CHAPTER XXI.
NED MIXER.
Vacation--Associates--Edward Mixer--His character--Loitering around railroad depots--An excursion into the country--The railroad bridge--Fruit--A fine garden--Getting over the fence--Looking for birds' nests--Disappearance of Edward and Alfred--A chase--Escape of the boys--Hailing each other--Edward's account of the adventure--A grand speculation--Pluck--Secrecy--Curiosity not gratified--Arrival of Oscar's uncle--The officer's interview with Mr.Preston--The real character and history of Ned--Timely warning--Oscar's astonishment--What he knew concerning Ned--A hint about forming new acquaintances--Oscar's removal from city temptations decided on--A caution and precaution--Departure--Ned's arrest and sentence--The "grand speculation" never divulged.
Illustrations.
WINTER SCENE ON BOSTON COMMON.

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