Phil took his way home silently and thoughtfully, carrying his
precious bundle of books under an arm, his active mind planning
as to how he might employ his time to the best advantage during
the summer vacation that was now so close at hand.

A rheumatic, bent figure was standing in front of the shack where
the lad lived, glaring up the street from beneath bushy eyebrows,
noting Phil Forrest's leisurely gait disapprovingly.

Phil saw him a moment later.

"I'm in for a scolding," he muttered. "Wonder what it is all
about this time. I don't seem able to do a thing to please Uncle
Abner."



CHAPTER II

PHIL HEARS HIS DISMISSAL

"Where you been, young man?" The question was a snarl rather
than a sentence.

"To school, Uncle, of course."

"School's been out more than an hour. I say, where have you
been?"