Chapter 3

PAYING OFF A GRUDGE.

Whistler--Why Ralph liked him--Why Oscar disliked him--A caution--A sudden attack--An unexpected rescue--The stranger's advice--A brave and manly answer--Whistler refuses to expose Oscar's name--The boys separate--George's report of the scene, and Ralph's explanation--Oscar's return--His sister's rebuke--His mother's inquiries--Misrepresentations--Willie exonerated--Forgiving enemies--An unpleasant promise called to mind--Mr. Preston's action in the matter--Oscar refuses to punish himself--The chamber--A surprise--Falsehood--Exposure--The account settled--Silence--Late rising and a cold breakfast--What Mrs. Preston said--Its effect upon Oscar--Concealed emotion--Mistaken notions of manliness--Good impressions made--George's narrow escape.