The graduation exercises at Oak Hall that year formed a gala event long to be remembered. The school and the campus were crowded, and Dave and his chums surprised even Doctor Clay by “chipping in” and hiring a brass band to play outside, after the exercises were over. The boys also presented their teachers and the master with 298 some volumes of history and poetry, and received numerous gifts in return. From his father Dave got a bank-book, with an amount written therein that was a complete surprise. His sister gave him a neat stickpin and his uncle a set of books, and from Jessie and her folks came a desk set, of solid silver, suitably engraved.
“Well, I think I ought to be the happiest boy alive,” said Dave, after the exercises were over, and he had his diploma, tied with a broad ribbon. “I feel just as if I was walking on air.”
“And I am glad, too,” said his sister Laura, warmly.
“We are all glad,” put in Jessie, and gave him her brightest smile.
“Glad and proud, Dave,” said his father. “My boy, you have done very well.”
And then the whole party went down to the gymnasium, where refreshments were being served to the visitors. And here let us leave Dave Porter, wishing him well.
THE END
DAVE PORTER SERIES
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER