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the holidays time moved along swiftly at Oak Hall without anything of special interest happening. Dave gave his studies every attention, to the satisfaction not only of Professor Potts and Mr. Wadsworth, but likewise of Dr. Clay.

"That Porter is a lad after my own heart," said the doctor to Andrew Dale. "He studies hard, plays hard, and puts his whole soul into whatever he is doing."

"You are right, doctor," answered the first assistant. "Isn't it strange that he knows nothing of his past? Certainly he comes from no common stock."

"It is strange, and for his sake I trust the mystery is some day cleared up, and to his advantage."

During the four months following the holidays both Gus Plum and Nat Poole let Dave and his chums severely alone. Losing the skating race made the bully of Oak Hall feel sick, and he did not wish to risk a defeat of any other sort at the Rh