om. This way, O'Hara."

Nic went out to obey his father's order and the governor followed the
doctor into the room which stood at the end of the house, and was used
by the doctor for his own study, library, surgery, harness-room--
storehouse for everything, in fact, in connection with the station.

"It's not very serious, I hope," said the governor, as soon as they were
alone.

"Serious enough," replied the doctor. "Dillon has told me all about it,
and I am half pleased, half angry with the boy."

"Then he can't have done much amiss, doctor," said the governor. "Plus
kills minus. If Nic is half and half, he ought to be a very decent sort
of boy."

"You'll help me if I want help?"

"Of course," said the governor. "There, I dare say there's not much
amiss. Boys of seventeen, or so, are not at their worst age. It is
over that trouble about your assigned servant?"

"Yes; the boy likes him, and I am not sure about him."

"He may be honest enough now; but he was always a strangely soured
fellow, and I don't think I liked him much."

"Prejudice, perhaps."

"I'm afraid so; but here comes the boy."

In effect Nic came now to the door, followed by the two men, both of
whom looked uneasy, while Nic's countenance was disfigured by rather a
sullen, ill-used look.

"Come in," said the doctor sharply. "You too, my men. Nic, stand
there."

Nic took the appointed place, and the men were nearly opposite, both
stroking their heads carefully, Brookes his hair, old Sam his skin, for
there was no hair on the top to stroke. The governor, who looked pale
and weak, sat back in a rough chair.

"Now, Brookes," said the doctor sternly; "I have been over to Mr Dillon
and heard about this trouble, one which ought not to have happened in my
absence. I should now like to hear your statement."

Brookes gave it, and old Sam kept on uttering grunts till the man had
done, when he gave his version.

"Now, Dominic," said the doctor sternly, and the governor sat watching
the boy keenly. "You have heard what Brookes says. Speak out, sir,
like an English gentleman and my son. Let me tell you, first of all,
that I do not believe you would be guilty of such an offence against the
law as Brookes suggests; but--"

"Oh, it's true enough," grumbled the man.

"Silence, sir!" cried the doctor angrily. "You have spoken; don't
interrupt again." Then turning to Nic: "I was going to say, my boy, as
this charge has been brought again