“Why shouldn’t he?” said Ferguson.

“Oh, they’re a stuck-up set.”

“I don’t find them so—­that is, with one exception,” said Harry.

“They are mostly the sones of rich men, and look down on those who have to work for a living.”

Clapp was of a jealous and envious disposition, and he was always fancying slights where they were not intended.

“If I thought so,” said Harry, “I would not join the Society, but as they have elected me, I shall become a member, and see how things turn out.”

“It is a good plan, Harry,” said Ferguson.  “It will be a great advantage to you.”

“I wish I had a chance to attend the Academy for a couple of years,” said our hero, thoughtfully.

“I don’t,” said Clapp.  “What’s the good of studying Latin and Greek, and all that rigmarole?  It won’t bring you money, will it?”

“Yes,” said Ferguson.  “Education will make a man more competent to earn money, at any rate in many cases.  I have a cousin, who used to go to school with me, but his father was able to send him to college.  He is now a lawyer in Boston, making four or five times my income.  But it isn’t for the money alone that an education is worth having.  There is a pleasure in being educated.”

“So I think,” said Harry.

“I don’t see it,” said Clapp.  “I wouldn’t be a bookworm for anybody.  There’s Walton learning French.  What good is it ever going to do him?”

“I can tell you better by and by, when I know a little more,” said Harry.  “I am only a beginner now.”

“Dr. Franklin would never have become distinguished if he had been satisfied with what he knew as an apprentice,” said Ferguson.

“Oh, if you’re going to bring up Franklin again, I’ve got through,” said Clapp with a sneer.  “I forgot that Walton was trying to be a second Franklin.”

“I don’t see much chance of it,” said Harry, good-humoredly.  “I should like to be if I could.”

Clapp seemed to be in an ill-humor, and the conversation was not continued.  He had been up late the night before with Luke Harrison, and both had drank more than was good for them.  In consequence, Clapp had a severe headache, and this did not improve his temper.

“Come round Thursday evening, Harry,” said Oscar Vincent, “and go to the Society with me.  I will introduce you to the fellows.  It will be less awkward, you know.”

“Thank you, Oscar.  I shall be glad to accept your escort.”

When Thursday evening came, Oscar and Harry entered the Society hall arm in arm.  Oscar led his companion up to the Secretary and introduced him.

“I am glad to see you, Mr. Walton,” said he.  “Will you sign your name to the Constitution?  That is all the formality we require.”

“Except a slight pecuniary disbursement,” added Oscar.

“How much is the entrance fee?” asked Harry.

“One dollar.  You win pay that to the Treasurer.”