"Where am I?" he thought in bewilderment, as, opening his eyes, his first glance took in the appointments of the bedchamber.

Recollections quickly came to his aid, and, springing out of bed, he began to dress.

His feelings were rather mixed. He wished that he could glide² softly downstairs, and out of the house, without stopping to breakfast. But this would not do, since Mr. Turner had expressly requested him to stay. But he dreaded³ meeting the rest of the family at the breakfast-table. He was afraid that he wouldn't know how to act in such unwonted circumstances, for, though bold enough, and ready enough in the company of boys and out in the street, he felt bashful in his present position.

He dressed himself slowly, and, finding a clothes-brush, brushed his clothes carefully. He arranged his hair neatly⁴ at the glass, which, though the news boy was not vain enough to suspect it, reflected the face and figure of a very attractive and handsome boy.

When his preparations were all completed, he sat down in some perplexity. Should he go downstairs? He decided⁵ not to do so, for he did not know his way to the room where the family ate breakfast.

"I will wait till I hear the bell," he thought.

He had to wait ten or fifteen minutes, feeling somewhat nervous the while.

At length the bell rang, and Rufus knew that it was time to go downstairs. He looked upon it as rather a trying ordeal⁶, considering that he knew only the head of the family. Just as he was preparing to leave the room, the door was thrown open, and a boy of ten entered impetuously.

"Breakfast's ready," he said; "Pa-pa sent me up to show you the way."

"Thank you," said Rufus.

"What's your name?"

"Rufus."

"There's a boy in my class at school named Rufus, but he don't look much like you. Where's the bat you knocked the robber down with?"

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