sium regularly. You
ought to feel his arm. He's going to belong to the boat club next
year."

By this time Sam had finished his ablutions.

"Come downstairs, and I'll show you the stable," said Arthur. "I guess
there'll be time before supper."

"How many horses have you got?"

"Three carriage horses. Father would buy me a pony, but he's afraid I
might fall, and not be able to help myself."

"Do you go to school?"

"No; my health is not good enough. The doctor says I must be out in
the open air a good deal, and must not overtax my brain. I suppose you
have been to school a good deal."

"Well, no," said Sam; "I am afraid of overtaxing my brain, too."

Arthur laughed. "I don't think, from your looks, that you need feel
afraid," he said.

"You've no idea how delicate I am," said Sam, humorously.

"I should think you might be," said Arthur, merrily; "but you are very
successful in not showing it."

"That's why I don't get any sympathy. What do you do all day long if
you don't go to school?"

"I study some, and recite to a tutor who comes out from Boston; but I
have a good deal of time to myself. I've been very lonely since my
mother died," he added, soberly.

"How long ago was that?" Sam inquired, with sympathy.

"A year ago. Her death was a great loss to me, as Charlie has been
away from home so much, and father is all day in the city."

"Are there no boys round here that you can play with?"

"There are boys, but I can't join in their sports, on account of my
lameness."

"I wonder whether he will like the idea of my staying with him,"
thought Sam. "We could have good times together."

They went out to the stable, and looked about till the supper-bell
rang. Everything was well arranged, and on a scale which indicated
that Mr. Brown was a man of wealth.

More and more Sam though he would like to live there.

Entering the dining-room, where the supper was provided, they found
the older brother already present.

"Have you two boys got acquainted?" he asked.

"Yes," said Arthur; "it didn't take us long. I've been showing Sam the
stable."

"How do you like what you have seen?" asked the sophomore.

"Tiptop," said Sam.

"Take a seat there, Sam; Arthur, you know your place. I must preside
in father's absence."

They talked together socially during the meal, Sam getting to feel
better and better acquainted as time went on. After supper they took
another walk, and then Arthur asked: "Do you play ba