aid Harry in a tone of disappointment.

CHAPTER II

A HITCH IN JACK'S WELCOME

Dick Percival was the son of wealthy parents, was made much of at home
and at school was admired and flattered by the boys of his own set and
looked up to by the younger ones who took him as their model and
regarded him as a hero.

He was the leading spirit in the school and, being high in his studies,
and first in all the athletic sports indulged in by the boys, ranked
well with both professors and students, so that whatever he did was
considered to be about right.

What he did now was, therefore, a salve to the wounded pride of Harry
Dickson, who resented having a mere berry picker enrolled among the
students of the Academy and taking equal rank with boys of wealth and
position.

As soon as he was down from the coach, Dick went straight to the new
boy, extended his hand cordially and said in his most agreeable voice
and with a smile on his handsome face:

"I am glad to see you again. Welcome to the ranks of the Hilltop boys.
You remember me? You did me a great service a short time ago and I am
not likely to forget either that or yourself. My name is Dick Percival.
Shake hands, Jack, if you will let me call you so."

"I have no objection," said the other, taking the boy's hand with as
much cordiality as it was offered. "I remember you now but what I did
was nothing. You are very kind and I will endeavor to repay you in any
way I can."

The other boys now pressed forward and Harry was as cordial as Dick
himself in welcoming the new boy to the school.

"You saved us a bad accident, old chap," he said, shaking Jack Sheldon's
hand. "If it had not been for your coolness I would have gone all to
bits in a moment. I am obliged to you and if I can do anything for you
at any time just let me know."

"It was a ticklish moment," answered Jack, "but you two boys sized up
the situation as quickly as I did and acted just as you should have
acted so that as much credit belongs to you as you are ready to give to
me. I am glad that all came out so well."

Harry introduced Arthur and in a short time the new boy was acquainted
with all the boys then at the Academy and apparently on good terms with
all of them, Dick Percival's advances toward the newcomer having given
the others their cue, so to speak.

More boys came that afternoon and in the early evening, some by train or
boat and some in private conveyances, the greater part of thos