e.

An expression of deep concern spread over Young's face.

"I heartily hope not," responded he, "for I know of no finer young man
in the University."

"I think the boy would put up a great fight if he had a chance," resumed
the minister, "but with a lot of fellows against him one chap can't do
much. I hardly know what to think. There seems to be nothing to do but
to await his return. Young Jordan said last night that they had searched
every place where it was possible for him to be, but the boy was not to
be found. His mother is growing anxious."

"I should think that she would be worried," replied Young. "It's a
beastly practise this stealing of the freshman's president, and unworthy
of such a college as this. I shall be glad when it is abolished. There
is nothing during the year that creates such furore as this banquet."

A file of papers was under Professor Young's hand and as he spoke he
toyed absent-mindedly with one of the long official envelopes. Dominie
Graves caught a glimpse of some words that made the color rush hot into
his face. The envelope contained an appeal for a new trial for Orn
Skinner. He coughed slightly and opened a new topic.

"I see you are still interested in Skinner?"

"Yes!"

"Have you succeeded in getting him a new trial?"

"Not yet, but at any hour I expect to hear that the governor will give
me an opportunity to defend him. I fully believe that the man is
innocent, that he ought to have another chance for his life. As I said
in the court-room the squatter trials are but farces. I don't approve of
them."

"You're but a stranger in our town," interposed the Dominie. "When
you've been here as long as I have, Professor Young, you will see that
the strictest measures are necessary with these people. The rope is none
too good for that man, Skinner."

"God forbid," ejaculated Young, "that I should live ever to wish away a
man's life on any--personal motive."

Tessibel's sweet upturned face, shrouded in red-brown hair rose before
him, but it did not obscure the dark flush that swept over the handsome
face of the minister. The professor had intimated that he thought
personal motives were being used to persecute the squatter. This tried
the patience of Elias Graves as he sat gathering an argument to refute
the accusation. He had even persuaded himself that it was for the good
of the town to remove one after another of the loathsome fishermen
either by the rope or imprisonment. Witho