`` Very good of you , I 'm sure , '' said Gus , ironically , not a bit deceived by this polite attention . `` The longest way round is sometimes the shortest way home , hey , Ed ? '' and Frank gave him a playful poke that nearly sent him off his perch . Then they all laughed at some joke of their own , and Gus added , `` No girls coming to hear us to-night . Do n't think it , my son . `` More 's the pity , '' and Ed shook his head regretfully over the downfall of his hopes . `` Ca n't help it ; the other fellows say they spoil the fun , so we have to give in , sometimes , for the sake of peace and quietness . Do n't mind having them a bit myself , '' said Frank , in such a tone of cheerful resignation that they laughed again , for the `` Triangle , '' as the three chums were called , always made merry music . `` We must have a game party next week . The girls like that , and so do I , '' candidly observed Gus , whose pleasant parlors were the scene of many such frolics . `` And so do your sisters and your cousins and your aunts , '' hummed Ed , for Gus was often called Admiral because he really did possess three sisters , two cousins , and four aunts , besides mother and grandmother , all living in the big house together . The boys promptly joined in the popular chorus , and other voices all about the yard took it up , for the `` Pinafore '' epidemic raged fearfully in Harmony Village that winter . `` How 's business ? '' asked Gus , when the song ended , for Ed had not returned to school in the autumn , but had gone into a store in the city . `` Dull ; things will look up toward spring , they say . I get on well enough , but I miss you fellows dreadfully ; '' and Ed put a hand on the broad shoulder of each friend , as if he longed to be a school-boy again . `` Better give it up and go to college with me next year , '' said Frank , who was preparing for Boston University , while Gus fitted for Harvard . `` No ; I 've chosen business , and I mean to stick to it , so do n't you unsettle my mind . Have you practised that March ? '' asked Ed , turning to a gayer subject , for he had his little troubles , but always looked on the bright side of things .
`` Skating is so good , I do n't XXXXX much time .
Have gave get give go joined look observed say spoil