`` Well , '' he said , half reluctantly , `` I suppose I 'll let you go ahead . Only remember I 'll hold you responsible if anything happens . '' Ned went home in high spirits . By the next day he had placards out in conspicuous places -- on the schoolhouse , at the forge , at Mr. Rogers 's store , and at Winterby Corners -- announcing that he had rented Mr. Dutcher 's pond for a skating-rink , and that tickets for the same at twenty-five cents a week for each skater could be had upon application to him . Ned was not long left in doubt as to the success of his enterprise . It was popular from the start . There were about fifty boys in Carleton and Winterby , and they all patronized the rink freely . At first Ned had some trouble with two or three rowdies , who tried to evade his rules . He was backed up , however , by Old Dutcher 's reputation and by the public opinion of the other boys , as well as by his own undoubted muscle , and soon had everything going smoothly . The rink flourished amain , and everybody , even Old Dutcher , was highly pleased . At the end of the season Ned paid Old Dutcher his ten dollars , and had plenty left to pay for books and tuition at the business college in Trenton . On the eve of his departure Mr. Rogers , who had kept a keen eye on Ned 's enterprise , again picked him up on the road . `` So you found a way after all , Ned , '' he said genially . `` I had an idea you would . My bookkeeper will be leaving me about the time you will be through at the college . I will be wanting in his place a young man with a good nose for business , and I rather think that you will be that young man . What do you say ? '' `` Thank you , sir , '' stammered Ned , scarcely believing his ears . A position in Mr. Rogers 's store meant good salary and promotion . He had never dared to hope for such good fortune .
`` If you -- think I can give satisfaction -- '' `` You manipulated XXXXX Dutcher , and you 've earned enough in a very slow-going place to put you through your business-college term , so I am sure you are the man I 'm looking for .
Old college day end enterprise eve everything places schoolhouse tickets