A wise rule, for the picture papers were not always of the best sort; cigars were to be had; idle fellows hung about there, and some of the lads, who wanted to be thought manly, ventured to pass the green baize door "just to look on." A murmur answered the teacher's question, and he continued, "You all know that the rule was broken several times, and I told you the next offender would be publicly reprimanded, as private punishments had no effect.

I am sorry to say that the time has come, and the offender is a boy whom I trusted entirely.

It grieves me to do this, but I must keep my promise, and hope the example will have a good effect." Mr.Acton paused, as if he found it hard to go on, and the boys looked at one another with inquiring eyes, for their teacher seldom punished, and when he did, it was a very solemn thing.

Several of these anxious glances fell upon Joe, who was very red and sat whittling a pencil as if he dared not lift his eyes.
"He's the chap.

Won't he catch it ?" whispered Gus to Frank, for both owed him a grudge.
"The boy who broke the rule last Friday, at afternoon recess, will come to the desk," said Mr.Acton in his most impressive manner.
If a thunderbolt had fallen through the roof it would hardly have caused a greater surprise than the sight of Jack Minot walking slowly down the aisle, with a wrathful flash in the eyes he turned on Joe as he passed him.
"Now, Minot, let us have this over as soon as possible, for I do not like it any better than you do, and I am sure there is some mistake.