Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/263

Rh present during the day's session. No questions concerning them could be answered, and Dave and his chums really wondered if they had been sent away and for good.

Such, however, was not the case. The three had been locked up in separate rooms of the school and were given the plainest possible fare. Later on Dr. Clay brought them together and gave them a stern lecture.

"Such conduct will not be permitted at Oak Hall while I am the master here," he said. "It is without justification of any kind, and sure to give the academy a bad name. While you are here I expect each of you to conduct himself like a gentleman. You are acting against your own best interests, and if you do not understand that now you will understand it later on. I shall write home to your fathers and explain the situation, and if such a thing occurs again I shall send you home without delay. Now go to your rooms, and prepare your lessons for to-morrow." And thus they were dismissed, and glad to get away from his stern gaze.

"Phew! but I'm thankful he let us off so easily!" said Nat Poole. "I was afraid he was going to tell me to pack my grip right away. And I don't want to go home just yet."

"I don't know what my stepfather will do when he hears of it," said Macklin, gloomily. "Maybe