Hankerings after a gun—­A plan—­Jim Oakley’s gun—­A dispute—­An open rupture—­The broken gun—­Going home mad—­A call from Clinton—­The toiler—­Summons home—­Disappointment—­Bad feeling between Oscar and Jerry—­How they slept—­Remarks about their appearance at the breakfast table—­Borrowing trouble—­Another visit proposed—­Jerry’s explosion of anger—­His imprudence—­Confinement down cellar—­An unhappy day—­“Making up” at night—­A duty neglected—­Inquiries about the gun—­Starting for home—­A pleasant drive—­The stage-coach—­The cars—­Luncheon—­Half an hour in Portland—­The Boston train—­A spark in the eye—­Pain and inflammation—­Boston—­Ralph’s surprise—­Welcome home—­The eye-stone—­The intruder removed.

CHAPTER XX.

Downward progress.

Oscar’s dread of going to school—­Unsuccessful pleas—­Oscar at school—­His indifference to his studies—­A “talent for missing”—­A reproof—­Kicking a cap—­Whistler’s generosity—­Benny Wright—­Oscar’s bad conduct—­Regarded as incorrigible—­The tobacco spittle—­Oscar’s denial—­Betrayed by his breath—­A successful search—­The teacher’s rebuke—­The new copy—­Its effect—­A note for Oscar’s father—­What it led to—­Concealment of real feelings—­Bridget’s complaint—­The puddle on the kitchen floor—­Oscar’s story—­Conflicting reports—­A new flare-up—­The truth of the matter—­Bridget’s departure—­Examination day—­The medals—­The certificate for the High School—­A refusal—­Bitter fruits of misconduct.

CHAPTER XXI.

Ned Mixer.

Vacation—­Associates—­Edward Mixer—­His character—­Loitering around railroad depots—­An excursion into the country—­The railroad bridge—­Fruit—­A fine garden—­Getting over the fence—­Looking for birds’ nests—­Disappearance of Edward and Alfred—­A chase—­Escape of the boys—­Hailing each other—­Edward’s account of the adventure—­A grand speculation—­Pluck—­Secrecy—­Curiosity not gratified—­Arrival of Oscar’s uncle—­The officer’s interview with Mr. Preston—­The real character and history of Ned—­Timely warning—­Oscar’s astonishment—­What he knew concerning Ned—­A hint about forming new acquaintances—­Oscar’s removal from city temptations decided on—­A caution and precaution—­Departure—­Ned’s arrest and sentence—­The “grand speculation” never divulged.

Illustrations.

Winter scene on Boston common . . . . . .   Frontispiece

Vignette . . . . . . . . .  Title-page

Playing schoolmaster.

The assault.

Bright and her family.

Thanksgiving market scene.

Tiger’s countenance.

The overturn.

Afloat on the ice.

A queer name.