It then became
shallow again near the opposite bank. So it was a capital
place to learn to swim.
After they came out, the boys would sit down on the bank
and have a sort of boys' exchange, in which all matters of
interest were talked over, and a great deal of good-natured
chaff was exchanged. Any newcomer had to pass through an
ordeal of this character, in which his temper and quality
were thoroughly tried. I remember now an occasion which
must have happened when I was not more than eight or ten
years old, when a rather awkward-looking greenhorn had come
down from New Hampshire and made his appearance at the swimming-
place. The boys, one after another, tried him by putting
mocking questions or attempting to humbug him with some large
story. He received it all with patience and good nature until
one remark seemed to sting him from his propriety. He turned
with great dignity upon the offender, and said, "Was that
you that spoke, or was it a punkin busted?" We all thought
that it was well said, and took him into high favor.
I suppose the outdoor winter sports have not changed much
since my childhood.
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