"I will come in for five minutes only."
"Take the rocking-chair, sir."
All the while Walter was wondering what could be the doctor's object in calling. He was not conscious of having violated any of the regulations of the Institute, and even had he done so, it would be unusual for the principal to call upon him at such an hour. So he watched the doctor with a puzzled glance, and waited to hear him state his errand.
"Have you heard from home lately, Conrad?" asked the doctor.
"Yes, sir, I received a letter a few days since."
"Did your father speak of being unwell?"
"No, sir," said Walter, taking instant alarm. "Have—have you heard anything?"
"Yes, my boy; and that is my reason for calling upon you at this unusual hour. I received this telegram twenty minutes since."
Walter took the telegram, with trembling fingers, and read the following message:—
"Dr. Porter:—Please send Walter Conrad home by the first train. His father is very sick.
"Nancy Forbes."