think that the provocation that he received by the tyranny which
has been proved to have been exercised by Mr. Hathorn toward the
boys under his charge, and especially by their unjust punishment
for an offense which the complainant conceived without sufficient
warrant, or indeed without any warrant at all, that they had
committed, to a great extent justifies and excuses the conduct of
Master Sankey. Therefore, with a reprimand as to his behavior, and
a caution as to the consequences which might have arisen from his
allowing his temper to go beyond bounds, we discharge him.

"As to you, sir," he said to the schoolmaster, "we wish to express
our opinion that your conduct has been cruel and tyrannical in the
extreme, and we pity the unfortunate boys who are under the care of
a man who treats them with such cruel harshness as you are proved
to have done."

The magistrates now rose, and the court broke up. Many of those
present crowded round Ned and shook his hand, congratulating him
on the issue; but at a sign from his father the boy drew himself
away from them, and joining Captain Sankey, walked home with him.

"The matter has ended better than I expected, Ned," he said gravely;
"but pray, my boy, do not let yourself think that there is any
reason for triumph. You have been gravely reprimanded, and had the
missile you used struck the schoolmaster on the head, you would
now be in prison awaiting your trial for a far graver offense, and
that before judges who would not make the allowances for you that
the magistrates here have done.

"Beware of your temper, Ned, for unless you overcome it, be assured