In fact, he was ashamed of having deceived the kind old ladies, but didn't like now to own up to the deception lest they should lose confidence in him.

But he determined hereafter to speak the truth, and not resort to deception.
The next morning, at twenty minutes of nine, Andy left the house provided with books, and joyfully took his way to the schoolhouse, which was a quarter of a mile distant.

As he ascended the small hill on which it stood, he attracted the attention of a group of boys who had already arrived.

Among them was his old adversary, Godfrey Preston.
"Is that Irish boy coming to school ?" he said in a tone of disgust.
"What?
Andy Burke?
I hope so," said Charles Fleming, "he's a good fellow." "He's only an Irish boy," said Godfrey, with a sneer.
"And I am only an American boy," said Charles, good-humoredly.
"You can associate with him if you want to; I shan't," said Godfrey.
"That's where I agree with you, Godfrey," said Ben Travers, who made himself rather a toady of Godfrey's.
Andy had now come up, so that Charles Fleming did not reply, but called out, cordially: "Are you coming to school, Andy ?" "Yes," said Andy.
"I'm glad of it." "Thank you," said Andy.

"What's the matter with them fellows," as Godfrey and Bill Travers walked off haughtily, tossing their heads.
Charles Fleming laughed.
"They don't think we are good enough for their company," he said.
"I'm not anxious for it," said Andy.