ways. But, Dave, what of athletics this season? Are you going in for them?"
"I am—but not too strongly, Ben. I want to get all the education I can."
"Want to get through and leave Oak Hall?"
"I don't want to be a schoolboy all my life. I want to get out in the world and make something of myself."
"What are you going to become after you leave school?"
"I don't know yet. I was talking it over with father and my uncle, but I haven't reached any decision."
At the Junction the boys had to wait about half an hour for the train to Oakdale. Dave suggested that they walk over to a candy store and have some soda water.
"May meet some of the other fellows there," he added. "The train from the other way came in quarter of an hour ago, and I saw a lot of dress-suit cases in the baggage room."
As the two youths entered the candy store a shout went up from three boys who were drinking soda.
"There are Dave Porter and Ben Basswood!"
"Hello, Dave, old man; how are you?"
"My, look at Ben's new suit! It's almost loud enough to talk!"
"Hello, fellows!" answered Dave, and striding
