ael
Worth took the highest in belles-lettres; both took prizes in modern
languages; so far they were head and head in the race; and nothing
remained but to award the gold watch which was to confer the highest
honors of the school upon its fortunate recipient. But before awarding
the watch the two theses were to be read aloud to the audience for the
benefit of the few who were learned enough to understand them. Professor
Adams was the reader. He arose in his place and opened the first paper;
it proved to be the composition of Ishmael Worth. As he read the eyes
and ears of the two young competitors, who were sitting together, were
strained upon him.

"Oh, I know beforehand you will get the prize! And I wish you joy of it,
my dear fellow!" whispered Walter.

"Oh, no, I am sure I shall not! You will get it! You will see!" replied
Ishmael.

Walter shook his head incredulously. But as the reading proceeded Walter
looked surprised, then perplexed, and then utterly confounded. Finally
he turned and inquired:

"Ish., what the mischief is the old fellow doing with your composition?
He is reading it all wrong."

"He is reading just what is written, I suppose," replied Ishmael.

"But he isn't, I tell you! I ought to know, for I have read it myself,
you remember! and I assure you he makes one or two mistakes in every
paragraph! The fact is, I do not believe he knows much of Greek, and he
will just ruin us both by reading our compositions in that style!"
exclaimed Walter.

"He is reading mine aright," persisted Ishmael.

And before Walter could reply again, the perusal of Ishmael's thesis was
finished, the paper was laid upon the table, and Walter's thesis was
taken up.

"Now then; I wonder if he is going to murder mine in the same manner,"
said Walter.

The reader commenced and went on smoothly to the end without having
miscalled a word or a syllable.

"That is a wonder; I do not understand it at all!" said young Middleton.

Ishmael smiled; but did not reply.

Professor Adams rapped upon the table and called the school to order;
and then, still retaining Walter's thesis in his hand, he said:

"Ihe highest prize in the gift of the examiners--the gold watch--is
awarded to the author of the thesis I hold in my hand. The young
gentleman will please to declare himself, walk forward, and receive the
reward."

"There, Walter! what did I tell you? I wish you joy now, old fellow!
There! 'go where glory awaits you,'" sm