I must find some other place to practise reading in.

I wouldn't go to that wood again for fifty dollars." But Fletcher's readings were not destined to be long continued.

When he got home from school the next day, he found the following note, which had been left for him during the forenoon:-- "MR.

FITZGERALD FLETCHER,--Dear Sir: I beg to thank you for your kind proposal to read at our Fair; but I think there must be some mistake in the matter, as we have never contemplated having any readings, nor have I written to you on the subject, as you intimate.

I fear that we shall not have time to spare for such a feature, though, under other circumstances, it might be attractive.