quite at sea as to the cause of
the noises he had heard. He could not suspect any of his
school-fellows, for no one was visible, nor had he any idea that any
were in the wood at the time.

"I wonder if it was an animal," he reflected. "It was a fearful
noise. I must find some other place to practise reading in. I
wouldn't go to that wood again for fifty dollars."

But Fletcher's readings were not destined to be long continued. When
he got home from school the next day, he found the following note,
which had been left for him during the forenoon:--

"MR. FITZGERALD FLETCHER,--Dear Sir: I beg to thank you for your kind
proposal to read at our Fair; but I think there must be some mistake
in the matter, as we have never contemplated having any readings, nor
have I written to you on the subject, as you intimate. I fear that
we shall not have time to spare for such a feature, though, under
other circumstances, it might be attractive. In behalf of the
committee, I beg to tender thanks for your kind proposal.

"Yours respectfully,
"PAULINE CLINTON."

Fletcher read this letter with feelings which can better be imagined
than described. He had already written home in the most boastful
manner about the invitation he had received, and he knew that before
he could contradict it, it would have been generally reported by his
gratified parents to his city friends. And now he would be compelled
to explain that he had been duped, besides enduring the jeers of
those who had planned the trick.

This was more than he could endure. He formed a sudden resolution.
He would feign illness, and go home the next day. He could let it be
inferred that it was sickness alone which had compelled him to give
up the idea of appearing as a public reader.

Fitz immediately acted upon his decision, and the next day found him
on the way to Boston. He never returned to the Prescott Academy as a
student.

CHAPTER XXV.

AN INVITATION TO BOSTON.

Harry was doubly glad that he was now in receipt of a moderate
salary. He welcomed it as an evidence that he was rising in the
estimation of his employer, which was of itself satisfactory, and
also because in his circumstances the money was likely to be useful.

"Five dollars a week!" said Harry to himself. "Half of that ought to
be enough to pay for my clothes and miscellaneous expenses, and the
rest I will give to father. It will help him take care of the rest
of the family