"If you think you can do what they require, you can ask them."
"Why can't I do it as well as you?"
"Because I have been practicing for a long time at a gymnasium. What is your name?"
"Bill Morris."
"Then, Bill, don't say a word to any one about my plans. Suppose we go to Grafton together?"
"All right!"
Before the boys parted they made an agreement to meet at five o'clock the next morning, to set out on their walk to Grafton.
CHAPTER X.
KIT'S FIRST NIGHT AT THE BLACKSMITH'S.
At nine o'clock the blacksmith, giving a deep yawn, said: "You'd better be getting to bed, young feller. You'll have to be up bright and airly in the morning."
Kit was already feeling sleepy, and made no objection. Though it was yet early, he had found it hard work to get through the evening, as he could find nothing to read except a weekly paper, three months old, and a copy of "Pilgrim's Progress." In truth, neither Mr. Bickford nor his wife were of a literary turn, and did not even manage to keep up with the news of the day.