CHAPTER XVII.

TIDINGS.

Unpleasant news—Sam injured in a fight—Anxiety—The letter of inquiry—The reply—Visit to Sam—His injuries—His account of the fight—Mr. Preston’s kindness—Oscar’s proposed visit home—Jerry Preston’s return from sea—A present from Ralph to Ronald—Jessie writes to Sam—Oscar and Jerry—Their relations to one another—Capt. Page—Possibility of his survival—Ronald’s present—Cage and bird—Principle on which the toy is constructed—Other applications of the principle—Oscar’s trip to Boston—An unexpected pleasure, 301