What passed between the two gentlemen the truants never knew. There was nothing said to them about running away from school, and they very soon became satisfied that their previous day's work would bring them into no trouble with their teacher. But they got into trouble with somebody else before four o'clock came.
It happened on the ball-ground during the afternoon recess.
Leon was having a good deal to say regarding Oscar Preston's dishonesty and Mr. Smith's refusal to give him a letter of recommendation, and Frank was helping him by putting in a word occasionally, when Sam Hynes and his base-ball bat suddenly appeared on the scene.
Leon's speech was brought to a sudden close, for he was doubled up like a jack-knife by a punch in the ribs from the bat, and Frank escaped similar treatment by taking to his heels.
The consequence was that the names of Sam Hynes and Leon Parker appeared among those of other delinquents who were requested to keep their seats when the rest of the students were dismissed.
At the end of half an hour a settlement had been had with all the law-breakers except Sam and Leon.
The principal looked at them a moment, and said solemnly:
"Boys, I am sorry to hear that you have been fighting."
"Mr. Chamberlain," said Sam, "I did all the fighting that was done. Leon never lifted a hand."
The professor looked down at the paper-cutter he held in his hand, and finally said: