"Connie," Whit said, entering the Whit’s End kitchen. "Has Eugene come in yet?"

"No, why?"

"Well, he was supposed to be in by 8 this morning, and it’s almost 10!"

"That’s strange, " Connie remarked, scrubbing the counter with a dish cloth. "He always shows up on time."

"Hmm. I wonder what he’s up to," Whit replied.

Connie giggled. "Knowing him, it could be anything."

"Well, keep an eye on the door and tell me when he arrives," Whit said with a chuckle.

Moments later, Eugene burst in wearing a white karate outfit and a matching bandanna around his forehead.

"Greetings and salutations, Miss Kendall!"

"Eugene," Connie gasped, "where have you been?"

"Oh, I was establishing physical flexibility of my upper and lower limbs, to be precise," Eugene announced casually.

"Let me get this straight," Connie exclaimed. "You’re in karate?"

"Precisely!" Eugene replied, grinning.

"Tell Mr. Whittaker I’m dreadfully sorry for being late."

Connie stood speechless.

"Would you mind if I show you my karate kick?"

"Uh . . . Eugene . . ." Connie cut in. "I don’t think that’s a . . ."

"HIYAAH!" Eugene flung out his leg, knocking down Whit’s ice cream maker. The ice cream maker fell on top of him, squirting ice cream in all directions.

Whit rushed to the kitchen when he heard the crash.

"What happened?"

"Eugene decided to take karate," Connie said.

"I don’t believe it!" Whit declared looking closely at Eugene, who was sprawled on the floor.

Believe it, Whit." Connie cried, exasperated. She turned to help up Eugene. "You know, Eugene," she said. "Maybe karate isn’t for you. I would suggest you get in shape first."