"Suppose we try a little game," continued Ralph. "I think we can put his judgment to a test. He is not so jealous of you as he is of me. Now you take this article, and produce it as your own, and I will make some excuse for not being prepared. We shall then get at his real opinion of the composition." "A very ingenious test, Ralph," exclaimed Benjamin. "I will enter into the plan with all my heart. But I must transcribe the article, so that he will see that it is in my own handwriting." "Certainly; and be careful that you do not let the secret out." So they waited, almost impatiently, for the time of meeting, both feeling almost sure that Osborne would fall into their net. The appointed time came. Matson was the first to read his production. Osborne came next; and his piece was much better than Matson's. Ralph noticed two or three blemishes, but pointed out many beauties in it. Next it was Ralph's turn to read. "I am sorry to confess that I have nothing to read; but I promise to atone for this failure by doing my part faithfully in future." "Poets ought to be ready at any time," remarked Osborne humorously, looking at Ralph. "It is in order for them to fail sometimes, I think," replied Ralph; "especially if they are not _born_ poets." "Well, Ben, we must have yours, then. You will not disappoint us." "I think you must excuse me this time," Benjamin answered, feigning an unwillingness to read. "No, Ben, no excuse for you," said Osborne. "You have it written; I saw it in your hand." "That is true; but after listening to such fine productions as we have heard, I am not ambitious to read mine. I think I must correct it, and dress it up a little before I submit it for criticism." "That was not in the arrangement, Ben, when you suggested the exercise," remarked Ralph. "You are prepared, and, of course, we shall not excuse you." After much bantering and urging, Benjamin proceeded to read his, apparently with much diffidence; and all listened with profound attention. "You must read that again," said Osborne, when he finished reading it. "Two readings of such a poem as that are none too much. Come, read it again." Benjamin read the article again, apparently with more confidence than at first. "You surprise me, Ben," exclaimed Osborne, when the second reading was finished. "You are a genuine poet. I had no idea that you could write like that." "Nor I," added Matson. "It is better than half the poetry that is printed. If the subject had not been given out, I don't know but I should have charged you with stealing it." "What do you say, Ralph?" inquired Osborne. "You are a poet, and poets ought to be good judges of such matters." Another fling at Ralph's claim to poetical ability. "I don't think it is entirely faultless," remarked Ralph, after some hesitation. "I think you have commended it full as highly as it deserves. Not being a _born_ poet, however, I may not be a good judge," glancing his eye at Osborne.