"I have no connection with tin-pedlers," said Fletcher, hastily.
"Who told you I had?"
"I only made a supposition, Mr. Fletcher."
But Fletcher thought otherwise. He was sure that Maud had heard of his mortification at school, and it disturbed him not a little, for, in spite of her assurance, he felt that she believed the story, and it annoyed him so much that he did not venture to make any other reference to Harry.
"Poor Fitz!" said Oscar, when on their way home Maud gave an account of their conversation, "I am afraid he will murder the tin-pedler some time, to get rid of such an odious relationship."
CHAPTER XXX.
TWO LETTERS FROM THE WEST.
The vacation was over all too soon, yet, brief as it was, Harry looked back upon it with great satisfaction. He had been kindly received in the family of a man who stood high in the profession which he was ambitious to enter; he had gratified his curiosity to see the chief city of New England; and, by no means least, he had secured a position as paid contributor for the "Standard."
"I suppose you will be writing another story soon," said Oscar.
"Yes," said Harry, "I have got the plan of one already."
"If you should write more than you can get into the 'Standard,' you had better send something to the 'Weekly Argus.'"