The Crofton Boys

Mr. Tooke had fastened his horse up at the door, in passing, and stepped in for a few minutes, two or three times a week; but it was now within six days of the holidays, and the one Hugh most wished to see had not appeared. His uncle observed his wistful look when the door-bell rang, and drew his conclusions. He said, on the Wednesday before the break- ing-up, that he was going to drive past the Crofton school; that it was such a fine day that he thought Hugh might go with him, and perhaps they might persuade some one to come home to dinner with them. Hugh had never enjoyed the open air more than during this drive. He had yet much to learn about the country, and it was all as beautiful as it was new. Mr. Shaw could not stop for Hugh to get out at Crofton; so, when his arrival was seen, the boys were allowed to go out of bounds, as far as the gig, to speak to their schoolfellow. Mr. Shaw asked Tooke to mount, and go home with them for the day. When he had jumped in, and Hugh had bidden the rest good-by, asudden shyness came over his poor conscious visitor; and it was not lessened by Mr. Shaw telling Tooke that he did not do credit to Crofton air, ? so puny as he seemed; and that he looked at that moment more like one that had had a bad accident than Hugh did. Hugh was full of questions about Crofton matters, however; and long before they reached Mr. Shaw's they were chattering as busily as possible. But then it was all spoiled to Tooke again by seeing Hug... --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.