"I study some, and recite to a tutor who comes out from Boston; but I have a good deal of time to myself. I've been very lonely since my mother died," he added, soberly.

"How long ago was that?" Sam inquired, with sympathy.

"A year ago. Her death was a great loss to me, as Charlie has been away from home so much, and father is all day in the city."

"Are there no boys round here that you can play with?"

"There are boys, but I can't join in their sports, on account of my lameness."

"I wonder whether he will like the idea of my staying with him,"

thought Sam. "We could have good times together."

They went out to the stable, and looked about till the supper-bell rang. Everything was well arranged, and on a scale which indicated that Mr. Brown was a man of wealth.

More and more Sam though he would like to live there.

Entering the dining-room, where the supper was provided, they found the older brother already present.

"Have you two boys got acquainted?" he asked.

"Yes," said Arthur; "it didn't take us long. I've been showing Sam the stable."

"How do you like what you have seen?" asked the sophomore.

"Tiptop," said Sam.

"Take a seat there, Sam; Arthur, you know your place. I must preside in father's absence."

They talked together socially during the meal, Sam getting to feel better and better acquainted as time went on. After supper they took another walk, and then Arthur asked: "Do you play backgammon, Sam?"

"I never learned."

"Shall I show you?"

"I wish you would."

The backgammon board was brought out, and the two boys had a pleasant evening. As the older brother heard their lively laughter, and noticed how Arthur seemed brightened up by Sam's companionship, he felt more and more that it would be a good plan to keep him there. When his father reached home, a little before nine o'clock, he made the proposal to him.

"I am convinced," he said, "that Arthur needs a young companion, of a cheerful temperament, who will brighten him up, and keep him in good spirits.

"Do you know anything of this boy?" asked Mr. Brown, cautiously.

"Not much, except that Arthur appears to fancy him. His education has been neglected."

"That would not matter. He could study regularly with Arthur, and recite to his tutor."

"That occurred to me."

"Has he any bad habits?"

"No confirmed bad habits. If it should prove so, he can be dismissed."

"Would he like to come?"

"Of that I am sure. Indeed it would be a great thing for him, as he is poor, and has no friends to help him along."

"Then he may stay a month on trial. You may speak to him about it."

CHAPTER XXX.

HOW IT WAS ARRANGED.

"Sam," said the young student, the next morning, "I have spoken to my father about your remaining here as a companion to Arthur."

"What did he say?" asked Sam, anxiously.

"That you may stay a month on trial. If the arrangement proves satisfactory, you can remain longer."

"I'm ever so much obliged to you," said Sam, overjoyed. "I hope I'll suit."

"I hope you will, too, for Arthur's sake. You must bear in mind that we expect you to lay aside all your bad habits, and try to become refined and gentlemanly."

"I'll try," said Sam, earnestly.

"You will take lessons of Arthur's tutor, and study with him. Though considerably younger than you are he is much more advanced in his studies, and will be able to help you in any difficulties."

"Perhaps he won't want to be bothered with me."

"On the contrary, it will interest and amuse him to be so occupied.

There is no reason why you should not improve fast."

"I want to know something," said Sam. "Ever since I met that girl on the boat I've been ashamed of being such a know-nothing."

"I am glad to hear you say that. It is encouraging to find that you are sensible of your deficiencies. It is the first step toward remedying them."

"Will the tutor lick me if I don't know my lessons?" asked Sam, anxiously.

The student smiled. "He wouldn't do that," he answered, "but he will inform my father--that is, if you persist in neglecting your lessons--and that might lead to your being dismissed."

"I'll study," said Sam. "You see if I don't, even if it makes my head ache awful."

"You look as if you could stand a mode amount of study," said the sophomore, smiling good-naturedly. "If your head aches very bad we can give you some pills."

"I guess it won't," said Sam, hastily, for he had a distinct remembrance of having been dosed with some very nauseous pills in his early days.

"My father will see that you are provided with suitable clothes,"