savage kick when I fortunately came up."

"And joined in the fight," sneered Socrates.

"Yes, if you choose to put it so. Would you have had me stand by, and
see Wilkins brutally used?"

"Of course, you color the affair to suit yourself," said Socrates,
coldly. "The fact is that you, an usher, have lowered yourself by taking
part in a playful schoolboy contest."

"Playful!" repeated Mr. Crabb.

"Yes, and I shall show how I regard it by giving you notice that I no
longer require your services in my school. I shall pay you up at the end
of the week and then discharge you."

"Mr. Smith," said the usher, "permit me to say that anything more
disgraceful than your own conduct within the last twenty-four hours I
have never witnessed. You have joined your nephew in a plot to disgrace
an innocent boy, declining to do justice, and now you have capped the
climax by censuring me for stopping an act of brutality, merely because
your nephew was implicated in it!"

"This to me?" exclaimed Socrates Smith, hardly crediting the testimony
of his ears.

"Yes, sir, and more! I predict that the stupid folly which has
characterized your course will, within six months, drive from you every
scholar you have in your school!"

"Mr. Crabb," gasped Socrates, never more surprised in his life than
he was at the sudden spirit exhibited by the usher, "I will not be so
insulted. Leave me, and to-morrow morning leave my service."

"I will, sir. I have no desire to remain here longer."

But when Mr. Crabb had walked away his spirit sank within him. How was
he to obtain another situation? He must consult immediately with Hector
Roscoe, in whose judgment, boy as he was, he reposed great confidence.

CHAPTER XXII. THE WELCOME LETTER.

"Hector," said Mr. Crabb, nervously, "I am going to leave the institute
at the end of the week."

"Have you secured another situation, Mr. Crabb?" asked Hector,
hopefully.

"No," answered the usher, shaking his head. "I have been discharged."

"For what reason?"

"For interfering with Mr. Smith's nephew when he was brutally abusing
Wilkins."

"Did Mr. Smith fully understand the circumstances?"

"Yes; but he stands by his nephew right or wrong. He blamed me for
checking his nephew's brutality."

"This is shameful!" said Hector, warmly. "May I ask, Mr. Crabb, if you
have formed any plans?"

"No, except to seek a new position!" answered Crabb. "I fear," he
added, despondently, "that it may be