"I think I shall go to press with my book before the end of the year," said the professor, one evening, as Chester was taking his leave. "In my preface I shall mention your name, Chester, as my artistic¹ collaborator²."

 

"Couldn't you mention my name, too, Uncle Edgar?" asked Arthur Burks.

 

"In what way?" inquired the professor smiling.

 

"You can say that I supervised the illustrations," answered Arthur, demurely³.

 

"I am afraid you will have to wait till you are better entitled to credit."

 

"Now, that's mean, Uncle Edgar. I know how I'll get even with you."

 

"How?"

 

"I will write a rival book, and get Chester to illustrate⁴ it better than yours."

 

"It would need better illustrations, since there would be nothing else in the work worthy⁵ of attention."

 

"Your uncle has got you there," said Chester.

 

"You'll illustrate my book, won't you?"

 

"Certainly; that is, if I can depend on prompt payment."

 

Chester and Arthur Burks were fast friends. Arthur did not shine in scholarship, but he was fond of fun, and was a warm-hearted and pleasant companion, and a true friend.

 

One afternoon he called on Chester at his room.

 

"I bring you an invitation to dinner," he said. "Uncle has a friend from Oregon visiting him, and as he is an interesting talker, you will enjoy meeting him. I believe he is a professor in Williamette University."

 

"Thank you, Arthur; I shall be very glad to come."

 

"Come with me now, if you have got through your day's work. You can have a little scientific conversation before dinner."

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