CHAPTER XVI.

THE PRESTON FAMILY.

A request—A rule of the house—The 256 Preston children—Oscar and Whistler—Marcus—Plans for Oscar’s benefit—A letter from Brookdale—Dick Sneider arrested—The wild-cat—Jumping at a conclusion—Unexpected meeting of Clinton and Oscar—A good resolution—Going to the academy—Marcus invited to become a teacher—Showing favors to relatives—Ronald—Marcus the making of him—Bad French—Ronald’s roguery—Getting into a tight place—Alarming and ludicrous predicament—His release—The visit to Montpelier—Ronald in handcuffs—A sorry joke—Fortunate escape—Another boy in another kind of handcuffs—The advertisement for a boy—An amusing answer—Fetters of ignorance—The other applicants—A neat letter—A recognition—A chance acquaintance—Favorable impressions—A pleasant visit,