down the well; I've
took an hid Grandma Babson's best cap, 'cause she said 'That boy needs a
lickin'.' Want ter know where I put it? Up in the barnloft on the hay. I
did somethin' else too. I put a wad er paper in the dinner horn. Won't
they be mad when they try to blow it? I guess they'll be sorry they made
me go ter school."

"Oh, but that's naughty!" cried Prue. "I'd think you'd be most afraid to
be so _very_ naughty. What'll they do when you get home?"

Hi's face lost its hilarious expression.

"I ain't got home yet," he said.

The boys and girls had returned to their lessons with all the eager
enthusiasm which had been a characteristic of the school when Miss Gilman
had first taken it, but the young teacher could not but contrast this
"first day" with that of the year before. Then, there had been little
order; now, there was perfect concord with every pupil striving to do his
best.

Here and there an unruly member of the primary class caused a disturbance,
but as a whole, the pupils were both quiet and studious.

When school closed Randy and Prue with a troop of friends walked along the
road toward home, talking of the little events of the day and exulting
over their fine schoolhouse, the large yard and full classes.

"Didn't it seem odd to see so many new scholars this year?" said Randy.
"We must get acquainted with them and help them to enjoy our little
pleasures."

"That is what you and Jotham did when I moved here last year," said Molly
Wilson, "and oh, Randy, I never could begin to tell you how in my heart I
thanked you when you came and spoke to me that first lonesome day at
school."

"I knew that I should be glad to have some one speak to me if I had only
strangers about me," said Randy, sweetly.

"How we shall miss Jotham this year," said Reuben Jenks.

"He's going on with his studies with the professor here at home this
month, but the first of October he's to be in Cambridge. The tutor goes
back there to teach at the college and Jotham is to board near the
university, he says, and have private teachin'."

"You'll miss him, Randy, won't you?" queried little Prue.

"We shall all wish that he were with us," was Randy's discreet answer.
Suddenly Prue exclaimed,

"You've got a new dress, Molly; it's a beauty, and it's just like my
Randy's."

"So it is," said Molly. "I had a birthday a short time ago, and I had a
pair of mittens which mother had knit for me to wear this winter, some
candy, s