“Hi, Stoney,” he greeted, not sure whether Stoney would stop to speak to him or not. “How long were you in the hospital?” But Stoney stopped. He even smiled a little. “Just a couple of hours. Thanks for helping me out of the water.” “That’s okay,” said Mel. “Glad you’re all right.” He waved and went on. In the classroom he met Caskie face to face. “Hi, Caskie.” “Hi,” answered Caskie. “I heard you and Skeet put that sign on the ice.” “No. Just Skeet,” replied Mel. “Well, anyway.” Caskie picked up a book, notebook, and ballpoint pen from his desk. “But someone should’ve put one up before.” He started past Mel. “See you.” “See you,” echoed Mel. The news of the rescue was in the local newspaper with a warning for skaters to be aware of thin ice on the frozen river.
