uence,
Clapp had a severe headache, and this did not improve his temper.

"Come round Thursday evening, Harry," said Oscar Vincent, "and go to
the Society with me. I will introduce you to the fellows. It will
be less awkward, you know."

"Thank you, Oscar. I shall be glad to accept your escort."

When Thursday evening came, Oscar and Harry entered the Society hall
arm in arm. Oscar led his companion up to the Secretary and
introduced him.

"I am glad to see you, Mr. Walton," said he. "Will you sign your
name to the Constitution? That is all the formality we require."

"Except a slight pecuniary disbursement," added Oscar.

"How much is the entrance fee?" asked Harry.

"One dollar. You win pay that to the Treasurer."

Oscar next introduced our hero to the President, and some of the
leading members, all of whom welcomed him cordially.

"Good-evening, Mr. Fletcher," said Harry, observing that young
gentleman near him.

"Good-evening, sir," said Fletcher stiffly, and turned on his heel
without offering his hand.

"Fletcher don't feel well," whispered Oscar. "He had a visit from a
poor relation the other day--a tin-pedler--and it gave such a shock
to his sensitive system that he hasn't recovered from it yet."

"I didn't imagine Mr. Fletcher had such a plebeian relative," said
Harry.

"Nor did any of us. The interview was rich. It amused us all, but
what was sport to us was death to poor Fitz. You have only to make
the most distant allusion to a tin-pedler in his hearing, and he will
become furious."

"Then I will be careful."

"Oh, it won't do any harm. The fact was, the boy was getting too
overbearing, and putting on altogether too many airs. The lesson
will do him good, or ought to."

Here the Society was called to order, and Oscar and Harry took their
seats.

The exercises proceeded in regular order until the President
announced a declamation by Fitzgerald Fletcher.

"Mr. President," said Fletcher, rising, "I must ask to be excused. I
have not had time to prepare a declamation."

"Mr. President," said Tom Carver, "under the circumstances I hope you
will excuse Mr. Fletcher, as during the last week he has had an
addition to his family."

There was a chorus of laughter, loud and long, at this sally. All
were amused except Fletcher himself, who looked flushed and provoked.

"Mr. Fletcher is excused," said the President, unable to refrain from
smiling. "Will any member volunteer