Walter Sherwoods Probation | Page 9

it's so bad," answered Gates slowly. "Your money isn't
all lost."
"But I must leave college."
"True; but, as your guardian says, you are young, and if you come back
at the end of a year you will still be a year younger than I for your
standing. Of course, I am sorry to have you go."
"I am sure of that, Gates."
"Is the prospect of working for a year so unpleasant to you, Walter?"
"No, I can't say it is," said Walter, brightening up, "not if I can choose
my employment. I shouldn't like to go behind the counter in a grocery
store, or--"
"Black boots for a living?"
"Well, hardly," said Walter, laughing.
"Probably your guardian will consult your preferences."
"I wish I could arrange to travel. I should like to see something of the
world."
"Why not? You might get an agency of some kind. One college
vacation-- last summer--I traveled about as book agent."
"How did you like it?"

"Not very much. I met with a good many rebuffs, and was occasionally
looked upon with suspicion, as I could see. Still, I made a living, and
brought back thirty dollars to start me on my new term."
"Just what my supper cost the other evening."
"Yes; I didn't think it wise to spend the money in the same way."
"You have cheered me up, Gates. I really believe I shall like to spend a
year in some kind of business."
"Write your guardian to that effect. He may be blaming himself for his
agency in your misfortune, and a cheerful letter from you will brighten
him up."
"All right! I will."
Walter sat down and dashed off the following note:
"DEAR GUARDIAN: Your letter just received. I won't pretend that I
am not sorry for the loss of my money, but I am sure that you acted for
the best. Don't trouble yourself too much about the matter. Perhaps it
will all come out right in a year or so. In the meantime I think I shall
find it not unpleasant to work for a year if you will let me select the
kind of business I am to follow.
"I will make the money you sent me do for the present, and will send
you my term bills as you desire. You can depend upon my settling up
as cheap as possible, though I confess I have not hitherto been nearly as
economical as I might have been. Now that I know it is necessary, you
shall have no reason to complain of me.
"Your affectionate ward, WALTER SHERWOOD."
"What do you think of that, Gates?" asked Walter, giving the letter to
his chum to read.
"Excellent! It shows the right spirit."

"I am glad you think so."
"Do you know, Walter, I think I have more occasion for regret than you?
I must bid farewell to my room-mate and this pleasant room."
"To your room-mate, yes, but not necessarily to the room."
"I shall have to furnish it in very different style for the present. I am not
sure that I can afford a carpet. The luxury of my present surroundings, I
am afraid, will spoil me for humble quarters."
"Don't borrow any trouble about that. I shall leave you the furniture as
it stands, and when I come back to college, even if we are in different
classes, you must take me in again."
"Of course I will agree to an arrangement so much in my favor, but
perhaps your guardian will think you had better sell the furniture and
realize what you can."
"No, I am sure he won't. There's nothing mean about Doctor Mack.
You can take in any one you please in my place, only I am to come
back at the end of a year if things turn out well."
"I heartily hope you will come back, and if you will excuse my saying
so, with a more earnest spirit, and a determination to do justice to your
really excellent talents."
"Good advice! I'll adopt it. I'll begin to do better at once. I was
intending to take a drive this evening, but it would cost me two dollars,
and I will stay at home and save the money."
"Come with me on a walk, instead."
"I will."
"We will go to the top of Mount Legar. At sunset there will be a fine
view from there."
"I must stop on the way and pay Mr. Daniels what I owe him. He will

lose a good deal by my going away."
"True; but his loss will be your gain."
At the outset of their walk the two students called at the hotel, and
found Mr. Daniels on the piazza.
"Glad to see you, Mr. Sherwood," said the landlord briskly.
"I think