well prepared as usual, John."

Frank translated fluently and well, his recitation forming a very
favorable contrast to the slipshod attempt of John. This John, in
a spirit of unreasonableness, magnified into a grave offense, and
a desire to "show off" at his expense.

"Trying to shine at my expense," he muttered. "Well, let him! Two
or three years hence, when I am in college, perhaps things may be
a little different."

Frank noticed his repellent look, and it made him feel
uncomfortable. He was a warm-hearted boy, and wanted to be on
good terms with everybody. Still, he could not help feeling that
in the present instance he had nothing to reproach himself with.

John went back to his seat feeling an increased irritation
against Frank. He could not help seeing that he was more popular
with his schoolmates than himself, and, of course, this, too, he
considered a just cause of offense against him.

While he was considering in what way he could slight Frank, the
thought of the boat he was about to purchase entered his mind. He
brightened up at once, for this suggested something. He knew how
much boys like going out upon the water. At present there was no
boat on the pond. His would hold six or eight boys readily. He
would invite some of the oldest boys to accompany him on his
first trip, carefully omitting Frank Frost. The slight would be
still more pointed because Frank was his classmate.