and, with the conscious superiority derived from greater years
and better education, he felt himself fortified in undertaking the
paternal office which the fond, foolish mother had confided to his
hands. Accordingly, descending the stairs briskly, he joined the
two at the entrance of the dwelling. The son was already on the
outside; the mother stood in the doorway: and, as Stevens appeared
and drew nigh, William Hinkley bowed, and turned away as if to
withdraw.

"If you have no objections, Mr. Hinkley," said Stevens, "I will
join you. You seem to be about to go my way."

The young man paused with an air of reluctance, muttered something
which was not altogether intelligible, but which Stevens construed
into assent, and the two set forth together--the good old matron
giving a glance of gratitude to the benevolent young student which
her son did not fail to note, while, at the same time, a sentence
which evidently conveyed some motherly rebuke, was addressed to
his already-irritated ears.






CHAPTER XI.

WRESTLING.