CHAPTER IV.
THE HOTEL.
One of Oscar's most intimate companions was a boy of about his own age, named Alfred Walton, who attended the same school with him.

Alfred's father was dead; but he had a step-father, whom he called father, and with whom he lived.

His home was to Oscar a very attractive one; for it was a public house, and had large stables and a stage-office attached, and was usually full of company.

Alfred's step-father was the landlord of the hotel, and of course he and his young friends were privileged characters about the premises.

Oscar and Alfred were together a great deal of the time, when out of school, and quite a warm friendship existed between them.