Mr. Middleton.

But Ishmael had suddenly disappeared, and was nowhere to be found.

"Where is he, Walter? He was standing by you," said Claudia.

"I had my arm around him to prevent mischief, and I released him only an
instant since; but he seems to have slipped away," answered Walter, in
surprise.

"He has gone after Alfred! and there will be mischief done; and no one
could blame Ishmael if there was!" exclaimed Claudia.

"It was young Worth, then, that Burghe assailed?" inquired Mr.
Middleton.

"Yes, uncle! and if Mr. Burghe is permitted to come to the house after
his conduct this evening, I really shall feel compelled to write to my
father, and request him to remove me, for I cannot, indeed, indeed, I
cannot expose myself to the shock of hearing such language as he has
dared to use in my presence this evening!" said Claudia excitedly.

"Compose yourself, my dear girl; he will not trouble us after this
evening; he does not return to school after the vacation; he goes to
West Point," said her uncle.

"And where I hope the discipline will be strict enough to keep him in
order!" exclaimed Claudia.

"But now someone must go after Ishmael. Ring for Jovial, Walter."

"Father, old Jovial will be too slow. Had I not better go myself?" asked
Walter, seizing his hat.

Mr. Middleton assented, and the young man went out on his quest.

He hunted high and low, but found no trace of Ishmael. He found,
however, what set his mind at ease upon the subject of a collision
between the youths; it was the form of Alfred Burghe, stretched at
length upon the thick and dewy grass.

"Why do you lie there? You will take cold. Get up and go home," said
Walter, pitying his discomfiture and loneliness; for the generous are
compassionate even to the evil doer.

Alfred did not condescend to reply.

"Get up, I say; you will take cold," persisted Walter.

"I don't care if I do! I had as lief die as not! I have no friends!
nobody cares for me," exclaimed the unhappy youth, in the bitterness of
spirit common to those who have brought their troubles upon themselves.

"If you would only reform your manners, Alfred, you would find friends
enough, from the Creator, who only requires of you that 'you cease to do
evil and learn to do well,' down to the humblest of his creatures--down
to that poor boy whom you so heartlessly insulted to-night; but whose
generous nature would bear no lasting malice against you," said Walter
gravely.

"It