[ CHAPTER XVIII.
THE LETTER. ]
A forgotten duty called to mind—Letter writing—A mysterious allusion—The private room—No backing out—Making a beginning—Getting stuck—Idling away time—Prying into letters—A commotion among the swallows—Teaching the young ones how to fly—A good lesson lost—Mary and her book—Her talk about the pictures—A pretty picture—A wasted hour—Making another attempt—His success—Effects of being in earnest—A copy of Oscar's letter—Emily's inquisitiveness—A rebuke—The message she wanted to send—The meadow lot—Mulching for trees—Going to the old wood lot—Cutting birch twigs-Forgetting to be lazy—The load—A ride to the Cross-Roads—Mailing the letter—Paying the postage in advance.
[ CHAPTER XIX.
THE RECALL. ]
Hankerings after a gun—A plan—Jim Oakley's gun—A dispute—An open rupture—The broken gun—Going home mad—A call from Clinton—The toiler—Summons home—Disappointment—Bad feeling between Oscar and Jerry—How they slept—Remarks about their appearance at the breakfast table—Borrowing trouble—Another visit proposed—Jerry's explosion of anger—His imprudence—Confinement down cellar—An unhappy day—"Making up" at night—A duty neglected—Inquiries about the gun—Starting for home—A pleasant drive—The stage-coach—The cars—Luncheon—Half an hour in Portland—The Boston train—A spark in the eye—Pain and inflammation—Boston—Ralph's surprise—Welcome home—The eye-stone—The intruder removed.
[ CHAPTER XX.
DOWNWARD PROGRESS. ]
Oscar's dread of going to school—Unsuccessful pleas—Oscar at school—His indifference to his studies—A "talent for missing"—A reproof—Kicking a cap—Whistler's generosity—Benny Wright—Oscar's bad conduct—Regarded as incorrigible—The tobacco spittle—Oscar's denial—Betrayed by his breath—A successful search—The teacher's rebuke—The new copy—Its effect—A note for Oscar's father—What it led to—Concealment of real feelings—Bridget's complaint—The puddle on the kitchen floor—Oscar's story—Conflicting reports—A new flare-up—The truth of the matter—Bridget's departure—Examination day—The medals—The certificate for the High School—A refusal—Bitter fruits of misconduct.
[ CHAPTER XXI.
NED MIXER. ]
Vacation—Associates—Edward Mixer—His character—Loitering around railroad depôts—An excursion into the country—The railroad bridge—Fruit—A fine garden—Getting over the fence—Looking for birds' nests—Disappearance of Edward and Alfred—A chase—Escape of the boys—Hailing each other—Edward's account of the adventure—A grand speculation—Pluck—Secrecy—Curiosity not gratified—Arrival of Oscar's uncle—The officer's interview with Mr. Preston—The real character and history of Ned—Timely warning—Oscar's astonishment—What he knew concerning Ned—A hint about forming new acquaintances—Oscar's removal from city temptations decided on—A caution and precaution—Departure—Ned's arrest and sentence—The "grand speculation" never divulged.