is schoolfellows, and that he, by
taking their part and stopping this tyranny, incurred his ill-will and
yours."

"I supposed I should be misrepresented," said Socrates, meekly. "I am
devoted to my school and my pupils, Mr. Roscoe. I am wearing out my life
in their service. I may make mistakes sometimes, but my heart--my heart,
Mr. Roscoe," continued Socrates, tapping his waistcoat, "is right, and
acquits me of any intentional injustice."

"I am glad to hear it, Mr. Smith," said Allan Roscoe, stiffly. "As
Hector has left you, I have only to settle your bill, and bid you
good-day."

"Will you not exert your influence to persuade the boy to return?"
pleaded Socrates.

"As I don't know where he is, I don't see how I can," said Allan Roscoe,
dryly.

"That man is an arch hypocrite!" he said to himself, as he was returning
home.

I may state here that at the end of the term half the pupils left Smith
Institute, and Socrates Smith lamented too late the folly that had made
him and his school unpopular.

CHAPTER XXVI. HECTOR'S ARRIVAL IN NEW YORK.

Mr. Crabb and Hector were sitting side by side in a railroad car,
speeding away from Smith Institute. In the heart of each was a feeling
of relief, which increased as each minute carried them farther away from
the school.

"Hector," said the usher, looking younger and happier than his pupil had
ever known him, "I feel like a free man now. It is a feeling that I have
not had since I first set foot in Smith Institute."

"I think you will lead a happier life in New York, Mr. Crabb."

"I am sure of it. Thanks to your considerate kindness, I shall for the
first time earn an ample salary, and even be able to lay up money. Is my
future pupil about your age?"

"He is a year younger."

"Where did you make his acquaintance?"

"At Saratoga, My father and I spent two months at Congress Hall two
summers ago, and as Walter's family were also there, we naturally got to
be friends. He is a capital fellow, and you will be sure to like him."

"I am ready to like him after reading that letter he wrote you. Is he
fond of study?"

"That is his weak point," said Hector, laughing. "Walter was never
cut out for a scholar. I don't mean, of course, that he hasn't fair
capacity, but his taste doesn't lie that way. However, he won't give you
any trouble, only you won't succeed as well as you may wish in pushing
him on."

"All boys are not cut out for scholars," said the usher. "