was thought by the college professors that the atmosphere of the hotel
would be detrimental to college discipline and the steady habits they
desired to inculcate in the young men under their care.

"I wonder," thought Doctor Mack, after supper was over, "whether I had
better go round to the college and make an evening call on Walter?"

He was tempted to do so, for he was fond of his young ward and would
have enjoyed seeing him. But then he wished, unobserved, to judge for
himself whether Walter was making good use of his privileges, and this
made it injudicious for him to disclose his presence in the college
town.

He strolled out into the tavern yard, and observed a young man engaged
in some light duties.

"Good evening, sir," said the young man, respectfully.

"Good evening, I suppose you are connected with the hotel?"

"Yes, sir; but I would rather be connected with the college."

"Then you have a taste for study?"

"Yes, sir. I began to prepare for college, and had made some progress
in Latin and Greek, when my father died, and that put an end to my
prospects."

"That was a pity. Has it destroyed your taste for study?"