This was the last day of school, and the session lasted but an hour and a half. At half-past ten the boys poured out of the schoolhouse with noisy demonstrations of joy.
"I congratulate you, old fellow," said James Watson to Ben. "You've done splendidly."
"Thank you, James."
"So do I, and I," exclaimed one and another.
Ben received all these congratulations modestly.
"Go and congratulate Sam, boys," he said.
"A good scholar, but a mean boy," said James. "However, here goes."
"I congratulate you on your prize, Sam," he said offering his hand.
Sam did not appear to see the hand.
"A second prize isn't worth having," he said discontentedly. "Of course it was all I had a chance for. Bradford is the teacher's favorite."