thank you."

"I rather plume myself on my cook. I venture to say that I pay five
dollars a month more than any other person in Milltown. But I must
have a good dinner. I am very particular on that score."

"Have you a good cook, Mr. Taylor?" asked Mrs. Archer
condescendingly.

"Why, the fact is, that we keep but one servant."

"I suppose your salary will not permit you to keep more than one
servant."

"You are right, madam."

"Really, Mr. Taylor, I think your salary ought to be increased,"
said Mr. Archer graciously. "The laborer is worthy of his hire, eh?
I must see if I can't induce the town to vote you an increased
compensation."

"Thank you," said the principal quietly. "A larger salary would, of
course, be acceptable, but I doubt whether the town will feel like
voting it."

"Rest easy," said Mr. Archer pompously. "I think I can bring it
about."

"Oh, by the by," continued the rich man, "Samuel tells me that you
have offered two scholarship prizes."

"Yes, sir--to the two scholars who pass the best examination."

"How does my boy stand in the matter?"

"He is one of the most prominent competitors."

"I am very glad to hear it--very glad. Sam, you must do your best
to-morrow. It would gratify me very much if you should succeed.
I am ambitious for my son, Mr. Taylor, and I don't mind admitting
it."

"Your ambition is a very natural one," said the principal. "Sam's
scholarship is excellent and his record is very satisfactory."

"Thank you, Mr. Taylor. Your assurance is deeply gratifying to
Mrs. Archer and myself. It will be the happiest day of our lives if
Sam succeeds in the approaching competition."

"He has a very fair chance of success, sir."

"I think I've fixed things," said Mr. Archer complacently, after the
principal had taken his leave. "The prize is as good as yours, Sam."

Chapter XX

Before the Battle

Ben's term at school had already extended to eight months. Our
hero was thorough in whatever he did, and, having an excellent
natural capacity, easily took high rank as a scholar.

"Do you expect to win the prize, Ben?" asked his friend, James
Watson.

"I hope to win it," said Ben.

"So does Sam Archer."

"I suppose it lies between us two, unless you step in and carry it off,"
added Ben, smiling, for he knew that James, who was low in rank,
was not at all sensitive on the subject.

"Make yourself easy, Ben; I won't interfere with you. You are my
frien