t they could not credit it. But when Ainger himself, with a long
face, confirmed it, they were forced to believe their ears.

"Why?" they asked.

But Ainger had nothing to tell them on that score.

They therefore took the bold step of waiting upon the Master of the
Shell himself.

"Marky," said Arthur, "it's not true you're leaving, is it?"

The misery of the boy's tone went to Railsford's heart.

"I am afraid it is true, Arthur. How did you hear?"

"Everybody knows. But, I say, why?"

"I have resigned."

"You resigned--of your own accord? Haven't you been kicked out, then?
Aren't you obliged to go?"

"I am obliged to go, that's why I have resigned. You'll know all about
it some day."

"But, I say, can't you withdraw your resignation and stay? Oh, I say,
Marky, we shall be awfully up a tree without you here. Why ever are you
going? Can't it all be squared?"

"No, old fellow, I fear not. But I am not going for a week yet. Let's
make the most of the time, and get ahead with our work; for, remember,
you've that Swift Exhibition coming near ahead."

"Work!" exclaimed Arthur, in disgust. "I'll not do a stroke of work
more. I tell you what, if you leave, Marky, I shall leave too, and so
will Dig, there!"

"My dear old fellow," said Railsford kindly, "you are talking like a
little donkey. If you want to help me, you'll just determine to work
all the harder now."

"I say," said Dig, shirking the question, "have you got into a row, Mr
Railsford? Is it anything about--you know what?"

"You really mustn't ask me, boys; it's sufficient that I have to go, and
I don't think you two will believe it is because I have done anything
wrong."

"Rather not," said Arthur warmly. "But, I say, Marky, just tell us
this--it wasn't us got you into the row, was it? It was awfully low of
me to let it out to Felgate; but we bowled him out in time, just when he
was going to send those things to Bickers. Did you see the nice trick
we played him? He won't be able to do it again, for we burned the
things. Such a flare-up! It isn't our fault you're going, is it?"

"No, not a bit," said Railsford. "Now you had better go."

They went and proclaimed their master's wrongs through the length and
breadth of the house. The Shell took up the matter specially, and
convened an informal meeting to consult as to what was to be done.

"Let's send him a round robin, and ask him not to go," suggested Maple.

"Let's get o