"It is nothing serious, really, upon my honor! Your father's all right,--so is Phil,--our lively friend Pierre is the victim.

The fact is, we've had some trouble with Sigurd.

I can't think what has come to the boy! He was as amiable as possible when we started, but after we had climbed about half-way up the mountain, he took it into his head to throw stones about rather recklessly.

It was only fun, he said.

Your father tried to make him leave off, but he was obstinate.