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 CHAPTER XIV.

JOSIAH CRABTREE IN DIFFICULTY.

Dora Stanhope had witnessed the approach of the boys, and now she came out into the garden again and confronted them. She blushed prettily upon seeing Dick and several others with whom she was acquainted.

"I understand that Mr. Crabtree is about to be married," said Dick in a low tone.

"Yes, he insists on marrying my mother this afternoon. He has been at her about this for several months," answered Dora between her sobs.

"Evidently you oppose the marriage."

"I&mdash;I hate Mr. Crabtree!" came almost fiercely. "He is&mdash;is nothing like my poor dead papa was!"

"I believe you, Dora," answered Dick. "I don't see what your mother can find in him to like. We hate him at the academy."

"I know it&mdash;and I imagine Captain Putnam is preparing to get rid of him, for I heard he was corresponding with a teacher in Buffalo&mdash;one who has been head master in a military academy out in that vicinity." Rh