When he opened his eyes the next morning it was bright daylight, and he sprang out of bed very hurriedly, forgetting the changed condition of affairs. Then, as recollection dawned upon him, he dressed slowly and went down stairs to breakfast.
There was no one there but his mother, who said "Good-morning!" pleasantly.
"My!" he exclaimed, glancing at the clock; "if it isn't ten minutes to nine! I'll be late for school."
"You are not to go to school," said his mother, quietly. "Going to school is not play."
"But I'll miss my promotion, if I don't go," pleaded Roswell, aghast at the thought.
"Can't help it. You must not do anything but play."
Roswell laughed.
"Very well," he said, lightly.
Then he finished his breakfast in silence and strolled out.
He walked around the yard for five or ten minutes, whistling shrilly; took a look in the barn at Prince and then set off to the village. It was almost deserted, the boys being at school—all but a few loaferish fellows, with whom Roswell did not care to associate.