er--to make up the lessons."

"Yes, sir," came from both students.

"If you need more time--or any assistance--possibly I can arrange it,"
went on Job Haskers, eagerly.

"Thank you, if you give me three weeks I am sure I can make up the
lessons to your satisfaction, Mr. Haskers," came from our hero.

"And so can I," added the senator's son. "Anyway, I'll try my level
best."

"Very well, then, we will let it stand that way." There was a pause
and the instructor bit his lip several times. "By the way,
I--er--understand that there is a very unpleasant rumor going around
concerning me," he proceeded. "It is all a mistake which I shall try
to clear up without delay. I trust that you will not attempt
to--er--to circulate that rumor any further."

"Mr. Haskers, do you mean about that affair with Mrs. Breen?" demanded
Dave, bluntly.

"Yes. I have already explained to Lawrence and Basswood that it is a
mistake, and that the widow will be paid all that is due her. But if
this should--er--be mentioned here----" The teacher stopped short and
looked sharply at Dave and Roger.

"Mr. Haskers, let us understand each other," answered Dave, quickly.
"I have no desire whatever to get you or anybody else into trouble.
Nor do I want to ask you for any favors. I think we are justly
entitled to more time in which to make up those lessons, and now that
you have granted that time, I shall do my best to make good. As for
that Mrs. Breen affair, I think that poor old lady ought to have her
money. I understand some lawyer is going to try to collect it for her.
Well, if you settle the matter I shall feel very glad; and you can
rest assured that I will not say a word about the matter to anybody in
this school, or anywhere else."

"You--er--you give me your word on that, Porter?" demanded the
instructor, eagerly.

"I do."

"And you, Morr?"

"Yes, sir," answered the senator's son.

"Who else is there who knows about this--er--unpleasant affair?"

"Phil Lawrence and Ben Basswood," answered Roger.

"No other students?"

"Not that I know of."

"Very well, then." Job Haskers drew a breath of relief. "See that you
keep your word. And about the lessons--if three weeks are not long
enough, I may--er--be able to give you a little more time."

"That time will be enough," replied Dave.

"We'll make it with ease," added Roger.

"Then that is settled, and you may go," and so speaking, Job Haskers
left the room. The two boys followed hi