As time went by Dave longed more than ever to meet his father and his sister, and how he went in search of them I leave the pages which follow to relate. As before, Dave is bright, manly, and honest to the core, and in those qualities I trust my young readers will take him as their model throughout life.
Once more I thank the thousands who have taken an interest in what I have written for them. May the present story help them to despise those things which are mean and hold fast to those things which are good.
VII. HOW JOB HASKERS WENT SLEIGH-RIDING 59
In a twinkling the turnout was upset (page 206) _Frontispiece_
Roger shoved it aside and it struck Isaac Pludding full on the stomach 25
"Can't stop, I'm on the race-track!" yelled Shadow 58
The mule shied to one side and sent Dave sprawling on the ice 101
What was left of the camp-fire flew up in the air 120
Once they ran close to a three-masted schooner 160
"Out with the lot of them! I will take the rooms" 229
Dave received a blow from a rough paw that sent him headlong 267
"Yes, and there is Phil waiting for us," answered Dave Porter. He threw up the car window hastily. "Hi, there, Phil, this way!" he called out, lustily.
A youth who stood on the railroad platform, dress-suit case in hand, turned hastily, smiled broadly, and then ran for the steps of the railroad car. The two boys already on board arose in their seats to greet him.
"How are you, Dave? How are you, Ben?" he exclaimed cordially, and shook hands. "I see you've saved a seat for me. Thank you. My, but it's a cold morning, isn't it?"
"I was afraid you wouldn't come on account of the weather," answered Dave Porter. "How are you feeling?"
"As fine as ever," answered Phil Lawrence. "Oh, it will take more than one football game to kill me," he went on, with a light laugh.
"I trust you never get knocked out like that again, Phil," said Dave Porter, seriously.
"So do I," added Ben Basswood. "The game isn't worth it."
"Mother thought I ought to stay home until the weather moderated a bit, but I told her you would all be on this train and I wanted to be with the crowd. Had a fine Thanksgiving, I suppose."
"Yes, we had a splendid time," added Dave Porter, "only I should have been better satisfied if I had received some word from my father and sister."