though their intercourse was not
quite so free and unembarrassed as it was before their quarrel. In
fact, they did not properly heal up the difficulty between them,
inasmuch as neither made any confession or apology--a duty that both
should have performed, as they were about equally guilty. Oscar's
first inquiries were concerning the gun. Jerry told him that he
carried it home, and that the owner was quite angry, when he saw the
damage it had sustained, but said nothing about making the boys pay for
it.

The next morning the family arose at an earlier hour than usual, as
Oscar had got to be on his way soon after sunrise. It was decided that
Jerry should drive him over to the Cross-Roads. Accordingly, after a
hasty breakfast, he bade them all good-bye, one by one, and taking a
seat in the wagon with Jerry, started for home. It was delightful,
riding while the birds were yet singing their morning songs, and the
grass was spangled with dew, and the cool air had not felt the hot
breath of the sun; but the separation that was about to take place, and
the unpleasant recollection of their recent quarrel, lessened their
enjoyment of the ride very much. They reached the Cross-Roads nearly
half an hour before the stage-coach came along. At length it drove up
to the post-office, and Oscar, mounting to the top, took a seat behind
the driver. The mail-bag was handed to the driver, and the coach
started again on its way, Oscar bowing his farewell to Jerry, as they
drove off.

[Illustration: The Stage Coach.]

Nothing of special interest occurred the forenoon's ride. The coach
reached its destination about eleven o'clock and Oscar had barely time
enough to brush the dust from his clothing, and to obtain a drink of
cold water, when the signal was given for the cars to start, and he
took his seat in the train. His thoughtful aunt had placed a liberal
supply of eatables in the top of his valise, and to that he now had
recourse, for his long ride had given him a sharp appetite. There were
but few passengers in the train when it started, but at almost every
station it received accessions.

On reaching Portland, Oscar found that he had nearly half an hour to
spare, before taking the Boston train; for it was his intention to "go
through" in one day, which his early start enabled him to do. After
treating himself to a few cakes, which he purchased at a refreshment
stand in the depot, he walked about until it was time to take