Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/113

Rh to Dave's inquiring look. "We've got half an hour to get dressed and go down to the dining room in."

"That's more time than I need," answered Dave. "I can unpack the rest of my trunk in that time," and he did.

There had been frolics in more than one dormitory that night and several of the pupils appeared in the dining hall with black eyes and numerous scratches. But no complaints had been made and no questions were asked.

In the dining hall Dave was placed at one of the long tables presided over by Andrew Dale, the first assistant to Dr. Clay. At another table was the doctor himself, and not far away was Job Haskers, the second assistant.

It took but a glance to show Dave that Andrew Dale was kind-hearted and considerate, while Job Haskers was exactly the opposite. The first assistant had a mild, winsome manner, which attracted all the boys to him. The second assistant always spoke in a manner that was repellant. But he was really a brilliant teacher, and that was why Dr. Clay retained him.

Not far from Dave sat Gus Plum, who scowled deeply when he caught the eyes of the boy from the country. But Dave did not flinch, and he showed the bully that he was not afraid of him.