CHAPTER VII
THE HAND HELD OUT
When Jess came out of the house there was a group of her schoolmates—and not all of them boys—at the foot of the Whiffle Street hill. Being towed by Chet's big kite had become a game that all hands wanted to try. But the sun was getting warmer and the icy street would soon be slushy and the skates would cut through.
"I've had enough," said Bobby Hargrew, removing her skates when she spied Jess. "The policeman has warned us once, and he'll be mad next time he comes around if we're here still."
"Better get your skates, Jess, and try it just once," urged Chet Belding, who was very partial to his sister's closet chum.
"I can't, Chet," replied Jess. "I must do my Saturday's marketing."
"Hullo! here's Short and Long!" cried Bobby, as a very short boy with very brisk legs came sliding down the hill with a big bundle under his arm.
51
