“I have considered this matter from all standpoints,” went on the head master, “and I have tried to see my duty. I want to do what is right by all. For that purpose I have asked you to meet here, and I will now go a step further and will send for Professor Skeel. Perhaps, when we have a mutual conference, all differences will be explained, a new system can be devised and all will go on peacefully and quietly, as it always has at Elmwood Hall.
“I will ask our worthy janitor, Mr. Demosthenes Miller to step over to Professor Skeel’s house, and request him to come here.”
It was about an hour after Tom’s dramatic interview with the Latin instructor. Our hero and Bruce had parted, Tom to go to Latin class, and, later, with all the Freshmen in that division, to attend the special meeting.
While the janitor was gone there was a painful silence. Then the footsteps of the returning messenger were heard. He came in alone.
“Is Professor Skeel coming?” asked Doctor Meredith curiously.
“No, sir, he is not,” replied the janitor with a respectful bow.
“Why not?” and Doctor Meredith was plainly surprised.
“Because, Doctor Meredith, Professor Skeel has gone.”
“Gone?”
“Yes, sir. Disappeared—vanesco as the classic Latin puts it. His servant just informed me that the professor packed up a few of his belongings, and went to town to catch a train. He will have his other things sent after him. So he will not be here. He also left word that he would not come back.”