Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/62

48 At the end of a week a letter and a circular were received from Dr. Hasmer Clay. In the letter the master of Oak Hall stated that he would be pleased to receive Mr. Wadsworth's protégé as a pupil, and the circular told about the institution and the course of study.

"That must certainly be a fine place," was Dave's comment, after reading the circular and looking at the several pictures which it contained.

"What about the courses of study?" asked Oliver Wadsworth of Caspar Potts.

"Excellent, sir. I don't know that they could be improved upon. I fancy Dave will be able to enter the class next to the highest, and if so it will not be long before he will be ready to go to college."

It was decided that Dave needed a little "brushing up" in one or two studies, and as soon as he felt strong enough to do so, Caspar Potts gave him daily instruction. He had always been a good pupil and his progress was, therefore, rapid.

When Dave left the farm he was given a comfortable room on the second story of the Wadsworth mansion. It was prettily furnished, and Jessie made for him a table scarf which he admired greatly. He was also given some clothing and other necessities by Mr. Wadsworth, and when dressed up made as neat and handsome an appearance as any lad in Crumville.