by which he
was saved. He proved to be Charlie's younger brother.

This event made a deep impression upon Nat's mind, and he reflected upon
his act with far more satisfaction than he did upon his superiority in
swimming or playing ball. He had saved, or helped save, a lad from a
watery grave, and that was an act worth performing. He went home, and
after relating the incident with the greatest enthusiasm, he sat down
and drew a picture representing the scene. There was the water and
buildings near, a little boy struggling for life, and Nat and associates
plunging in after him. It was really a good representation of the
terrific scene; and Nat considered it quite an accession to his
collection of drawings. Thus he used this bit of experience to advance
himself in one branch of education. With his traits of character, he
could not excel in innocent games, without receiving an impulse
therefrom to excel in more important acquisitions.

CHAPTER VI.

A MISTAKE.

Stern Winter locked the streams again. A snowy mantle covered the hills
and valleys, and the bleak winds moaned through the naked trees. The
merry sleigh-bells jingled in the streets, and merrier lads and lasses
filled the village school-house. The skating grounds never presented
more attractions to Nat and his circle of schoolmates.

"The ice is smooth as glass," said John. "I never saw better skating in
my life. Will you try it right after school?"

These words were addressed to a group of school-boys at the afternoon
recess, to which all but two responded in the affirmative. It was a
snapping cold day, but youthful skaters mind nothing for that.

"George and I have promised to see the teacher after school about
studying grammar," said Neander, "so that we can't go."

"He wants to form a new class in grammar for beginners, and our parents
have told him that we must study it," said George.

"I will sell you what _I_ know about it cheap, if you will go with us,"
said John, who had studied grammar a short time.

"I don't think he will be troubled to find use for as much as that,"
said Charlie, jocosely.

"You will find it dry as a chip," added John. "It fairly makes me
thirsty to study it."

The bell rung, and the boys hurried to their seats. At the close of the
school, the teacher took occasion to say, "that some scholars were
desirous of beginning the study of grammar. I think there might be quite
a large class formed of those who are old enou