So here and now I say that I've sold my skates to Nick, and that they really belong to him at this minute.

But I reckon he'll be scared pretty badly when he faces me again, expecting the worst." Thad knew how to get in by the side door that opened on the back stairs; so he did not waste any time in ringing the bell.

Now Hugh could hear heavy footsteps.

They were coming, and the great test was about to be made.
The door opened to admit, first of all, Thad, his face filled with burning indignation, and his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Close on his heels the others also pushed into the room on the second floor, transformed into a genuine boy's den by pictures of healthy sport on the walls, besides college burgees, fishing tackle, a bass of three pounds that had been beautifully stuffed by Hugh himself to commemorate a glorious day's sport; and dozens of other things dear to the heart of a youth who loved the Great Outdoors as much as he did.
Chief Wambold looked triumphant and grim.