The Best Guess

The Best Guess

Harlan waited for Mr. Mack's ice cream truck to turn down Pine Street. Nora lived next door to Harlan. She was already in line.

" Guess how many bubbles I can blow in thirty seconds, " Nora said. " Five, " replied Harlan. " I think ten, " said Nora. Harlan counted out thirty seconds. Nora blew ten big bubbles. Nora's guesses were always right. Harlan wished he knew her secret.

Mr. Mack turned slowly down Pine Street. A big sign on the side of his truck read: GUESS THE FIRST 100°DAY AND WIN FREE SNOW CONES FOR A YEAR! The only thing Harlan loved more than making guesses was eating snow cones. This was the contest for him!

“ When would you like our guesses?" Nora asked Mr. Mack. " You can tell me right now, " said Mr. Mack. “ Oh, no, " said Nora. “ I need time to make a good guess. "

" I'm ready, " said Harlan. “ I think the first 100 degree day will be. . . " " Wait! " shouted Nora. " I have an idea. " The neighborhood kids gathered around Nora. Soon they were all nodding and smiling. Harlan asked, " Can we guess tomorrow?" " Tomorrow is fine, " said Mr. Mack. " Now, what kind of ice cream will you have today?" " I'd like chocolate, " said Harlan. “ And I'll take bubble gum, " said Nora. " But we'll have to eat fast. We've got a lot of work to do! "