Sam took the letter out of the envelope and read it as he walked along—that is, he read a few lines near the end of it. Then he stopped, and stood motionless for a few moments, looking the very picture of astonishment.
Suddenly arousing himself, he crammed the letter back into the envelope, jumped up and knocked his heels together, at the same time uttering a suppressed whoop, and started off at a rapid run.
The longer he ran the faster he ran, and the consequence was that when he reached Mrs. Preston's house he was nearly out of breath.
"I've got three letters for you!" he exclaimed, as he burst into the sitting room. "There they are!"
"And you have run all the way from the office?" said Mrs. Preston.
"Yes'm. This cold weather makes one pretty lively."
Sam banged the door again and set off at the top of his speed. He ran past his father's house, and, mounting the steps that led to Mr. Chamberlain's door, rang the bell furiously.
The summons was answered by the principal, who looked at the boy in great surprise.
"Oscar has gone and done it, sure enough!" exclaimed Sam, who was so full of news, and so eager to communicate it, that he couldn't wait to be questioned. "You remember the last evening but one that we spent with you, do you not? You asked Oscar if he would have the courage to hunt the savage animals we were talking about. Well, he has; and he has proved himself a hero, too. I just got the letter out of the office, and brought it around here, thinking that perhaps you would like to hear it."
"Certainly I would," answered the principal. "It was very kind and thoughtful of you. Sit down."