WALTER SHERWOOD'S PROBATION

CHAPTER I

WALTER SHERWOOD'S LETTER


"Here's a letter for you, Doctor Mack," said the housekeeper, as she
entered the plain room used as a library and sitting-room by her
employer, Doctor Ezekiel Mack. "It's from Walter, I surmise." This was
a favorite word with Miss Nancy Sprague, who, though a housekeeper,
prided herself on having been a schoolmistress in her earlier days.

"Indeed, Nancy. Let me see it. Walter is really getting attentive. His
last letter came to hand only two days since. He hasn't forgotten his
old guardian."

"Oh, no, sir. He'll never do that. He has a predilection for his old
home. His heart is in the right place."

"Just so. I wish I felt as sure about his head."

Doctor Mack adjusted his spectacles, for he was rising sixty, and his
eyes required assistance, and opened the letter. As he read it his
forehead contracted, and he looked disturbed. A perusal of the letter
may help us to understand why. It ran as follows:

"DEAR GUARDIAN: You will be surprised at hearing from me so soon
again, but I am really forced to write. I find college life much more
expensive than I supposed it would be. A fellow is expected to join
two or three societies, and each costs money. I know you wouldn't have
me appear mean. Then the students have been asked to contribute to a
fund for the enlargement of the library, and almost every day there is
a demand for money for one object or another. As it is nearly the end
of the term, I calculate that with a check for an extra hundred
dollars I can get along. I am awfully sorry to ask for it, but it will
come out of the money father left me, and I am sure he would wish me
to keep up appearances, and not fall behind the rest of the boys.

"I stand fairly well in my studies, and I expect to be stroke oar of
the college boat club. Besides this, I have been elected catcher of
the college baseball club. I am thought to excel in athletic sports,
and really enjoy my college life very much. Please send me the check
by return of mail. Affectionately yours, WALTER."

Doctor Mack laid the letter on the table, and slowly removed the
glasses from his nose.