at Sam," he said to himself. The next
morning he entered the schoolroom cool and confident, while
Sam, though rather nervous, seemed almost equally confident.

"Mr. Taylor won't go back on me," he reflected, "after dining at our
house; especially after father has promised to get him a higher
salary."

The examination lasted all the session. It was partly oral and partly
written.

"Boys," said the principal, "I shall devote the evening to the
examination of your papers. To-morrow morning my decision will
be made known."

"I wish it were over," thought Sam. "I think he'll give me the prize,
but I should like to be sure of it."

Chapter XXI

Ben Wins at School

Every boy was in his seat the next morning at the opening of school.
Though the choice lay between two only, there was a general interest
felt in the result of the competition. Ben was the favorite, though
Sam had a few followers--generally sycophantic boys who had a
respect for wealth, or had favors to ask of him.

"Boys," said the principal, "I sat up till twelve o'clock last evening,
examining your papers. I have not only ascertained who are entitled
to the two prizes, but I have made a list of the ten highest scholars,
with their percentages. I am glad to say that many of you have done
well, and I regret that I have not more prizes to bestow. I will now
announce the names of the prize boys."

"First prize--Benjamin Bradford."
"Second prize--Sam Archer."

The boys applauded noisily.

"Bradford's percentage," continued the principal, "is ninety-nine and
eight-tenths; Archer's, ninety-seven and nine-tenths. Both are very
high and I heartily congratulate both young gentlemen upon their
brilliant success. Bradford, you may come up to the desk."

Mr. Taylor placed in his hands a neat edition of Longfellow's poems.

"Thank you, sir," said Ben.

The boys again applauded.

"Archer, you may come up," said the principal.

Sam rose slowly, and with a discontented look shuffled up to the
desk. An edition of Tennyson's poems was handed to him. He
received them without a word of thanks and hurried back to his
seat.

There was no applause in his case.

This was the last day of school, and the session lasted but an hour
and a half. At half-past ten the boys poured out of the
schoolhouse with noisy demonstrations of joy.

"I congratulate you, old fellow," said James Watson to Ben. "You've
done splendidly."

"Thank you, James."