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Rh strength of character. He was mean in spite of himself, and couldn't help it.

When the bags were out of the way the five boys, by dint of hard work, managed to right the sleigh, which was a big double bob. It was not damaged to any extent and soon was ready to receive the bags of feed. They were piled in and the horses hitched up again.

"I'm—I'm much obliged to you fellows," said Sandy in a mumbling tone. "I'm sorry I didn't give you a ride that day."

Sandy meant that. He was much softened by what the chums had done.

We'd made up our minds to get square with you," said Bart, as he fastened on his skates. "And I think we did, Sandy," and with that the four chums started off down the river, while Sandy drove the horses up into the road.

"Queer way to get square," murmured Ned. "I'd like to punch his face."

"This was the best way," Bart replied, and, somehow, though perhaps they didn't know just why, the chums agreed with him.

Christmas was approaching, and mingled with the joys of the holiday season, were thoughts in the minds of the, four chums and all the other pupils, that school would close for two weeks.