I made a hand for a fellow once, and that got me my place, you know," answered Ralph, who thought little of such mechanical trifles, and longed to be painting portraits or modelling busts, being an artist as well as an inventor.
Here Gus, Ed, and several other boys came in, and the conversation became general.

Grif, Chick, and Brickbat were three young gentlemen whose own respectable names were usually ignored, and they cheerfully answered to these nicknames.
As the clock struck seven, Frank, who ruled the club with a rod of iron when Chairman, took his place behind the study table.

Seats stood about it, and a large, shabby book lay before Gus, who was Secretary, and kept the records with a lavish expenditure of ink, to judge by the blots.

The members took their seats, and nearly all tilted back their chairs and put their hands in their pockets, to keep them out of mischief; for, as every one knows, it is impossible for two lads to be near each other and refrain from tickling or pinching.

Frank gave three raps with an old croquet-mallet set on a short handle, and with much dignity opened the meeting.
"Gentlemen, the business of the club will be attended to, and then we will discuss the question, 'Shall girls go to our colleges ?' The Secretary will now read the report of the last meeting." Clearing his throat, Gus read the following brief and elegant report:-- "Club met, December 18th, at the house of G.Burton, Esq.