Fred had been very diligent in reviewing his lessons; but as the time drew near when he would be called out to recite, his heart beat fast with excitement.
“I wish the examination was over,” he said a dozen times. “I’m almost sure I shall miss in geography. I can say my piece just as well as can be; but when I see all the people looking, I’m afraid I shall forget every word.”
The day was fine; and Mrs. Carleton and Hatty left home at an early hour so as to secure seats in the crowded hall.
There was a raised stage at one end, on which the scholars stood while examined by the committee, who occupied seats on the opposite platform, the visitors filling up all the vacant space.
The exercises of examination were interesting to the parents, each feeling a natural desire that his or her child should excel; and then the teacher announced that there would be speaking from the first class.
Just at this moment Hatty’s bright eyes noticed a stranger enter the door, who was at once invited to a seat of honor near the committee.
There was something about his eyes that startled her. They wandered quickly about the room as if in search of some one, and then fixed themselves gravely upon the school. The lower part of his face was completely hidden by a heavy beard.
Hatty touched her mother, calling her attention to the stranger; but, with scarcely a glance at the gentleman, Mrs. Carleton gave her attention to the speaking.
At the close of the school, a member of the committee, ’Squire Long, arose and said to the teacher,—
“I am so much pleased with your boys, that I am going to indulge myself with the pleasure of giving each one of them a book to remember me by.”