home; his father is very ill." As the Doctor received the card, and stopped his harangue with rather a seared look, the laughter of the boys, half constrained until then, burst out in a general shout.

"Silence!" roared out the Doctor stamping with his foot.

Pen looked up and saw who was his deliverer; the Major beckoned to him gravely with one of his white gloves, and tumbling down his books, Pen went across.
The Doctor took out his watch.

It was two minutes to one.

"We will take the Juvenal at afternoon school," he said, nodding to the Captain, and all the boys understanding the signal gathered up their books and poured out of the hall.
Young Pen saw by his uncle's face that something had happened at home.
"Is there anything the matter with my mother ?" he said.