"My boys," he said, "I am very highly gratified at this proof that
I have succeeded in my endeavors to make you feel that I am your
friend as well as your master, and I shall value your gift far more
highly than my college prize. That was simply the result of my own
labor; this is a proof of kindness and affection on your parts. I
shall value it very greatly all my life. And now, as I don't think
you will be able to pay much attention to your work this morning,
and as I have been for some days awaiting an opportunity to go
over to York, where I have some pressing business, I shall start
at once, and can just catch the stage, and shall get back in time
for school tomorrow morning, so you will have the day to yourselves."

With a shout of pleasure the boys started off for a long day in the
cricket field, while Mr. Porson hurried away to catch the stagecoach
for York.



CHAPTER VI: THE THIEF DETECTED


Mr. Porson was in his place next morning, having returned only half
an hour before school began; he looked fagged, and he was scarcely
so attentive as usual to the lessons, his thoughts seeming to be
elsewhere.

"He seems regularly done up with his journey," Ripon said as the
boys came out of school.

"I think he is upset about something," Ned remarked. "Sometimes