[ CHAPTER III.
PAYING OFF A GRUDGE. ]
Whistler—Why Ralph liked him—Why Oscar disliked him—A caution—A sudden attack—An unexpected rescue—The stranger's advice—A brave and manly answer—Whistler refuses to expose Oscar's name—The boys separate—George's report of the scene, and Ralph's explanation—Oscar's return—His sister's rebuke—His mother's inquiries—Misrepresentations—Willie exonerated—Forgiving enemies—An unpleasant promise called to mind—Mr. Preston's action in the matter—Oscar refuses to punish himself—The chamber—A surprise—Falsehood—Exposure—The account settled—Silence—Late rising and a cold breakfast—What Mrs. Preston said—Its effect upon Oscar—Concealed emotion—Mistaken notions of manliness—Good impressions made—George's narrow escape.
[ CHAPTER IV.
THE HOTEL. ]
Alfred Walton—His home—Hotel acquaintances—Coarse stories and jokes—Andy—His peculiarities—Tobacco—A spelling lesson—The disappointment—Anger—Bright and her family—Fun and mischief—The owner of the pups—A promise—A ride to the depôt—A walk about the building—Examining wheels—The tracks—An arrival—A swarm of passengers—Two young travellers taken in tow—Their story—Arrival at the hotel—A walk—Purchase of deadly weapons—A heavy bill—Gifts to Alfred and Oscar—A brave speech for a little fellow—Going home.
[ CHAPTER V.
THE YOUNG TRAVELLERS ]
The Sabbath—Uneasiness—Monday morning—A pressing invitation to play truant—Hesitation—The decision—Oscar's misgivings—Manners of the two travellers—A small theft—Flight—A narrow escape—A costly cake of sugar—The bridge to Charlestown—The monument—The navy yard—Objects of interest—Incidents of Joseph's life—A slight test of his courage—Oscar's plans—Going to dinner—A grand "take in"—Alfred's disclosures—Real character of the young travellers—Their tough stories—A mutual difficulty—Confessing what cannot be concealed—Good advice and mild reproof—The teacher's leniency explained.
[ CHAPTER VI.
WORK. ]
A command—Passing it along—Reluctant obedience—A poor excuse—A bad habit—Employment for vacation—Oscar's opposition to the plan—Frank the errand-boy—Thanksgiving week—A busy time—Oscar's experience as store-boy—Learning to sweep—Doing work well—A tempting invitation—Its acceptance—A ride—Driving horses—The errand—The return—Oscar at the store—Sent off "with a flea in his ear"—The matter brought up again—Oscar's excuse unsatisfactory—Ralph's services rewarded—Difference between the two boys.
[ CHAPTER VII.
THANKSGIVING DAY. ]
Grandmother's arrival—Surprises—Presents—Oscar at a shooting-match—Bad company—Cruel sport—Home again—Prevarication—A remonstrance—Impudence, and a silent rebuke—The dinner—A stormy afternoon—A disappointment—Evening in the parlor—A call for stories—How the Indians punished bad boys—What Oscar thought of it—An Indian story—The hostile party—The alarm—The stratagem—The onset—The retreat—The victory—Laplot River—Widow Storey's retreat—Misfortunes of her husband—Her enterprise and industry—Fleeing from the British—The subterranean abode—Precautions to prevent discovery—Uncle James—The fellow who was caught in his own trap—Old Zigzag—His oddities—His tragic end—How the town of Barre, Vt., got its name—A well-spent evening.