“Well, sir, you didn’t know,” reminded Wattles. “No, and now that I do know I’m afraid it can’t alter things any. You understand that, Wattles?” “Well, sir, asking your pardon,” replied Wattles, “I’d like to say that, as I understand it, the law recognizes mitigating circumstances. I’ve been reading a bit of law, sir, this winter,” he added apologetically. “Granted, but the judge should also be unswayed by personal――er――feelings. The fact that Kemble disobeyed the rules out of――well, let us say loyalty to me, Wattles, ought not to affect my decision.” “Oh, absolutely not, sir!” “Well, then, there we are.” Mr. Connover smiled gently. “Quite so, sir. When I suggested mitigating circumstances I had in mind the fact that Mr. Tom had the――the quarrel forced on him, Mr. Connover. He refused to engage with the other gentleman at that time and place, sir. It was not until the other young gentleman insisted and struck him, sir, that Mr. Tom――er――consented.” “Oh,” said Mr. Connover, and then: “Oh, I see,” he added thoughtfully. “Hm. Yes, there’s that, isn’t there?” And, after another pause: “Look here, Wattles, if I were you I’d keep on reading law,” he said. “I honestly would!” “Thank you, sir. I’ve been considering the study of it.” “Fine! Now suppose you go on with the case. Suppose you were in my place, Wattles, eh?” “It’s very kind of you, sir, to give――to receive my――” “Not at all. What is your idea of the situation that exists at present? Frankly, after what you’ve told me I’d be mighty glad to reverse my decision if I could see an honest way to do it.” “Well, Mr. Connover, as I look at it, it’s the other young gentleman who should bear the――the brunt of the punishment.” “Well, yes, it does look that way. In other words, I should have excused Kemble for the day and dropped Coles from the squad. I’m afraid I didn’t give either of them a fair chance to explain what had occurred. Not, however, that Coles appeared anxious to do any explaining. Of course, if I did drop Coles now it would look a bit――well, odd. Belated justice, eh?” “Yes, sir. And to-morrow being the last day of school, sir――” “True.” Mr. Connover’s eyes twinkled, and he seemed to be enjoying himself hugely. “On the other hand, Wattles, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t, considering the mitigating circumstances, reduce the sentence inflicted on Kemble, which I now see was excessive, to――well, to forty-eight hours――or thereabouts. Does that sound correct?” “Oh, absolutely, sir,” replied Wattles gravely.