Wish you many happy returns, Mars Wal and Mars Dick, an' hope you'll neber wear no mo' Ku Klux doins." But the lads were too busily engaged in opening the parcels and examining their contents, to hear or heed his words.
"Two riding whips--splendid ones--and four books!" exclaimed Walter; "and here's a note." "Here let me read it," said Dick.

"I declare, Wal, I'm positively ashamed to have them send me anything after the way I've behaved." "I too.

But what do they say ?" "It's from Travilla and Cousin Elsie," said Dick turning to the signature.

"I'll read it out." He did so.

It was very kind and pleasant, made no allusion to their wrong doing, but congratulated them on the return of the day, begged their acceptance of the accompanying gifts, stating from whom each came, the largest a joint present from themselves; and closed with an invitation to spend the day at Ion.
"I'm more ashamed than ever, aren't you, Wal ?" Dick said, his face flushing hotly as he laid the note down.
"Yes, never felt so mean in my life.