human
Do you want to go coasting, Grandpa?
gpt
Well, no, I don't believe I do, Grandpa Horton replied.
human
You see, your daddy asked me to go down to the office with him this morning, and I think I will. Perhaps I'll come around and see you coast down once or twice, if not to-day, to-morrow. Is there a good hill for coasting in this neighborhood?
gpt
There is only one hill in the whole city, Mrs. Horton explained.
human
I suppose all the children in Centronia will be there this morning. Don't you think Sunny Boy is too little to go alone, Daddy?
gpt
Oliver Dunlap and Nelson Baker will go, Mother, said Sunny Boy anxiously.
human
All the fellows are going, Daddy.
gpt
I think Sunny Boy will be all right, he said.
human
I know that new sled will rust its runners if it isn't used pretty soon. Sunny must not stay a minute later than you wish him to, and if the hill is too crowded, let him come home. You can have fun with your sled in more ways than just using it for coasting, you know, Son.
gpt
Your grandmother and I are going over to Aunt Bessie's for lunch, dear, Mrs. Horton said to Sunny Boy, who had already finished his breakfast.
human
Harriet will give you yours. Don't stay out on the hill longer than half-past eleven. Have you your sweater on, precious?
gpt
Yes'm, nodded Sunny Boy.
human
May I be excused, Mother? That's Nelson whistling for me. I won't forget. Good-bye. I have to hurry.
gpt
Hello! called Nelson Baker, as Sunny Boy came out on his front steps, dragging his new sled with him.
human
Did you know it snowed in the night? Can you go coasting?
gpt
Yes. And let's stop for Oliver, suggested Sunny Boy.
human
Oh, Nelson, your mother is rapping on the window for you.
gpt
Gee, I bet Ruth wants to go coasting, said Nelson crossly.
human
I never wanted to do anything in my life, Ruth didn't want to, too. I think girls are just horrid!
gpt
Nelson! called Mrs. Baker, raising the window,
human
I told you so! groaned Nelson.
gpt
Now I can't have a hit of fun. Ruth will cry because the sled goes too fast and she'll cry because her feet are cold and she'll cry because she gets tired walking up the hill. And then she will want to come home just when I am having a good time and I'll have to bring her. I wish Mother would make her stay in the house.