“We never had any trouble with any teacher but Haskers,” put in Phil. 290
“And if we have to leave Oak Hall I’m going to get my father to sue Haskers for damages,” added Roger.
A talk lasting the best part of an hour followed, and at last the worthy doctor had his eyes opened to the unworthiness of his assistant. He scanned the sheets of paper and the writing the boys had brought with interest.
“You are right—this is Mr. Haskers’s hand,” he said, slowly. “But is it the same hand that wrote that villainous letter to Mr. Sparr?”
“Compare the two and you will see that we are right,” answered Dave.
“I will,” answered the doctor; and a little later he set off for Oakdale in his buggy, going alone.
The boys walked down to the gymnasium, resolved to keep out of all classes until the matter had been settled. They had impressed it on Doctor Clay’s mind that either Job Haskers must leave the school or they would do so.
It was nearly noon when the master of Oak Hall came back, driving slowly and looking very thoughtful. The boys met him at the entrance to the grounds and he told them to come to the office, and closed the door carefully behind them.
“You were right,” he said, almost brokenly. “I have been deceived by this—this—I do not know what to call him! It will make a great stir 291 when the truth is known—and it will hurt the school,” he added, with a sigh.
“Why should we make a stir about it?” asked Dave, quickly. “Let him go, that is all we ask. He can resign.”