xceeded his authority here. He had no business to put Sam in
the storeroom and Master Tubbs in the stone cell in this freezing
weather. More than that, something happened after you left that shows
plainly Mr. Grinder is not the proper person to be a teacher here, and
from to-day I intend to dispense with his services."

Dick knew what the captain referred to, the falling of the teacher into
his passionate fit on the floor, but he said nothing on that point, for
in a way he felt sorry for one who could control himself so little.

"I am glad we won't have to put up with him, sir, any longer. In one
way, he is worse than Mr. Crabtree was."

"Let us drop the whole subject, Richard. I have not been satisfied with
Mr. Grinder for some time past, and had in view a teacher to take his
place before this happened. The new teacher will come after the
holidays, and I feel certain all the students will like him fully as
much as they like Mr. Strong."

"We won't ask for anybody better than Mr. Strong--or yourself," answered
Dick, with a smile.

A talk lasting quarter of an hour followed, and it was decided that Dick
should return to the Stanhope cottage, to tell Tom and Sam what turn
affairs had taken. Then Tom was to come to the Hall, leaving Dick to
look after Sam.

It was nightfall before Dick got back to the cottage. Of course his
brothers and the others listened to his story with interest. Both Sam
and Tom felt greatly relieved.

"If Grinder keeps on he'll kill himself in one of his fits," said Sam.
"I hope he leaves before I go back to school."

"If I was you, I wouldn't go back until he does leave," said Tom. "I'm
sure Mrs. Stanhope will let you stay here; won't you?"

"To be sure, Tom," answered the lady of the cottage. "But now Captain
Putnam has made up his mind, you may be sure Mr. Grinder will not remain
at the Hall many days."

"Perhaps he'll go to-night," said Dora. "The captain surely wont wish him
at the Hall over Sunday."

Tom remained with his brothers until evening; then started for the Hall
on foot, not caring to bother with a horse. The road was now well
broken, so he had no trouble in making the journey.

When he arrived at the Academy he found the boys assembled in the
classroom, in charge of one of the under-teachers.

"You cannot see Captain Putnam at present," said the teacher. "You will
have to remain here with the other pupils until he is at leisure."

"Something must be wrong," murmured T