Walter Sherwoods Probation | Page 2

capacity for "enjoyment." His guardian had fondly hoped that he
would lead the class in scholarship, but instead of this he was only
doing "fairly well" in his studies. To be sure, he excelled in athletic
sports, but, as Doctor Mack reflected, this was not generally considered
the chief aim in a college course, except by some of the students
themselves.
"I wish I knew just how Walter is making out," thought the doctor.
Then, after a pause, he resumed, with a sudden inspiration: "Why
shouldn't I know? I'll go over to Euclid to-morrow with out giving
Walter any intimation of my visit, and see for myself."
It may be stated here that Walter Sherwood was a member of the
sophomore class in Euclid College, situated in the town of the same
name. If the reader does not find Euclid in a list of American colleges,
it is because for special reasons I have thought it best to conceal the
real name of the college, not wishing to bring the Institution into
possible disrepute. There are some who might misjudge the college,
because it contained some students who made an unprofitable use of
their time.
"Nancy," said Doctor Mack at the supper-table, "you may pack a hand-
bag for me. I shall start on a journey to-morrow morning."
"Where to, sir, if I may make so bold as to inquire?"
"I think of going to Euclid."
"To see Master Walter?"
"Exactly."

"You haven't heard any bad news, I hope?" said the housekeeper
anxiously.
"Oh, no."
"Then he isn't sick?"
"Quite the contrary. He is quite strong and athletic, I should judge,
from his letter."
"He will be glad to see you, sir."
"Well, perhaps so. But you know, Nancy, young people don't miss their
parents and guardians as much as they are missed at home. They have
plenty of excitement and society at college."
"Yes, sir, that's true, but I'm sure Master Walter won't forget his old
home. If you have room for some cookies I will put some into the bag.
Walter is fond of them."
"No, I think you needn't do It, Nancy, He has a good boarding-house,
and no doubt he gets all the cakes he wants. By the way, I want to take
the boy by surprise, so don't write and let him know I'm coming."
"No, sir, I won't."
This was exactly what the housekeeper had intended to do, for she
presumed upon her long service in the family to write a few lines
occasionally to the boy whom she had known from the age of six.
"Of course I shall be pleased to give him any message from you."
"Thank you, Doctor Mack. Tell him if he catches cold I can send him
some camomile. Camomile tea is excellent in such cases. My mother
and grandmother used it all their lives."
"You seem to forget that I am a doctor, Nancy. Not that I object to
camomile tea--in its place--though I can truly say that I never hankered
after it."

"How long will you be gone, doctor?"
"I can't say exactly. You see, Euclid is nearly two hundred miles off.
and I don't know whether I can make connections."
"Oh, well, don't hurry! No doubt Walter will want to keep you with him
as long as possible."
"I don't feel so sure of that," thought the doctor shrewdly. "Boys are not
usually so fond of the society of their guardians, though I don't doubt
Walter has a sincere regard for me. He is a warm-hearted boy."
Doctor Mack was no longer in active practice. Three years before he
had selected an assistant--a young Doctor Winthrop--in whom his
patients had come to feel confidence, so that when he wanted to go
away for a few days there was no serious objection. Unlike some
elderly practitioners, Doctor Mack did not feel in the least jealous of
his young assistant, but was very glad to note his popularity.
"If any one calls for me, Nancy," he said, "say that I am away for a day
or two and they can't do better than go to Doctor Winthrop."
"There are some that like you best, sir."
"No doubt, no doubt! They're used to me, you know. There's a good
deal in that. Any that please can wait for me, but my advice to them is
to go to Doctor Winthrop."
Nancy packed the doctor's hand-bag, putting in a change of linen, a
comb and brush, an extra pair of socks and a couple of handkerchiefs.
Then, seeing that there was plenty of room, she slipped in a small box
of cookies and a little camomile. The doctor discovered them soon after
he started on his journey, and with a smile tossed the camomile out of
the window, while he gave