miles. I wish I had time to tell all the adventures I met with on the
way, but I must wait till I see you.

When I got to the city, I was astonished to find how large it was. The
first day I got pretty tired wandering about, and strayed into a church
in the evening, not knowing where else to go. I was so tired I fell
asleep there, and didn't wake up till morning. When I found myself
locked up in a great church, I was frightened, I can tell you. It was
only Thursday morning, and I was afraid I should have to stay there
till Sunday. If I had, I am afraid I should have starved to death. But,
fortunately for me, the sexton came in the morning, and let me out. That
wasn't all. He very kindly took me home with him, and then told me I
might live with him and go to school. I like him very much, and his wife
too. I call them Uncle Hugh and Aunt Hester. When you write to me, you
must direct to the care of Mr. Hugh Cameron, 10 R---- Street. Then it
will be sure to reach me.

I am going to one of the city schools. At first, I was a good deal
troubled because I was so far behind boys of my age. You know I hadn't
been to school for a long time before I left Wrenville, on account of
father's sickness. But I studied pretty hard, and now I stand very well.
I sometimes think, Ben, that you don't care quite so much about study
as you ought to. I wish you would come to feel the importance of it. You
must excuse me saying this, as we have always been such good friends.

I sometimes think of Mr. and Mrs. Mudge, and wonder whether they miss
me much. I am sure Mr. Mudge misses me, for now he is obliged to get up
early and milk, unless he has found another boy to do it. If he has, I
pity the boy. Write me what they said about my going away.

I inclose a letter for Aunt Lucy Lee, which I should like to have you
give her with your own hands. Don't trust it to Mrs. Mudge, for she
doesn't like Aunt Lucy, and I don't think she would give it to her.

Write soon, Ben, and I will answer without delay, Your affectionate
friend, PAUL PRESCOTT.

"That's a very good letter," said Mr. Crosby; "I am glad Paul is doing
so well. I should like to see him."

"So should I," said Ben; "he was a prime fellow,--twice as good as I am.
That's true, what he said about my not liking study. I guess I'll try to
do better."

"You'll make a smart boy if you only try," said the postmaster,
with whom Ben was rather a favorite, in spite of his mischievous
propensiti