tonished. He had been told there was another candidate for
the scholarship, who in some quarters was considered a formidable
opponent, but he had never fairly realised the fact till now.

"I'm very glad to meet you," said he, courteously, to George, "though I
can hardly wish you as much success in your exam, as I dare say you wish
yourself."

"I hope I shall not break my heart if I lose," replied George. "Are we
the only two in for it?"

And then they fell to talking about their approaching struggle, during
which I gave heed to a hurried talk between Charlie and Jim.

"Do you remember Tom Drift?" asked Jim.

Charlie's face at once became serious as he replied, "How could I forget
him? What about him?"

"Why," said Jim, "I had a letter from my brother Joe the other day, and
he says Tom has altogether gone to the bad. He met him drunk coming out
of some slum in Holborn, and followed him for a long time in hopes of
being able to speak to him, but the fellow couldn't, or wouldn't
recognise him, and only swore. He is living at some disreputable
lodging-house--"

"Where?" exclaimed Charlie, excitedly.

"I don't know. Why! what's the matter?"

"Can you find out his address?" asked Charlie.

"I dare say. Why do you want it?"

"Because I must go and see him. Could you find out to-day by telegram?"

"I'll try." Presently he added, "I could never make out why you stuck
to the fellow as you did, old man, especially when he turned against
you. You're a better man than ever I shall be."

"Nonsense! I promised once to be his friend, that's all. Do send the
telegram soon. And now tell me who's the pale man talking to Clarke?"

"A fellow called Reader--one of the cleverest men we've got."

"He looks half-starved!"

"Yes; I'm afraid he's--I mean, I don't think he takes proper care of
himself."

"Pity," said Charlie. "I say, old man, this is rare steak! Give us a
bit more. What time does the match begin?"

"At two. You old beggar! see if I don't pay off some old scores before
the day's over."

"I thought you told me once your people didn't fancy your going in for
athletics?"

"No more they do. I expect a stinger by this post; but I shall not open
it till after the match. What matches we used to have at Randlebury!"

"Didn't we!"

"And do you remember what an ass you used to make of yourself over that
precious silver watch of yours?"

It did one good to hear the laugh with which Charlie gree