96 Hans Brinker

As soon as Peter saw that Jacob’s condition was not serious,
he hastened to the street to empty his unfortunate cap. While

 

WHERE WAS JACOB?

canal, or the river?” asked Peter.

he was stuffing in his hand-
kerchief to prevent the al-
ready frozen crown from
touching his head, the rest
of the boys came down,
dragging the bewildered and
indignant Jacob in their
midst.

The order to start was
again given. Master Poot
was wide awake at last.
The ice was a little rough
and broken just there; but
every boy was in high
spirits.

«Shall we go on by the

“Oh, the river, by all means!” said Carl. “ It will be such
fun. They say it is perfect skating all the way; but it’s

much farther.”

Jacob Poot instantly became interested.
“¢ J vote for the canal!” he cried.
“Well, the canal it shall be,’ responded the captain, “if all

are agreed.”

“‘ Agreed!” they echoed, in rather a disappointed tone; and

Captain Peter led the way.

“¢ All right, come on. We can reach Haarlem in an hour.”