have been better for me if I had had to do more for myself."

"Well, you are not a spoiled child, Dick," said Jack, "as some sons of
rich parents are. You are not idle nor vicious, and you know the value of
money. You will do for yourself when you leave school. You are going
through a training now, that will do you good later."

"Yes, I suppose so, but your having to do for yourself has made you a
stronger, more self-reliant fellow than I will ever be."

"Oh, I don't know," returned Jack, half laughing, half seriously. "I am
not patting myself on the back, Dick."

"No, you never would."

The two boys were great friends, and were the leading spirits in the
Academy, having a great many friends, and being looked up to by the
greater part of the boys, and especially by the younger ones, who took
them as models.

Dick was somewhat older than Jack, and was farther along in his classes,
having had more advantages, but Jack was studious and ambitious, and bade
fair to catch up with his older companion and schoolmate before many
months had passed, having already in the few months he had been at the
Academy greatly shortened the lead which Percival had in the beginning.

Two days later the yacht was in much pleasanter waters, and the air was
quite warm and balmy, the boys going around in lighter clothing than
before, wearing mostly white flannel or duck, canvas shoes and caps, and
no waistcoats, some wearing only white trousers and shirts, and belts