"Young gentlemen, this is your new companion, Master Ishmael Worth, as worthy a youth as it has ever been my pleasure to know. I hope you will all make him welcome among you."
There was an instant and mysterious putting together of heads and buzzing of voices among the pupils.
"Walter, come here," said Mr. Middleton.
A youth of about fifteen years of age arose and approached.
"Ishmael, this is my eldest son, Walter. I hope you two may be good friends. Walter, take Ishmael to a seat beside you; and when the recreation hour comes, make him well acquainted with your companions. Mind, Walter, I commit him to your charge."
Walter Middleton smiled, shook hands with Ishmael, and led him away to share his own double desk.
Mr. Middleton then called the school to order and opened the exercises with the reading of the Scripture and prayer.
This over, he came to Ishmael and laid an elementary geography before him, with the first lesson marked out on it, saying:
"There, my lad; commit this to memory as soon as you can, and then take your book up for recitation to Mr. Green. He will hear you singly for some time until you overtake the first class, which I am sure you will do very soon; it will depend upon yourself how soon."
And with these kind words Mr. Middleton left the room.