CONCLUSION.

The longer these two boys were together, the more they wished they could
spend their lives side by side; or, at least, not be separated by half
the globe. Just before the Christmas holidays, some news arrived which
startled them so much that they could hardly speak to one another about
it for some hours. There was a deep feeling in their hearts which
disposed them to speak alone to the Ruler of their lives, before they
could even rejoice with one another. When they meditated upon it, they
saw that the event had come about naturally enough; but it so exactly
met the strongest desire they had in the world, that if a miracle had
happened before their eyes, they could not have been more struck.

Holt's father wrote a letter to Mr Proctor, which reached its
destination through Mr Tooke's hands; and Mr Tooke was consulted in
the whole matter, and requested by Mr Proctor to tell the two boys and
Phil all about it. These three were therefore called into Mr Tooke's
study one day, to hear some news.

The letters which Mr Tooke read were about Hugh. Mr Holt explained
that his son's best years were to be spent, like his own, in India; that
his own experience had made him extremely anxious that his son should be
associated with companions whom he could respect and love; and that he
had long resolved to use such interest as he had in bringing out only
such a youth, or youths, as he could wish his son to associate with. He
mentioned that he was aware that one lad now at Crofton was destined for
India--

"That is Lamb," whispered the boys to each other.

But that he did not hear of any friendship formed, or likely to be
formed with advantage between his son and this young gentleman.

"No, indeed!" muttered Holt.

There was one boy, however, Mr Holt went on to say, to whom his son
seemed to be attached, and concerning whom he had related circumstances
which inspired a strong interest, and which seemed to afford an
expectation of an upright manhood following a gallant youth.

Here all the boys reddened, and Hugh looked hard at the carpet.

This boy had evidently a strong inclination for travel and adventure;
and though his lameness put military or naval service out of the
question, it might not unfit him for civil service in India. If Mr
Tooke could give such a report of his health, industry, and capability
as should warrant his being offered an appointment, and if his parents
were willing so to dispose of