_Bob._ What’s the use in my attempting to race? Anyhow, I shall be the last in. It’s just my luck!
_Harry._ Don’t growl, Bob. It’s just your luck to be the best fellow in the world. What could we do without you? All the small boys swear by you. If they’re in trouble, who so quick to help as Bob Winders? If there’s an old lady within ten miles wants an armful of firewood, who so quick to bring it as Bob Winders? If I was in trouble, and wanted the help of a friend, a real friend, there’s no one I would call on sooner than Bob Winders.
_Bob._ Bully for you, Harry. I’d go through fire and water for you; for you’ve helped me through many tight places: but it’s no use: I shall lose the race. It’s just my luck!
_Harry._ Do your best, Bob. Come, lads, let’s be off.
_Dilly._ Yes: the race, the race,--hurrah for the race of the Red, White, and Blue!
(_Exit DILLY and HARRY, LUCY and BOB; MRS. LORING and FRED about to follow. Enter DR. HARLEM, R._)
_Doctor._ Mrs. Loring, one moment; that is, if you have no important business.
_Mrs. L._ Will you excuse me, Mr. Hastings, one moment? (_FRED bows and exits, C._) I was merely going to see the race on the lake. The young people desired it; and, really, I felt myself almost a girl again.
_Doctor._ I will detain you but a moment. I have just received an anonymous epistle, which annoys me very much. It is not the first I have received. It refers to Harry.
_Doctor._ Yes. I am advised by an unknown friend to keep my eye on him, as he is in the habit of keeping bad company. Mrs. Loring, have you seen any thing wild about him for the last two months?
_Mrs. L._ No, nothing more than usual. Since school commenced, he has taken part in many of the frolics to which boys are accustomed. I think he will behave more soberly when they are all gone.
_Doctor._ I am exceedingly anxious. I have heard of his pranks in the village: I have also heard he is somewhat in debt.
_Doctor._ You take it very coolly, Mrs. Loring.
_Mrs. L._ Because I have full faith in Harry. Certain friendships he has formed must, of necessity, be broken to-day; and when he is once more with us, believe me doctor, he will be our own Harry again.
_Doctor._ I hope you are right, Mrs. Loring. Should harm come to that boy, it would kill me. I have set my heart on making a noble man of him; and, should he fail me-- (_Enter DILLY, C._)