ing, and his
listener entertained no more personal resentment toward him than if he
were an ancient sibyl uttering of necessity the will of the Fates.

"I had not thought it necessary to make plans for next year," he said,
"not being conscious of any shortcomings on my part sufficient to cause
my dismissal. I am well aware that you are strictly within your
rights, and that I have no legal redress, perhaps even no cause of
complaint. I know how subordinates in business are turned away to suit
the convenience, or at the whim, of their superiors; but in most
colleges there is a sort of unwritten law that promotion shall follow
efficient service. As a rule, the one year appointment is merely a
safeguard to protect the institution from a man seriously incompetent
or depraved."

"I know--I know," the president interposed, raising his hand as if to
ward off more words. "And I would not have you think for a moment that
we view you in any such light. On the contrary, I may say that
personally I entertain for you the highest regard and consideration."

"What is the matter, then?" Leigh demanded. "It seems no more than
fair that I should be told definitely where the trouble lies."

The other reflected awhile. "If I were to mention the one definite
complaint, Mr. Leigh, it would not sum up the whole situation; it would
be an explanation that only partially explained. However, the
complaint has to do with your discipline in the class-room."

Leigh stared incredulously. "Discipline?" he echoed.

"Disorder in your class-room," Dr. Renshaw corroborated firmly. "Those
passing by have heard laughter and unseemly shouts from within."

"Who could have made such a report?" Leigh wondered, still at a loss.

"The information came through a responsible channel, through one whose
duty it is to take cognisance of such things and to report them to the
proper authorities."

He was surprised to see that his listener was laughing, not without a
suggestion of scornfulness. "I 've heard the same unseemly shouts
myself, Dr. Renshaw. They come from class meetings and athletic
meetings that are held in my room nearly every day, when the place is
not being used for recitations. There is n't a word of truth in the
charge against me."

Dr. Renshaw's face clouded, and he cleared his throat uneasily. "Mr.
Leigh," he said with dignity, "I told you that the complaint would fail
to sum up the whole situation. We may say _Quaestio cadit_