes sleepily.
"What sort of a day is it, David?" he questioned in a whisper that he
might not arouse Van, who was lying motionless beside him.
"It's a grand day, Mr. Bob. There ain't a cobweb in the sky."
David tiptoed out and Bob nestled down once more beneath the
blankets. It was fun to lie there watching the logs blaze up and see your
breath rise on the chilly air; it was fun, too, to know that no gong would
sound as it did at school and compel you to rush madly into your
clothes lest you be late for breakfast and chapel, and receive a black
mark in consequence. No, for ten delicious days there was to be no
such thing as hurry. Bob lay very still luxuriating in the thought. Then
he glanced at Van, who was still immovable, his arm beneath his cheek.
His friend's obliviousness to the world was irresistible. Bob raised
himself carefully; caught up his pillow; took accurate aim; and let it fly.
It struck Van in the head, routing further possibility of sleep.
"Can't you let a fellow alone?" he snapped.
"Wake up, you old mummy!" shouted Bob. "A great mountain climber
you are, sleeping here all day. Have you forgotten you're going up
Monadnock to-day?"
"Hang Monadnock! I was sound asleep when you lammed that pillow
at me, you heathen. What's the good of waking me up at this unearthly

hour?" yawned Van.
"It's seven o'clock."
"Seven o'clock!" Van straightened up and stared. "Why, man alive, I
haven't been asleep fifteen minutes."
"You've been lying like a log for nine mortal hours," chuckled Bob.
"Great Scott! Some sleep, isn't it? That's better than I do at
Colversham."
"Rat_her!_"
"Well, I need sleep. I'm worn out with over-study."
"You are, like--"
"I am. I'm an intellectual wreck," moaned Van. "It's the Latin."
Bob burst into a shout, which was cut short by a rap at the door.
"Time to get up, boys," called the cheery voice of Mr. Carlton. "Step
lively, please. Here's a can of hot water."
The boys wasted no more time in fooling.
They bathed, dressed, and almost before they knew it were at the table
partaking of a hearty breakfast which was capped by heaps of golden
brown pancakes rendered even more golden by the sea of maple-syrup
in which they floated.
"I'll never be able to climb anything after this meal," Van gasped as he
left the table and was thrusting his arms into his sweater.
Bob grinned.
"Don't expect us back before late afternoon, Father," he called over his
shoulder. "We've a long slow climb ahead of us because of the snow.

Probably we shall find it drifted in lots of places. Then we shall want
some time at the top of the mountain, you know. Besides, we're going
to stop and cook chops, and that will delay us. So don't worry if we
don't turn up much before dinner time."
"You're sure you know the trail, Bob?" his mother called as the
trampers went down the steps.
"Why, Mother dear, what a question! Know the trail? Haven't I climbed
that mountain so many times that I could go up it backwards and with
my eyes shut?"
"I guess that's true, Mother," agreed Mr. Carlton reassuringly.
"Good-bye, then," said Bob's mother. "Have a fine day and don't freeze
your noses."
The boys waved, and with a scuff of their snow-shoes were off.
The climb was indeed a stiff one. At first