“For what reason?”
“For interfering with Mr. Smith’s nephew when he was brutally abusing Wilkins.”
“Did Mr. Smith fully understand the circumstances?”
“Yes; but he stands by his nephew right or wrong. He blamed me for checking his nephew’s brutality.”
“This is shameful!” said Hector, warmly. “May I ask, Mr. Crabb, if you have formed any plans?”
“No, except to seek a new position!” answered Crabb. “I fear,” he added, despondently, “that it may be some time before I am so fortunate. Roscoe, I don’t know what to do when I leave the school. I shall barely have five dollars, and you know I have not only myself, but another to support.”
“Keep up your courage, Mr. Crabb! It is nearly time for me to hear from the friend in New York to whom I wrote is your behalf. If you can secure the position of his private tutor—”
“If I can, I will hail it as providential. It will relieve me at once from all anxiety.”
“I don’t think I shall long remain here myself, Mr. Crabb,” said Hector. “I came here with the full intention of making the most of the facilities the institute affords for education, but I find the principal incompetent, and disposed to connive at injustice and brutality. The only good I have got here has been derived from your instructions.”
“Thank you, Roscoe. Such a tribute is, indeed, welcome,” said the usher, warmly.