To his utter astonishment, Bolax heard his name called again, this time to receive a medal for strictly keeping the rules of the College, and giving good example by his upright conduct on all occasions. Huzzas three times repeated showed that he had won the good will of his companions. As Monsieur Le Curé placed the medal around Bo's neck, he whispered. "I wish your worthy parents were here to see your triumph." After the juniors had received their rewards, the young collegians were introduced by Brother Director. Some of them spoke on learned topics, rather above the comprehension of many in the audience, but evidently highly appreciated by the priests and other gentlemen seated on the platform. Mr. Brenier received the gold cross, the highest reward given to a graduate. T. Harrison and H. de Villiers received gold medals for excellence in all studies. Honoré gave the Valedictory, dressed in a long black gown and doctor's cap, he looked very handsome and proved himself a fine orator. He was interrupted by frequent bursts of applause. At last came one tumultuous and prolonged, that proclaimed the conclusion of his oration. The exercises being ended, the band struck up, and all sang the vacation song: Quel plaisir nous allous partir Les vacances vont commencer! When the music had ceased, the students with their parents and friends, were invited to partake of a simple collation. You may be sure they had a merry time over the cake and ice cream. After the boys left, the College was so quiet, the halls and rooms so empty that Bolax and Fulton were overpowered with loneliness. They were the only scholars who had to remain. Harrison, the other "American" boy, had gone to his uncle in Montreal to spend his vacation. Bolax expected soon to hear from his parents, who were on their way to Canada, and Fulton was invited to spend a few weeks with his chum, de Villiers, at the pretty village of "Trois Pistolets." On the morning of the fourth day of vacation, Brother Julien took the boys out for a sail on the St. Lawrence. He brought a hamper of good things for luncheon, and fishing tackle to give them employment. They were very lucky and filled a basket with fine trout, but just as they were preparing to return the wind changed, and the boat was becalmed. They had made up their minds to pass the night on the water, when fortunately, a strong north wind filled the sails, and they steered for home. It was after dark when they got to the pier, where they found Brother Director and a crowd of villagers on their knees praying "La bonne St. Anne," to protect the boat with its precious cargo. CHAPTER XVI. BOLAX LEAVES COLLEGE FOR VACATION. The following morning Monsieur Le Curé took both boys to the Falls of Montmorency; when they returned home in the evening they found a letter from Mrs. Allen, telling her son of her safe arrival in Quebec and requesting him to come to the Frontenac Hotel.