"Nothing serious. Didn't you hurt yourself?"
"I bumped my head a little, but it only struck the earth. If it had been a stone, it might have been different. I had no idea there was any one up here except myself."
"It was very kind of you to bow so low to a perfect stranger," said the other, his eyes twinkling humorously. "I suppose it would only be polite for me to follow your example."
"I'll excuse you," said Harry laughing.
"Thank you. That takes a great burden off my mind. I don't like to be outdone in politeness, but really I shouldn't like to tumble over you. My head may be softer than yours. There's one thing clear. We ought to know each other. As you've taken the trouble to come up here, and stumble over me, I really feel as if we ought to strike up a friendship. What do you say?"
"With all my heart," said our hero.
CHAPTER IV.
OSCAR VINCENT.
"Allow me to introduce myself," said the stranger boy. "My name is
Oscar Vincent, from Boston, at present a student at the Prescott
Academy, at your service."
As he spoke, he doffed his hat and bowed, showing a profusion of chestnut hair, a broad, open brow, and an attractive face, lighted up by a pleasant smile.