Danger On The Lake

Really, Ben, I don't think you should risk skating today after this near miss of pneumonia you just had. Why not stay where it is warm and cozy until you are stronger? Then you can play on the lake anytime you want to."

"Oh, I'm all right, Mother. My cold is so much better, and I promised Jack I'd be out. I think I'll go along."

"But if your cold gets worse, and the congestion reoccurs in your lungs, just think what it would mean. You probably would miss so many classes, you wouldn't be able to graduate with your high school class."

"Oh, bother! They are my lungs aren't they? And if they do get congested, whose business is it but mine?"

"Well, remember how Dr. Bell, the nurse, your father, and I worked on you just ten days ago. I think it would seem you need some help tending what you now say is your business."

Ben said nothing in reply, But his face looked like a thunder cloud the rest of the morning, and after lunch he dressed to go out.