Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/25

Rh Harry was too disappointed to speak. Of all the boys at St. Timothy's, Rupert Ormsby was the one whom Harry had come to like best. He had been attracted to Rupert the year before, when the big fellow had entered St. Timothy's as a "new kid." Rupert's "build" had excited Harry's admiration, his candid blue eyes and friendly smile had won Harry's liking. There was a cheerful, independent freedom in his manner toward every one, old boys and new, and at the same time a kindly consideration for whoever might be his comrade—and he seemed hardly to have a choice of comrades.

As Rupert and Harry approached, one of two boys sitting on the dormitory steps rose and came forward to meet them.

"Hello, Bruce!" said Harry, and Rupert said, "Hello, Watson!"

Bruce Watson linked his arm in Harry's and walked with him carelessly up the steps, past his former companion, who stood to one side rather bashfully. Rupert nodded to this thin, shy fellow, and wondered why Watson