“Mr. Smith,” said the usher, “permit me to say that anything more disgraceful than your own conduct within the last twenty-four hours I have never witnessed.  You have joined your nephew in a plot to disgrace an innocent boy, declining to do justice, and now you have capped the climax by censuring me for stopping an act of brutality, merely because your nephew was implicated in it!”

“This to me?” exclaimed Socrates Smith, hardly crediting the testimony of his ears.

“Yes, sir, and more!  I predict that the stupid folly which has characterized your course will, within six months, drive from you every scholar you have in your school!”

“Mr. Crabb,” gasped Socrates, never more surprised in his life than he was at the sudden spirit exhibited by the usher, “I will not be so insulted.  Leave me, and to-morrow morning leave my service.”

“I will, sir.  I have no desire to remain here longer.”

But when Mr. Crabb had walked away his spirit sank withia him.  How was he to obtain another situation?  He must consult immediately with Hector Roscoe, in whose judgment, boy as he was, he reposed great confidence.

CHAPTER XXII.

The welcome letter.

“Hector,” said Mr. Crabb, nervously, “I am going to leave the institute at the end of the week.”

“Have you secured another situation, Mr. Crabb?” asked Hector, hopefully.

“No,” answered the usher, shaking his head.  “I have been discharged.”

“For what reason?”

“For interfering with Mr. Smith’s nephew when he was brutally abusing Wilkins.”

“Did Mr. Smith fully understand the circumstances?”

“Yes; but he stands by his nephew right or wrong.  He blamed me for checking his nephew’s brutality.”

“This is shameful!” said Hector, warmly.  “May I ask, Mr. Crabb, if you have formed any plans?”

“No, except to seek a new position!” answered Crabb.  “I fear,” he added, despondently, “that it may be some time before I am so fortunate.  Roscoe, I don’t know what to do when I leave the school.  I shall barely have five dollars, and you know I have not only myself, but another to support.”

“Keep up your courage, Mr. Crabb!  It is nearly time for me to hear from the friend in New York to whom I wrote is your behalf.  If you can secure the position of his private tutor—­”

“If I can, I will hail it as providential.  It will relieve me at once from all anxiety.”

“I don’t think I shall long remain here myself, Mr. Crabb,” said Hector.  “I came here with the full intention of making the most of the facilities the institute affords for education, but I find the principal incompetent, and disposed to connive at injustice and brutality.  The only good I have got here has been derived from your instructions.”

“Thank you, Roscoe.  Such a tribute is, indeed, welcome,” said the usher, warmly.