very much--all but the
_working_ part of it; he was afraid that would spoil the whole, for his
Uncle John always represented it as being pretty hard work.

Oscar had four cousins in Brookdale, the children of his Uncle John,
none of whom he had ever seen. He had many questions to ask about
them, in the course of which he expressed a wish that he might visit
them. His uncle replied that he should like to take him home with him,
and, as he was sick, he thought the journey might do him good. He
afterwards talked with Oscar's parents about the matter, and they
finally concluded to let him go, hoping that a few weeks in the country
would improve his health.

NOTE.--The following are the solutions of the puzzles, &c., in
Benjamin's letter, contained in this chapter. The first puzzle is the
name of Oscar Preston, enigmatically expressed. 2. Make an impression.
3. It is a bad habit. 4. A ditch. 5. Mistake. 6. Monosyllable. 7. A
pillow. 8. The wind. 9. "Over the hills and far away." 10. Bolt it.
11. An icicle. 12. Against your inclination. 13. It is a cataract
(cat erect).

CHAPTER XIV.

THE JOURNEY.

Oscar's valise was well packed for his journey, and many were the
injunctions given him by his mother, in regard to his conduct during
his absence from home. The morning for his departure soon came, and,
in company with his uncle, he proceeded to the depot, and took the cars
for Portland. It was a mild spring morning, near the close of May.
Oscar secured a seat by a window, from which he could see the country
they passed through; while his uncle, to whom the journey was no
novelty, seated himself by his side, and was soon absorbed in his
morning newspaper.

The keen relish with which Oscar set out upon his long ride gradually
wore off, and he began to feel weary long before the train reached its
destination. It was just noon when they arrived at Portland; and as it
was too late to reach Brookdale that day, Oscar's uncle concluded to
stop there until the next morning. They proceeded to a hotel, where
they booked their names, and were shown to a chamber. After dinner,
Mr. Preston took Oscar to walk, and showed him some of the most notable
places about town. But the latter felt too tired to walk about a great
deal, and spent most of the afternoon in the hotel, while his uncle was
off attending to some business.

After supper, Mr. Preston again went out to make some calls. He
invited Oscar to go w