Maurice, who had been gazing rather absently into the distance, was aroused to defend himself, and the battle resolved itself into a hand-to-hand combat between the two boys.
Maurice's crutch had been discarded, and his knee was almost as strong as ever, although rough sports, such as foot-ball, were still denied him. He had recently arrived at the dignity of long trousers, being tall for his age, and Jack had immediately nicknamed him "the professor."
"Now, boys, that is enough," Rosalind said, with decision; "Maurice is waked up, I think."
"Am I awake, or not?" Maurice demanded of the struggling Jack, as he held him down and sat upon him.
"Mercy, yes!" Jack cried, freeing himself with a mighty effort. "But you must smile; I can't have you looking so melancholy. Smile!"
In spite of himself Maurice obeyed the command.
"That's right; now sit down and behave," Jack added, laughing.
Rosalind took out her letter. "Listen," she said:—
"My Dear Rosalind: I am coming back to Friendship in a few days, and I want to ask if the Arden Foresters will admit a new member to their circle? I am greatly interested in what I have heard of it. I have been travelling in the Forest for a good many years, with just an occasional lapse into the desert, but I should like the right to wear an oak leaf and have my name in the Arden Foresters' book, on the page with the magician's.
"Hoping that this is not asking too much, I am