“Yes.  I will get Wilkins and Platt to prepare a statement of the facts in the case, and accompany it by a note releasing Mr. Roscoe from any further care or expense for me.”

“But, Hector, can you afford to do this?”

“I cannot afford to do otherwise, Mr. Crabb.  I shall find friends, and I am willing to work for my living, if need be,”

At this point one of the boys came to Mr. Crabb with a message from Socrates, desiring the usher to wait upon him at once.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Another chance for the usher.

Mr. Smith had been thinking it over.  He had discharged Mr. Crabb in the anger of the moment, but after his anger had abated, he considered that it was not for his interest to part with him.  Mr. Crabb was a competent teacher, and it would be well-nigh impossible to obtain another so cheap.  Twenty dollars a month for a teacher qualified to instruct in Latin and Greek was certainly a beggarly sum, but Mr. Crabb’s dire necessity had compelled him to accept it.  Where could he look for another teacher as cheap?  Socrates Smith appreciated the difficulty, and decided to take Mr. Crabb back, on condition that he would make an apology to Jim.

To do Mr. Crabb justice, it may be said that he would not have done this even if he saw no chance of another situation.  But this Mr. Smith did not know.  He did observe, however, that the usher entered his presence calm, erect and appearing by no means depressed, as he had expected.

“You sent for me, sir?” said the usher interrogatively.

“Yes, Mr. Crabb.  You will remember that I had occasion to rebuke you, when we last conferred together, for overstepping the limits of your authority?”

“I remember, Mr. Smith, that you showed anger, and found fault with me.”

“Exactly so.”

“Why doesn’t he ask to be taken back?” thought Socrates.

“I have thought the matter over since,” continued the principal, “and have concluded we might be able to arrange matters.”

The usher was surprised.  He had not expected that Mr. Smith would make overtures of reconciliation.  He decided not to mention at present his brighter prospects in New York, but to wait and see what further his employer had to say.

Mr. Crabb bowed, but did not make any reply.

“I take it for granted, Mr. Crabb, that your means are limited,” proceeded Socrates.

“You are right there, sir.  If I had not been poor I should not have accepted the position of teacher in Smith Institute for the pitiful salary of twenty dollars a month.”

“Twenty dollars a month and your board, Mr. Crabb,” said Socrates, with dignity, “I consider a very fair remuneration.”

“I do not, Mr. Smith,” said the usher, in a decided tone.

“I apprehend you will find it considerably better than to be out of employment,” said Socrates, rather angry.