Now, I know a heap better, and I haven't an eye on either place.

Can you fellows guess why I've taken the day off from school and why I'm going to Wilburville ?" "We surely can't," declared Dave.
"Well, then, I'll tell you," promised Tom amiably.

"I knew you two good old chaps would be going to pieces with blue funk to-day.
I knew you'd be chattering inside, and turning all sorts of colors outside.

You'd try to cheer each other, but each of you is too badly scared to be of any use to the other.

So I've come along to take up your minds, jolly you and stiffen your backbones alternately.
That's my whole job for to-day." Looking in some amazement at Reade, the other two chums realized that good old Tom was telling the truth.
"Of course, I'll admit," continued Reade, "that, if I were going on the grill to-day, I'd be worse than either of you.