backward pupil. He might, in the case of a different pupil, have
referred the matter to the principal, but Socrates Smith was sure to
decide according to the wishes of his nephew, and did not himself
possess knowledge enough of the Latin tongue to detect his gross
mistakes.

After a time came recess. Hector wished to arrange the books in his
desk, and did not go out.

Mr. Crabb came up to his desk and said: "Roscoe, I must compliment
you on your scholarship. You enter at the head. You are in advance
of all the other members of the class."

"Thank you, sir," said Hector, gratified.

"There is one member of the class who is not competent to remain in
it."

"Yes, sir; I observed that."

"But he is unwilling to join a lower class. It is a trial to me to
hear his daily failures, but, perhaps, he would do no better
anywhere else. He would be as incompetent to interpret Caesar as
Virgil, I am afraid."

"So I should suppose, sir."

"By the way, Roscoe," said the usher, hurriedly; "let me caution you
against irritating Smith. He is the principal's nephew, and so we
give him more scope."