ckgammon, Sam?"

"I never learned."

"Shall I show you?"

"I wish you would."

The backgammon board was brought out, and the two boys had a pleasant
evening. As the older brother heard their lively laughter, and noticed
how Arthur seemed brightened up by Sam's companionship, he felt more
and more that it would be a good plan to keep him there. When his
father reached home, a little before nine o'clock, he made the
proposal to him.

"I am convinced," he said, "that Arthur needs a young companion, of a
cheerful temperament, who will brighten him up, and keep him in good
spirits.

"Do you know anything of this boy?" asked Mr. Brown, cautiously.

"Not much, except that Arthur appears to fancy him. His education has
been neglected."

"That would not matter. He could study regularly with Arthur, and
recite to his tutor."

"That occurred to me."

"Has he any bad habits?"

"No confirmed bad habits. If it should prove so, he can be
dismissed."

"Would he like to come?"

"Of that I am sure. Indeed it would be a great thing for him, as he is
poor, and has no friends to help him along."

"Then he may stay a month on trial. You may speak to him about it."

CHAPTER XXX.

HOW IT WAS ARRANGED.

"Sam," said the young student, the next morning, "I have spoken to my
father about your remaining here as a companion to Arthur."

"What did he say?" asked Sam, anxiously.

"That you may stay a month on trial. If the arrangement proves
satisfactory, you can remain longer."

"I'm ever so much obliged to you," said Sam, overjoyed. "I hope I'll
suit."

"I hope you will, too, for Arthur's sake. You must bear in mind that
we expect you to lay aside all your bad habits, and try to become
refined and gentlemanly."

"I'll try," said Sam, earnestly.

"You will take lessons of Arthur's tutor, and study with him. Though
considerably younger than you are he is much more advanced in his
studies, and will be able to help you in any difficulties."

"Perhaps he won't want to be bothered with me."

"On the contrary, it will interest and amuse him to be so occupied.
There is no reason why you should not improve fast."

"I want to know something," said Sam. "Ever since I met that girl on
the boat I've been ashamed of being such a know-nothing."

"I am glad to hear you say that. It is encouraging to find that you
are sensible of your deficiencies. It is the first step toward
remedying them."

"Will the tutor lick me if