"Let me suggest to the class," said Master Lewis, "that each member speak to his parents about this matter during the present vacation; and let each boy who can go send me in a letter during the week a map of the country and the places he would most like to visit. He can draw it in ink or pencil, and he need only put down upon it the places he would most like to see." "Good!" The exclamation was unanimous. The boys left their seats. Tom Toby's face had become very animated again. Presently the boys of the class were all gathered about him. "I have a plan," said Tom. "It is just grand. Let us form a secret society, and call ourselves the Zigzagers!" "Good!" unanimously. "But why a secret society?" asked Frank Gray. "There is something so mysterious about a secret society," said Tom. "Gives one such a good opinion of himself. Have a constitution, and by-laws, and wear a pin!" The first class in Master Lewis's school parted in high spirits, their faces bright with smiles as they went out into the light of the March sunset. Tom's last words on parting were: "Try to think up a secret for the society: it should be something surprising." The first class in Master Lewis's school numbered six boys:-- Frank Gray, Ernest Wynn, Wyllys Wynn, Thomas Toby, George Howe, and Leander Towle. Frank Gray was the oldest boy and finest scholar in the school. He was about fifteen years of age; was tall and manly, and was more intimate with Master Lewis than with any of his schoolmates. Thomas Toby, who disliked Frank's precise manners and rather unsocial ways, used to call him "Lord _I_." Frank, however, was not intentionally reserved: he was merely studious in his leisure, and best liked the society of those from whom he could learn the most. Ernest and Wyllys Wynn were brothers. Ernest had made himself popular at school by his generous, affectionate disposition, and his ready sympathy for any one in distress. He lived, as it were, a life outside of himself; and his interest in the best good of others made for himself unconsciously a pure and lovable character. He was fond of music, and an agreeable singer: he liked the old English and Scottish ballads, and so sung the songs of true feeling that every one is eager to hear. He often went to an almshouse near Master Lewis's to sing to the old people there. The paupers all loved him, and clustered eagerly around him when he appeared. His songs recalled their childhood scenes in other lands. On fine summer evenings he might often be seen on the lawn before the charitable institution, with a crowd of poor people around him, whom he delighted with "Robin Ruff and Gaffer Green," "The Mistletoe Bough," "Highland Mary," "The Vale of Avoca," "Robin Adair," or something aptly selected to awaken tender feelings and associations.