duct towards Blackall; and though he acknowledged that
there were many extenuating circumstances, still, he pointed out, that
he, as master of the school, would not allow the law to be taken out of
his hands and exercised by another, however great the provocation.

"The same reasoning, remember, Bracebridge, holds good in society," he
observed. "Private individuals must never take upon themselves the
execution of the laws while a duly elected authority exists. Happily,
in England, a man need only bring his complaint before a magistrate, and
he is nearly certain to obtain ample justice. Remember that, my dear
boy, whenever you are tempted to take the law into your own hands. If
you yield to passion, or to your feelings, you will be acting against
the laws both of God and man; and do not suppose that it is a light
thing to do that."

Ernest thanked the Doctor for his advice, and promised to remember it.
Only a couple of weeks remained now before the holidays were to begin--
those jolly Christmas holidays which, to boys living in the country,
generally afford so much amusement.

The conversation Ernest had had with the Doctor made him feel more
inclined to confide in him than he had ever done, and he resolved to
open his heart to him about Ellis, who, in spite of his excellent
conduct, and his quiet amiable manners, was as much as ever mistrusted
by the boys in general. Barber, especially, turned up his nose at him,
and never failed, when talking with his own particular chums, to throw
out hints that, when Blackall was expelled, it was a pity the Doctor did
not clear the school of Ellis, and other canting hypocrites like him.
More than once these ungenerous remarks had been repeated to Ernest. He
talked the matter over with Buttar, who agreed that they ought not to be
allowed to go on unnoticed.

"If Ellis has done anything really disgraceful, he should explain his
conduct to us, who have so long supported him through thick and thin,"
observed Buttar. "For my part, I believe that he ever was what he now
is, a highly honourable good fellow; and if so, he ought to be defended,
and his character placed in a proper light before the whole school."

"I have been long thinking the same," said Ernest. "I would do anything
to serve him; and the life he is now leading is enough to ruin him in
health and mind. He looks thin and careworn--like an old man already."

That very evening Ernest went to the Doctor, and very br