CHAPTER II
A HITCH IN JACK’S WELCOME
Dick Percival was the son of wealthy parents, was made much of at home and at school was admired and flattered by the boys of his own set and looked up to by the younger ones who took him as their model and regarded him as a hero.
He was the leading spirit in the school and, being high in his studies, and first in all the athletic sports indulged in by the boys, ranked well with both professors and students, so that whatever he did was considered to be about right.
What he did now was, therefore, a salve to the wounded pride of Harry Dickson, who resented having a mere berry picker enrolled among the students of the Academy and taking equal rank with boys of wealth and position.
As soon as he was down from the coach, Dick went straight to the new boy, extended his hand cordially and said in his most agreeable voice and with a smile on his handsome face:
“I am glad to see you again. Welcome to the ranks of the Hilltop boys. You remember me? You did me a great service a short time ago and I am not likely to forget either that or yourself. My name is Dick Percival. Shake hands, Jack, if you will let me call you so.”
“I have no objection,” said the other, taking the boy’s hand with as much cordiality as it was offered. “I remember you now but what I did was nothing. You are very kind and I will endeavor to repay you in any way I can.”
The other boys now pressed forward and Harry was as cordial as Dick himself in welcoming the new boy to the school.
“You saved us a bad accident, old chap,” he said, shaking Jack Sheldon’s hand. “If it had not been for your coolness I would have gone all to bits in a moment. I am obliged to you and if I can do anything for you at any time just let me know.”