nt upon
giving the other a wide berth. At the supper table, something was said
about Oscar's letter, and his going home; but Jerry was too obstinate
to ask any questions, and so he remained in tormenting uncertainty in
regard to the matter. Oscar, too, had some curiosity about the gun,
but he did not intend to "speak first," if he never spoke again to his
cousin.

During the whole evening, Oscar and Jerry were at the opposite poles of
the little family circle. When Oscar retired for the night, he found
Jerry not only abed, but asleep, or pretending to be. It was a wonder
that both did not tumble out of bed that night; for each slept upon the
extreme edge of the mattress, as far as possible from the other.

When Oscar awoke in the morning, he found himself alone, Jerry having
quietly arisen and slipped out of the room, without disturbing him.
They did not see each other until they met at the breakfast table.
Here, their sober and quiet demeanor, so unusual with them, soon
attracted notice.

"See how down in the mouth Jerry is!" said Emily. "He looks as though
he had lost all his friends. And Oscar does n't look much better
either, poor fellow!"

Both boys changed color, and looked queerly, but they said nothing.

"Never mind, boys," said Mrs. Preston, "you 've got one day more to
enjoy yourselves together. You 'd better make the most of that, while
it lasts, and not worry about the separation till the time comes."

"That's good doctrine," said Mr. Preston; "never borrow trouble, for it
comes fast enough any way. Come, cheer up, Oscar, you have n't gone
yet."

"It's too bad to make me go home so soon--I thought I was going to stay
here a month or two," said Oscar, who was very willing that his unusual
demeanor should be attributed entirely to his summons home.

"You must ask your father to let you come down and spend your
vacation," said Mr. Preston. "I expect to go up to Boston about that
time, and I guess he will let me bring you home with me."

"I should like to come," said Oscar, "but I don't believe father will
let me, it's so far."

"O yes, he will, when he knows what good friends you and Jerry are,"
replied Mr. Preston.

"Jerry 's crying, as true as I 'm alive!" exclaimed Emily, who had been
watching the workings of her brother's face for several moments, and
thought she saw moisture gathering in his eye.

"No I aint, either!" replied Jerry, in such a prompt and spiteful tone,
and with such