give you the balance due in the morning."

"Very well, sir."

Rodney was glad to be left alone. He had no faith in Dr. Sampson's
sympathy. The doctor had the reputation of being worth from thirty to
forty thousand dollars, and his assumption of being a poor man Rodney
knew to be a sham.

He went to bed early, for tomorrow was to be the beginning of a new life
for him.

CHAPTER III.

A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE.

When it was generally known in the school that Rodney was to leave
because he had lost his property much sympathy was felt and expressed
for him.

Though he had received more than ordinary attention from the principal
on account of his pecuniary position and expectations, this had not
impaired his popularity. He never put on any airs and was on as cordial
relations with the poorest student as with the richest.

"I'm awfully sorry you're going, Rodney," said more than one. "Is it
really true that you have lost your property?"

"Yes, it is true."

"Do you feel bad about it?"

"I feel sorry, but not discouraged."

"I say, Rodney," said Ernest Rayner, in a low voice, calling Rodney
aside, "are you very short of money?"

"I haven't much left, Ernest."

"Because I received five dollars last week as a birthday present. I
haven't spent any of it. You can have it as well as not."

Rodney was much moved. "My dear Ernest," he said, putting his arm
caressingly around the neck of the smaller boy, "you are a true friend.
I won't forget your generous offer, though I don't need to accept it."

"But are you sure you have money enough?" asked Ernest.

"Yes, I have enough for the present. By the time I need more I shall
have earned it."

There was one boy, already introduced, John Bundy, who did not share in
the general feeling of sympathy for Rodney. This was John Bundy.

He felt that Rodney's departure would leave him the star pupil and give
him the chief social position in school. As to scholarship he was not
ambitious to stand high in that.

"I say, Ropes," he said complacently, "I'm to have your room after
you're gone."

"I congratulate you," returned Rodney. "It is an excellent room."

"Yes, I s'pose it'll make you feel bad. Where are you going?"

"I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have done."

"Oh yes, I guess there's no doubt of that. I'm going to get pa to send
me some nice pictures to hang on the wall. When you come back here on a
visit you'll see how nice it looks."

"I think i