CHAPTER VIII.
OWEN DUGDALE'S ANNOUNCEMENT Another week of school had commenced, with winter now in full swing.
The weather seemed to have settled down to show what it could do, after such a long delay.

It was making up for lost time, some of the boys declared.

But then it could hardly be too cold for fellows warmly dressed, and who had their three hearty meals a day.

The poor might complain, because they suffered, especially when such spells were prolonged.
Deacon Winslow was seen in town more frequently than usual, he leaving the work to the charge of his assistant for an hour or so at a time.

He always carried a big basket in his wagon or sleigh; and those who knew his warm heart could easily understand that his visits were wholly at homes where there was none too much in the way of comforts and food.
During the earlier days of the week the talk was pretty much of winter sports.