seen the boys, for the Count
was looking over their heads, and studying the distant view of the
meadow and the River Tay with evident interest and appreciation.

The mind of Speug was now clear upon the Count, and Bulldog also
understood, and in two seconds, so quick is the flash of sympathy
through a mass of boy life, the youngest laddie in the mathematical
class-room knew that, although the Count might have had the misfortune
to be born in foreign parts, and did allow himself to dress like a
dancing-master, inside that coat, and the stays too, if he had them on,
there was the heart of a man who would not tell tales on any fellow, and
who also liked his bit of fun.

"It's a peety, Count," said Bulldog, with poorly concealed satisfaction,
"that ye're no' in a poseetion to recognise the culprits, for if they're
no' here my conviction is they're no' to be found in Muirtown. We can
ask no more of ye, sir, and we're much obleeged for yir attendance."

"It is a felicitous affair," said the Count, "which has the fortune to
introduce me to this charming company," and the Count bowed first to
Bulldog and then to the school with such a marked indication in one
direction that Speug almost blushed. "My sorrow is to be so stupid a
witness; but, monsieur, you will allow me to pay the penalty of my poor
eyesight. It will be my pleasure," and again the Count bowed in all
directions, "to replace the glass in Madame's house, and the incident,
pouf! it is forgotten."

There was a swift glance from all parts of the class-room, and
permission was read in Bulldog's face. Next instant the mathematical
class-room was rent with applause, such as could only be given when
fifty such lads wanted to express their feelings, and Speug led the
circus.

"Ye will allow me to say, sir," and now Bulldog came as near as possible
to a bow, "that ye have acted this day as a gentleman, and so far as the
boys of Muirtown Seminary are concerned ye're free to come and go among
us as ye please."

The departure of the Count, still bowing, with Bulldog attending him to
the door and offering him overshoes to cover the polished leather boots,
was a sight to behold, and the work done for the rest of the morning was
not worth mentioning.

During the lunch hour the school was harangued in short, pithy terms by
Speug, and in obedience to his invitation Muirtown Seminary proceeded in
a solid mass to the Count's residence, where they gave a volley of
cheers. The