"I believe I'll quit!" he exclaimed. "I've been working for chest development, and it's coming slower than any other part of me. Perhaps smoking is holding me back. I believe I'll let tobacco alone for a few months and see if I improve."
"Good!" cried Merry. "But you should knock off drinking at the same time."
"I will! It's going to be a hard thing to do, but I'll try it."
"Give me your hand on it, Arthur! Don't merely try, but make up your mind that nothing shall cause you to break your resolution. Show that your will power and determination have not been weakened."
They shook hands.
Frank was well pleased over the resolution of Arthur Hatch. He was beginning to like the boy.
They were talking in the most friendly fashion by this time, and Arthur began questioning Merry about college days and his life at Yale.
"I'd like to go to Yale," he said; "but the governor has made up his mind on Harvard, and it's Harvard for me."
"A fine college," said Frank.
"Somehow it seems to me that the fellows at Yale have better times."