THE BIG SNOWBALL


For a time Mr. Carford seemed more worried about the possible injury
to his team, and the loss of some of his goods in the sled, than he
was concerned about thanking the boys who had stopped the runaways.
Then, as he found by looking them over, that the horses were all
right, and that nothing was missing, he approached Bert and the
others, saying:

"Well, boys, I'm much obliged to you. I can't tell you how much. No
telling what damage the horses might have done if you hadn't stopped
'em. And I'm glad no one was hurt.

"Now I reckon you boys aren't much different than I was, when I was a
youngster, and I guess you like sweets about the same. Here are a
couple of dollars, Bert Bobbsey. I wish you'd treat all your friends
to hot chocolate soda or candy or whatever you like best. It isn't
exactly pay for what you did, but it just shows I'm not forgetful."

"Oh, we didn't stop the horses for money!" cried Bert, drawing back.

"I know you didn't," answered Mr. Carford, with a smile, "and I'm not
paying you either. You stopped the horses, or you tried to stop them,
Bert, to save your sister and the other girls. I understand that all
right. But the horses were stopped just the same, and please take this
as a little thank offering, if nothing else. Please do."

He held out the two-dollar bill, and Bert did not feel like refusing.