He'd better not know it to onct, and so start a row about bein' broken into." The proposition seemed to please Seth; he even extended his hand in the darkness.

But he met only an irresponsive void.

With a slight shrug of his shoulders and a grunting farewell, he felt his way to the door and disappeared.

For a few moments it seemed as if Uncle Ben had also deserted the schoolhouse, so profound and quiet was the hush that fell upon it.

But as the eye became accustomed to the shadow a grayish bulk appeared to grow out of it over the master's desk and shaped itself into the broad figure of Uncle Ben.