“Well, I belong to one of the first families of Hampton,” said Abner, with a grin.  “Nobody don’t look down on me, I guess.”

“You hear that, Fitz,” said Oscar.  “Be sensible, and shake hands with your cousin.”

“Yes, shake hands with your cousin!” echoed the boys.

“You all seem to want to insult me,” said Fitz, sullenly.

“Not I,” said Oscar, “and I’ll prove it—­will you shake hands with me, sir?”

“That I will,” said Abner, heartily.  “I can see that you’re a young gentleman, and I wish I could say as much for my cousin, Fitz.”

Oscar’s example was followed by the rest of the boys, who advanced in turn, and shook hands with the tin-pedler.

“Now Fitz, it’s your turn,” said Tom.

“I decline,” said Fitz, holding his hands behind his back.

“How much he looks like his marm did when she was young,” said Abner.  “Well, boys, I can’t stop no longer.  I didn’t think Cousin Fitz would be so stuck up, just because his father’s made some money.  Good-mornin’!”

“Three cheers for Fitz’s cousin!” shouted Tom.

They were given with a will, and Mr. Bickford made acknowledgment by a nod and a grin.

“Remember me to your mother when you write, Cousin Fitz,” he said at parting.

Fitz was too angry to reply.  He walked off sullenly, deeply mortified and humiliated, and for weeks afterward nothing would more surely throw him into a rage than any allusion to his cousin the tin-pedler.  One good effect, however, followed.  He did not venture to allude to the social position of his family in presence of his school-mates, and found it politic to lay aside some of his airs of superiority.

CHAPTER XII.

Harry joins the Clionian society.

A week later Harry Walton received the following note:—­

        “Centreville, May 16th, 18—­,
  “Dear Sir:  At the last meeting of the Clionian
  Society you were elected a member.  The next meeting
  will be held on Thursday evening, in the Academy
  building. 
    “Yours truly,
      “George Sanborn,
          “Secretary. 
    “Mr. Harry Walton.”

Our hero read this letter with satisfaction.  It would be pleasant for him to become acquainted with the Academy students, but he thought most of the advantages which his membership would afford him in the way of writing and speaking.  He had never attempted to debate, and dreaded attempting it for the first time; but he knew that nothing desirable would be accomplished without effort, and he was willing to make that effort.

“What have you there, Walton?” asked Clapp, noticing the letter which he held in his hand.

“You can read it if you like,” said Harry.

“Humph!” said Clapp; “so you are getting in with the Academy boys?”