Truly you have risen from the ranks! "Speaking of Fletcher, by the way, you know he is my classmate.

He occupies an honorable position somewhere near the foot of the class, where he is likely to stay, unless he receives from the faculty leave of absence for an unlimited period.

I met him yesterday, swinging his little cane, and looking as dandified as he used to.
"'Hallo! Fletcher,' said I, 'I've just got a letter from a friend of yours.' "'Who is it ?' he asked.
"'Harry Walton.' "'He never was a friend of mine,' said Fitz, turning up his delicately chiselled nose,--'the beggarly printer's devil!' "I hope you won't feel sensitive about the manner in which Fitz spoke of you.
"'You've made two mistakes,' said I.

'He's neither a beggar nor a printer's devil.' "'He used to be,' retorted Fitz.
"'The last, not the first.

You'll be glad to hear that he's getting on well.' "'Has he had his wages raised twenty-five cents a week ?' sneered Fitz.
"'He has lost his place,' said I.
"Fletcher actually looked happy, but I dashed his happiness by adding, 'but he's got a better one.' "'What's that ?' he snarled.
"'He has bought out the paper of Mr.Anderson, and is now sole editor and part proprietor.' "'A boy like him buy a paper, without a cent of money and no education!' "'You are mistaken.