28 LUNCH IN THE Woop.

in smoking—what a long speech he made to us about
boys at fourteen getting into such habits, and how
he strictly forbade any one ever to bring a cigar to
school ?” |

“I remember it well,” said Dick. “Mr. Harding
would hardly believe that his best boy would stealthily
break two of his rules. The circulating library is for-
bidden, as we all know, decidedly and entirely.”

“Well, that is a foolish rule, I think,” said Tom ;
“and whenever I get a chance, I must say I get a book
now and then, but I do not set up to be a pattern like
Philip.”

The boys had unawares raised their voices, and Philip
started, and looking in the direction from whence they
proceeded, discerned, through the trees, the group that
was watching him. He hastily pulled the cigar from
his mouth, and concealed it, and pocketing the book,
he approached the woods with a grave aspect.

“That must be a very interesting book, Philip,” said
Bob Newton, “as we have been looking at you certainly
for ten minutes, without you being aware we were so
near you.”

_“ And a fine cigar, I should imagine also,” said Dick.
“Pray, where do you buy your cigars, Mr. Graham ?
. Dees Mr. Harding furnish you? We need not inquire
whose circulating library you encourage, as the cover
of the book speaks plainly enough for itself. There is
no mistaking that,”