92 | LUNCH IN THE WOOD.

a few rusty notions, I think we can wear them away,
and make a friend of him.”

_ It was a glorious summer afternoon, and as soon as
dinner was over, the whole school set off to enjoy their
half holiday in a long ramble through woods and fields.
Soon after entering the woods, six or eight of the older
boys separated themselves from the others, Dick Wells
so managing that Maurice Gray should be one of the
number. They were shortly after joined by Bob New-
ton from the village, who carried on his arm a basket,
which he delivered to Dick. After wandering about
until they were weary, amusing themselves with chasing
squirrels, searching for wild-flowers, &c., they seated them-
selves to rest near the outskirts of the wood, in a lovely
spot, commanding a view of fresh and flower-bespangled
meadows, and thriving fields of corn and grain.

‘‘ Here is a nice place to take our lunch,” said Dick,
throwing himself on the grass, and opening his basket.
The others gladly seated themselves round him. Dick
removed slyly part of the contents of his basket, and
"passed the basket containing the remainder to the boys
as they sat. It contained a generous supply of cakes
and dried fruits, which were soon consumed with great
relish by the little party.

He then produced a couple of bottles, and proceeded
to uncork them. “You got them from the right place,
. Bob,” he said, “so we may be sure it is good, for poor

champagne is bad enough.” }