' schooling in the
year in return for his services. As nothing else offered, Joe
accepted, but would not bind himself for any length of time. He was
free to go whenever he pleased.

Now there were two disagreeable things in Joe's new place. The first
was the parsimony of Major Norton, who was noted for his stingy
disposition, and the second was the overbearing manners of Oscar, who
lost no opportunity to humiliate Joe and tyrannize over him so far as
Joe's independent spirit would allow. It happened, therefore, that
Joe was compelled to work hard, while the promised clothing was of
the cheapest and shabbiest description. He was compelled to go to
school in patched shoes and a ragged suit, which hurt his pride as he
compared himself with Oscar, who was carefully and even handsomely
dressed. Parsimonious as his father was, he was anxious that his
only boy should appear to advantage.

On the very day on which our story begins Oscar had insulted Joe in a
way which excited our hero's bitter indignation.

This is the way it happened:

Joe, who was a general favorite on account of his good looks and
gentlemanly manners, and in spite of his shabby attire, was walking
home with Annie Raymond, the daughter of the village physician, when
Oscar came up.

He was himself secretly an admirer of the young lady, but had never
received the least encouragement from her. It made him angry to see
his father's drudge walking on equal terms with his own favorite, and
his coarse nature prompted him to insult his enemy.

"Miss Raymond," he said, lifting his hat mockingly, "I congratulate
you on the beau you have picked up."

Annie Raymond fully appreciated his meanness, and answered calmly:

"I accept your congratulations, Mr. Norton."

This answer made Oscar angry and led him to go further than he
otherwise would.

"You must be hard up for an escort, when you accept such a ragamuffin
as Joe Mason."

Joe flushed with anger.

"Oscar Norton, do you mean to insult Miss Raymond or me," he demanded.

"So you are on your high horse!" said Oscar sneeringly.

"Will you answer my question?"

"Yes, I will. I certainly don't mean to insult Miss Raymond, but I
wonder at her taste in choosing my father's hired boy to walk with."

"I am not responsible to you for my choice, Oscar Norton," said Annie
Raymond, with dignity. "If my escort is poorly dressed, it is not
his fault, nor do I think the less of him for it."

"If your fa