ut only
such a youth, or youths, as he could wish his son to associate with. He
mentioned that he was aware that one lad now at Crofton was destined for
India--

"That is Lamb," whispered the boys to each other.

But that he did not hear of any friendship formed, or likely to be
formed with advantage between his son and this young gentleman.

"No, indeed!" muttered Holt.

There was one boy, however, Mr. Holt went on to say, to whom his son
seemed to be attached, and concerning whom he had related circumstances
which inspired a strong interest, and which seemed to afford an
expectation of an upright manhood following a gallant youth.

Here all the boys reddened, and Hugh looked hard at the carpet.

This boy had evidently a strong inclination for travel and adventure;
and though his lameness put military or naval service out of the
question, it might not unfit him for civil service in India. If Mr.
Tooke could give such a report of his health, industry, and capability
as should warrant his being offered an appointment, and if his parents
were willing so to dispose of him, Mr. Holt was anxious to make
arrangements for the education of the boys proceeding together, in order
to their being companions in their voyage and subsequent employments.
And then followed some account of what these arrangements were to be.

"Now, Proctor," said Mr. Tooke to the breathless Hugh, "you must
consider what you have to say to this. Your parents are willing to
agree, if you are. But if," he continued, with a kind smile, "it would
make you very unhappy to go to India, no one will force your
inclinations."

"Oh, sir," said Hugh, "I will work very hard,--I will work as hard as
ever I can, if I may go."

"Well: you may go, you see, if you will work hard. You can consider it
quietly, or talk it over with your brother and Holt; and to-morrow you
are to dine at your uncle's, where you will meet your father; and he and
you will settle what to write to Mr. Holt, by the next ship."

"And you, sir," said Phil, anxiously--"Mr. Holt asks your opinion."

"My opinion is that your brother can be what he pleases. He wants some
inducement to pursue his learning more strenuously than he has done
yet----"

"I will, sir. I will, indeed," cried Hugh.

"I believe you will. Such a prospect as this will be an inducement, if
anything can. You are, on the whole, a brave boy; and brave boys are not
apt to be ungrateful to God or man; and I am sure you th