But although the morning's exercise restored the master's self-confidence, it cannot be said to have improved his judgment.
Disdaining to question Rupert Filgee, as the possible confidant of Uncle Ben, he answered the curious inquiries of the children as to the broken doorlock with the remark that it was a matter that he should have to bring before the Trustees of the Board, and by the time that school was over and the pupils dismissed he had quite resolved upon this formal disposition of it.

In spite of Cressy's warning--rather because of it--in the new attitude he had taken towards her and her friends, he lingered in the school-house until late.

He had occupied himself in drawing up a statement of the facts, with an intimation that his continuance in the school would depend upon a rigid investigation of the circumstances, when he was aroused by the clatter of horses' hoofs.

The next moment the school-house was surrounded by a dozen men.
He looked up; half of them dismounted and entered the room.

The other half remained outside darkening the windows with their motionless figures.