came to himself. His devotion to Oscar after that was
beautiful to see, and they were firmer and truer friends ever
afterwards.

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A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE.

Tom was one of those boys who, being fairly quick and clever, think they
know everything and can do everything without being taught. Now, however
quick and clever a boy or girl may be, this is a great mistake, because
it is wiser and safer to profit by the experience of an older person
than to learn by one's own experience. But Tom always knew beforehand
anything that his father or mother could tell him; and the result was
that he often found himself in the wrong, and more than once suffered
for his conceit and self-sufficiency.

Tom had lived in London all his life, with only occasional visits to the
seaside and a few days in the country at Christmas, when his father and
mother usually went on a visit to his uncle's house at Felford. He was
therefore much excited when at breakfast one morning, just after the
Midsummer holidays had begun, his mother handed a letter across the
table to her husband, asking, "What do you think of _that_?"

Tom's quick eyes saw that the writing was his uncle's. He watched, and
saw his father and mother both glance at him.

"Well, Tom, I see you have your suspicions about this letter," said his
father; "and you are right. It _does_ concern you. Your uncle has asked
you to go to Felford. Your aunt and the little ones will be away; but
your uncle will be at home, and Allan will be there to keep you company.
Now, do you think you can be trusted to go alone, and not give your
uncle any trouble, or lead Allan into mischief?"

"Why, of course, Father!" Tom answered readily.

"I am sorry to say there is no 'of course' in the matter; but you can
try this once, and I hope it may be as you say. But you must remember
that your uncle is very strict, and that you will not be allowed"--

"Oh, I know!" said Tom, but his father stopped him.

"If you say that to me again I shall not let you go to your uncle's. If
you know so well, you ought to practise what you know, and give less
anxiety to your mother and me."

At last the day came. His father saw him off at the station; and, after
a journey of two hours, Tom arrived at the Felford station, and found
his uncle's wagon had come to meet him, and Allan was in it. The boys
had much to say to each other; for they had not met fo