"Mr. Hobbs," exclaimed Cedric, "one is sitting on this box now!"

Mr. Hobbs almost jumped out of his chair.

"What!" he exclaimed.

"Yes," Cedric announced, with due modesty; "_I_ am one--or Iam going to be. I won't deceive you."

Mr. Hobbs looked agitated. He rose up suddenly and went to lookat the thermometer.

"The mercury's got into your head!" he exclaimed, turning backto examine his young friend's countenance. "It IS a scorching day! How do you feel? Got any pain? When did you begin to feel thatway?"