to try and find a single Scranton boy above the age of ten, and sound
of wind, who had not taken advantage of the generous invitation to
place his name on the records, and go in for training along a certain
line. Those who could not sprint, leap the bars, throw hammer or
discus, or do any other of the ordinary stunts, might, at least, have
some chance of winning a prize in the climbing of the greased pole,
the catching of the greased pig, the running of the obstacle race,
or testing their ability to hop in the three-legged race, where each
couple of boys would have a right and left leg bound together, and
then attempt to cross a given line ahead of all like competitors.

So even when they started out after lunch the whole five were a bit
tired; and a vast store of nuts, like the one they were fetching home,
cannot be gathered, no matter however plentiful they may be on ground
and trees, without considerable muscular effort on the part of the
ambitious collectors.

Consequently, every fellow was feeling pretty stiff and sore about the
time we overtake them on the way home. Besides, most of them had
zigzag scratches on face and hands by which to remember the
wonderfully successful expedition for several days. Then there was
Julius Hobson with a soiled handkerchief bound around his left thumb,
which he solicitously examined every little while. He had, somehow,
managed to catch a frisky little squirrel, which, wishing to take
home, he had imprisoned in one of his side pockets that had a flap;
but, desirous of fondling the furry little object, he had incautiously
inserted his bare hand once too often; for its long teeth, so useful
for nut cracking, went almost through his thumb, and gave his such
an electric shock that in the confusion the frightened animal managed
to escape once more to its native wilds.