"Yes, Charlie's got muscle," said Arthur, proudly. "He's one of the strongest fellows in his class. He goes to gymnasium regularly. You ought to feel his arm. He's going to belong to the boat club next year." By this time Sam had finished his ablutions. "Come downstairs, and I'll show you the stable," said Arthur. "I guess there'll be time before supper." "How many horses have you got?" "Three carriage horses. Father would buy me a pony, but he's afraid I might fall, and not be able to help myself." "Do you go to school?" "No; my health is not good enough. The doctor says I must be out in the open air a good deal, and must not overtax my brain. I suppose you have been to school a good deal." "Well, no," said Sam; "I am afraid of overtaxing my brain, too." Arthur laughed. "I don't think, from your looks, that you need feel afraid," he said. "You've no idea how delicate I am," said Sam, humorously. "I should think you might be," said Arthur, merrily; "but you are very successful in not showing it." "That's why I don't get any sympathy. What do you do all day long if you don't go to school?" "I study some, and recite to a tutor who comes out from Boston; but I have a good deal of time to myself. I've been very lonely since my mother died," he added, soberly. "How long ago was that?" Sam inquired, with sympathy. "A year ago. Her death was a great loss to me, as Charlie has been away from home so much, and father is all day in the city." "Are there no boys round here that you can play with?" "There are boys, but I can't join in their sports, on account of my lameness." "I wonder whether he will like the idea of my staying with him," thought Sam. "We could have good times together." They went out to the stable, and looked about till the supper-bell rang. Everything was well arranged, and on a scale which indicated that Mr. Brown was a man of wealth. More and more Sam though he would like to live there. Entering the dining-room, where the supper was provided, they found the older brother already present. "Have you two boys got acquainted?" he asked. "Yes," said Arthur; "it didn't take us long. I've been showing Sam the stable." "How do you like what you have seen?" asked the sophomore. "Tiptop," said Sam. "Take a seat there, Sam; Arthur, you know your place. I must preside in father's absence." They talked together socially during the meal, Sam getting to feel better and better acquainted as time went on. After supper they took another walk, and then Arthur asked: "Do you play backgammon, Sam?" "I never learned." "Shall I show you?" "I wish you would." The backgammon board was brought out, and the two boys had a pleasant evening. As the older brother heard their lively laughter, and noticed how Arthur seemed brightened up by Sam's companionship, he felt more and more that it would be a good plan to keep him there. When his father reached home, a little before nine o'clock, he made the proposal to him.