lly sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigi

prising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliant

ent answers in class, Theo began to have him a good deal at the Bunk. She found many little offices there for him, such as to look after and keep tidy 'The Theodora,' the family boat, and to help in the obstinately unproductive garden. In this way the acquaintance between the three boys became a week-day as well as a Sunday one. Alick and Ned, in particular, rapi

nding a hand and a stentorian throat to the exciting work, though his tastes did not lie in that direction to the same extent as did those of his brother and Ned Dempster. Still, to be dressed in fierce red sashes, to wear elaborately corked moustaches, to be

the weather. Into this game, which was not so exclusively manly, the many dolls belonging to Queenie were pressed. Time after time, these waxen ladies were bravely rescue

thbourne landscape. Their daily conversation consisted of mysterious whispers about marching Polewards; about dangerous floes, and about camping out on the ice. At this juncture Geoff t

to attain the great object. This, in truth, was an aim to live for, to perish for, if need be; and as time went on, the boys became closer intimates than ever, particularly as nobo

ts and detentions and complaints were the order of the day at the Bunk, to the despair of their tutor, Philip Price, a quiet, not over robust-looking young man, who had qualified

oken up by death, had sought a hiding-place far from the summ

he had gallantly striven to do so, but sometimes he felt as though every man's hand was against him, so fr

ute, and a sure footing among them might have been gained by the young man, had he chosen to relinquish his dream. But Philip did not so choose. Even after he had fully qualified, and th

e cross that Philip Price was required to shoulder. He grew painfully thin as time went on; his tall, elastic figure

these signs, laid her hand on his shoulder to sa

He had come in looking unusually spent, and thrown himself on the hard,

upils, a meek, small boy and his shy sister, though they would never set the Thames on fire by their wit, at the same time would never goad their teacher to desperation by mutinous,

he Carnegys,' she said plaintively. It was a cha

the twilight, and knitting needed no spectacles. 'It seems they are an ill-governed pack, the young people, neglected by their father, and a

e whom you don't know? The Carnegys are not an "ill-governed pack," I assure you. The boys-my pupils-are, I grant yo

ed her head quickly to glance

e-natured as they are fair!'

arnegy for myself,' presently observed Mrs. Price; and

arnegy, as you call them, is so charming that you could not

only children,

a child of five. But the other Miss Carnegy is grown up; she is the

hts, you ought to be filling a far different position. Oh, Philip, to think with your fine abilities you should be nothing better than a mere drudge! I

yet, it must be that I am not fit for the work. In God's own good time He will point the way. I am content to wait that time, mother; and,' added the young man softly

ou see, it tries a mother's heart sorely to see her child stranded high a

can wait, as the old proverb says. But I must confess I am at th

use him up to rule in his own hous

' assented Philip; and