come off victorious, he did not care to contend, especially as no
advantage could come of it in the end.

Of the boarding school kept by Mr. Socrates Smith he had never
heard, but felt that he would, at any rate, prefer to find himself
amid new scenes. If the school were a good one, he meant to derive
benefit from it, for he was fond of books and study, and thought
school duties no task.

"I have carefully selected a school for you," continued Allan
Roscoe, "because I wish to follow out my poor brother's wishes to
the letter. A good education will fit you to maintain yourself, and
attain a creditable station in life, which is very important, since
you will have to carve your own future."

There was no objection to make to all this. Still, it did grate upon
Hector's feelings, to be so often reminded of his penniless
position, when till recently he had regarded himself, and had been
regarded by others, as a boy of large property.

Smithville was accessible by railroad, being on the same line as the
town of Plympton in which Roscoe Castle was situated. There was a
train starting at seven o'dock, which reached Smithville at
half-past, eight. This was felt to be the proper train to take, as
it would enable Hector to reach school before the morning session
began. Allan Roscoe, who was not an early riser, made an effort to
rise in time, and succeeded. In truth, he was anxious to get Hector
out of the house. It might be that the boy's presence was a tacit
reproach, it might be that he had contracted a dislike for him. At
any rate, when Hector descended to the breakfast room, he found Mr.