human
he called.
gpt
Where you going--home?
human
I'm going to the hill to get Sarah, Rosemary explained.
gpt
Hugh says she'd coast till breakfast time if no one stopped her and I believe she would. Where's your sled? Haven't you been out to-day? They say the coasting is fine.
human
I know it is, but I haven't had time to try it, worse luck! growled Jack, falling into step beside Rosemary as they walked on.
gpt
The Common Council has sent out a call for the snow cleaning gangs again and I've been trying to round the fellows up.
human
Yes, I suppose the streets are piled up, agreed Rosemary.
gpt
When are you expected to start work--not to-night?
human
To-morrow morning, the boy replied.
gpt
But there won't be more than six of us.
human
Six! repeated Rosemary in astonishment.
gpt
Why I thought there were twelve in each gang.
human
There were, said Jack briefly.
gpt
But, you see, it is holiday week, and no one wants to work. The only five I can get are Norman Cox, Eustice Gray, Jerry and Fred Gordon and Ben Kelsey. I'm the sixth. Two of the others are away and the rest are going on a sleighing trip up to the woods.
human
Where's Frank Fenton? demanded Rosemary.
gpt
Can't he make 'em work?
human
Oh, he's going on the ride, too, explained Jack.
gpt
A bunch are going, girls and boys and three of the teachers will chaperone. They go up to a camp, you know, and build a big fire and dance and have a good time. Frank says it won't hurt to wait a day or two. I think he's hoping the snow will melt.
human
What about the dramatic fund? inquired, Rosemary, not intentionally sarcastic.
gpt
I thought they wanted the money.
human
Too soon after Christmas, grinned Jack.
gpt
No, I guess the six of us will have to represent the school. Is that Sarah over there with the red hat?
human
Yes, it is, answered Rosemary, beckoning to her sister.
gpt
Didn't you want to go on the ride, Jack? Or the other boys?
human
Well I don't care so much, replied Jack slowly.
gpt
Of course I'd have a good time, but I can live without a sleigh ride. I'm sorry on the fellows' account though--they wanted to go with some girls and they don't have much fun. I hated like time to ask them to come and shovel snow to-morrow morning. As Eustice says most of the school fun costs too much for him, but this wasn't going to be expensive.
human
Couldn't you wait just one day?
gpt
It's understood that we stand ready to help the Council out, he said in a business-like manner.
human
They depend on us, and it isn't their fault the snow came during the holidays. We were glad enough to get the chance before and I think it looks mighty cheap to try to beg off now just because it isn't convenient to work. I'm going to be on deck to-morrow morning if I'm the only one who turns up.