CHAPTER XIV.
THE JOURNEY.
Oscar's valise was well packed for his journey, and many were the injunctions given him by his mother, in regard to his conduct during his absence from home.

The morning for his departure soon came, and, in company with his uncle, he proceeded to the depot, and took the cars for Portland.

It was a mild spring morning, near the close of May.
Oscar secured a seat by a window, from which he could see the country they passed through; while his uncle, to whom the journey was no novelty, seated himself by his side, and was soon absorbed in his morning newspaper.
The keen relish with which Oscar set out upon his long ride gradually wore off, and he began to feel weary long before the train reached its destination.

It was just noon when they arrived at Portland; and as it was too late to reach Brookdale that day, Oscar's uncle concluded to stop there until the next morning.

They proceeded to a hotel, where they booked their names, and were shown to a chamber.