Page:Orange Grove.djvu/44

 geneous elements without committing some errors, must be an uncommon adept in the science of human nature, and of remarkable self-control.

Mr. Scrantum, unfortunately, was not above the ordinary level of human endurance, but he was very conscientious, and, when led into an indiscretion, sought every means to make reparation, if it could be done without weakening his authority. He felt the keenest reproof in Walter's future conduct which never manifested the least revengeful feeling; and he had gained an influence over the school that transcended his own.

Those young souls had never seen such heroism before. They were lost in silent admiration. Even the boy who gave the sly wink, though not bravo enough to come forward and save him, thereby losing the opportunity to gain almost equal honors, appreciated the young martyr-spirit that could suffer for others, and profited by the lesson thus taught him.

When the term drew to a close, and the connection between teacher and pupils was about to cease the former gave those parting words,—"My young Mends and pupils,—now that we are on the eve of separation, and shall probably never all meet again in this world, I feel that justice to one of your number demands a few words from me. You recollect the unpleasant incident that occurred here a few weeks since, when, to maintain the discipline of the school, an innocent person suffered for the guilty. The names of those concerned in that affair, and the motives of him who refused to serve as informer, I have never learned; but if there are any among you