Completely mystified by the marked cordiality of both men, who were entire strangers to him, Ray took the offered chair, remarking:
"I believe you had some matter you wished to talk over with me."
"Certainly, certainly," replied Mr. Gregory. And then he manifested a lawyer's proclivity, by beginning such a series of questions as to well-nigh take away Ray's breath.
He commenced by asking Ray where he had been living two years before, and then followed along until he had a very fair idea of the boy's history during that period. He seemed satisfied with Ray's answers, as though they were just what he had expected. Then he suddenly asked:
"You have formed the very laudable purpose of entering some academy this fall, and securing an education, had you not, Mr. Branford?"
"Yes, sir; I had thought of it," admitted the astonished lad.
"May I ask if you have the means for carrying out this proposed course of study? I ask as a friend," he added.
Ray could not understand the man's purpose in asking such a question,—nor, in fact, any of the questions he had so far asked,—but he had no real objection to telling him just how he was situated, so he replied:
"I did have enough saved to defray my expenses for a year at school, and was intending to have entered some academy last September; but owing to some unexpected expenses, I had to delay my going for a time. Perhaps I shall not be able to go until another year." And he gave a deep sigh, for no one but himself knew how hard it had been for him to give up his pet scheme.
"I suppose you would be very glad to earn money enough to enter school, say this coming winter term, and pursue those studies through without interruption to a full graduation?" Mr. Gregory now asked.