hile Archie
coughed, and Frank turned away his head to conceal his laughter.

"I can not begin to convey to you even a slight idea of what I have
endured," said Arthur, as if nothing had happened. "It is true that I am
young in years, but I am old in experience. I have known every variety
of danger incident to a reckless and roving life. I have skirmished with
Arabs on the burning sands of Patagonia; have hunted the ferocious polar
bear amid the icebergs of India; have followed lions and tigers through
the jungles and forests of Europe; have risked my life in four different
battles with the Algerines, and, on one occasion, was captured by those
murderous villains. If adventures make the hero, I can certainly lay
claim to that honor as well as anybody."

As the visitor ceased speaking, he looked suspiciously at the three boys
before him, two of whom seemed to be strangely affected by the recital
of his thrilling adventures. Frank had grown very red in the face, while
Johnny was holding his handkerchief over his mouth, trying to restrain
a violent fit of coughing with which he had suddenly been seized. Archie
was the only one who could keep a straight face. He stood with his hands
behind his back, his feet spread out, his sombrero pushed as far back on
his head as he could get it, looking intently at Arthur, as if he were
very much interested in what he was saying. He came to the relief of the
others, however, by observing:

"If I had seen all those countries you speak of, Vane, I should be proud
of it. No one delights more in truthful stories of adventure than I do,
and, if you have no objection, we will sit down here and talk, while
Johnny saddles his horse. We are going over to visit old Captain Porter.
You will go with us, of course?"

"Certainly. I have often heard of Captain Porter, and I shall be pleased
to make his acquaintance. He and I can talk over our adventures, and you
can listen, and you will, no doubt, learn something."

Johnny, knowing that Frank wanted some excuse to get away where he could
enjoy a hearty laugh, asked him to assist in catching his horse; and,
together, they went toward the barn, leaving Archie behind to listen to
Arthur's stories.

CHAPTER IX.

AN OLD BOY.

By the exercise of wonderful self-control, Frank and Johnny succeeded in
restraining their risibilities until they reached the barn, and then one
leaned against the door-post, while the other seated himself upon the