"The matter has been settled." Miss Ellis interrupted.

"Has, eh? Well, I've not been notified to that effect and I continue my
services until I am officially notified to quit," he announced, bringing
his cane down in a "full stop."

How odious his presence was in the room at that moment. Tavia's face
crimsoned when he referred to her as a "harum-scarum" and only a
warning look from Dorothy kept her from replying to his insult.

"I think, Squire Sanders," said Miss Ellis, "that Mr. and Mrs. Ford are
satisfied the affair was an accident. It was a misunderstanding--
blaming the pupils."

"Accident or no accident, that's no account to me. I'm on this case, and
I intend to see it through."

"Mean old thing!" said one girl, somewhat above a whisper, "he just
wants the fine. Let's chase him!"

It was quite evident more than one girl felt like "chasing" the
obnoxious squire, but he held his ground and continued to punctuate his
impolite remarks with that noisy cane.

"I want to see Octavia Travers at my office," he announced, "and I want
her to come right along with me now!"

"Squire Sanders!" cried Miss Ellis, shocked and alarmed. "I cannot and
will not permit you to take a pupil from this room!"