62 SOBER JOHN.

  

one way or the other, and so steer the sled
like a rudder.

‘The boys hooked on to their jolly-boat,
as John had called it, and trotted home with
it. It went smoothly and beautifully over
the ice and snow.

‘“‘ When they came home, John came
down to look at the jolly-boat. He ex-
amined the rudder some time thoughtfully,
and then said, ‘ Yes, I think that will steer.
Now, boys, who'll be pilot?’

“¢T <7? ¢7,? said Arthur, and James, and
Samuel ; and ‘I,’ and ‘I,’ said Frank and
Thomas. In fact, they all said ‘I,’ except
little George, who found that there were
so many candidates for the office, that he
stood quietly by, keeping hold of one end
of the rope, as if he thought it was useless
to put in his claim.

‘“¢Vou must take turns being pilot,’ said
John, ‘and we will begin with the young-
est. George, you shall be pilot first.’

“¢T!? said George ; and he began to clap —
his hands in high gle.

‘“¢¢ Now I suppose,’ said John, ‘I had better.
go out and shgav you how to steer.’ So
he very deliberately took his seat upon ,