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256 Clay's frock coat. The master of the Hall was affected and looked at Dave.

"Dr. Clay, please don't punish him on my account," said Dave, swallowing a lump that arose in his throat. "I—I don't care about the composition—let it pass, won't you? If he's got a stepfather——" He did not finish.

"You are quite sure you will behave yourself in the future, if I do as Master Porter suggests, Chipham?"

"Yes, sir—oh, yes, sir!" came eagerly.

"It was a wicked thing to do, and I do not wonder that Master Porter was angry when he found it out. You can go now. I will talk it over with you later—after I have finished with Master Plum. Porter, you can go, too. After this, if you have any more troubles, bring them to me before you try to settle them yourself."

A moment later Macklin left the office, and Dave followed, leaving the bully alone with the master of Oak Hall. What was said or done to Gus Plum never became known to the outsiders, but half an hour later he came forth looking very humble, and for some weeks after that he kept himself well within bounds and attended strictly to his studies.