to overcome that; at any rate I will give him a trial."

And so it was settled that Ned should return to Porson's, for so
the establishment was henceforth to be known.



CHAPTER V: THE NEW MASTER


It was with much excitement and interest that the boys gathered in
their places for the first time under the new master. The boarders
had not seen him upon their arrival on the previous evening, but
had been received by an old housekeeper, who told them Mr. Porson
would not return until the coach came in from York that night.

All eyes were turned to the door as the master entered. The first
impression was that he was a younger man than they had expected.
Mr. Hathorn had been some forty-five years old; the newcomer was
not over thirty. He was a tall, loosely made man, with somewhat
stooping shoulders; he had heavy eyebrows, gray eyes, and a firm
mouth. He did not look round as he walked straight to his desk;
then he turned, and his eyes traveled quietly and steadily round
the room as if scanning each of the faces directed toward him.

"Now, boys," he said in a quiet voice, "a few words before we begin.
I am here to teach, and you are here to learn. As your master I
expect prompt obedience. I shall look to see each of you do your
best to acquire the knowledge which your parents have sent you here
to obtain. Above all, I shall expect that every boy here will be