For a moment Mr. Roylston covered his face with his hand. Then he rose up quickly, master of himself again. “You are excited and irresponsible.” “I’m excited,” said Finch, “but I know perfectly well what I’m saying.” “Of course,” said Mr. Roylston, “if you are not suddenly gone insane, you must leave this school at once. You will come with me instantly to Doctor Forester.” “Oh, I’m ready to be fired.” Mr. Roylston made no reply, but opened the study door, and motioned to the boy to follow him. They left Howard House and walked rapidly across the quadrangle to the Rectory. It was a warm humid night, after a week of intense cold. There was a pale young moon in the western sky. As they reached the foot of the Rectory steps, Finch turned. “I’m not going in,” he exclaimed. “Pardon me, you are, and at once.” “I’m not. This is the end. I am done with it. I’m going to chuck it all. Say what you please, the time for browbeating, scaring me is gone. I’m off.” “Where are you going?” cried the master in alarm. “It doesn’t matter. You will never see me again.” With that he turned, and ran rapidly across the campus down the hill. Mr. Roylston strained his eyes for a moment after the fleeing figure, then ran hastily up the steps, and knocked at the door of the Doctor’s study. Doctor Forester himself opened the door, and drew the agitated master within. Deering, Lawrence and Clavering were sitting before the study fire. They had risen and were standing. “What is the matter?” asked the Head quickly. Mr. Roylston forgot the boys’ presence. “A serious thing—a very serious thing. Finch, just now, in my study, attacked me with the most wanton, intemperate abuse. I brought him to you—but here—at the very door he turned and fled....” “Yes—fled—why—where?” “It is very serious, I think. I think it would be better if these boys went after him at once. I fear something terrible may happen. I will explain later.” He sank exhausted into a chair. “Which way has he gone, sir?” asked Tony. “Across the campus—down the hill. Hurry, Deering, hurry! else something terrible may happen.” CHAPTER XXI SELF-SACRIFICE It was a warm muggy night. A pale moon shone dimly through the mists, and the buildings of the school cast long shadows across the campus, giving a weird uncanny effect to the scene, of which the boys were immediately conscious as they came out of the Doctor’s study. They waited for a moment outside, straining their eyes for a sight of Finch. Suddenly Jimmie discerned a dark figure just disappearing over the brow of the hill. “There he goes,” he cried, “over the hills towards the beach.” “All right—after him!” urged Tony, and set the pace at a rapid trot. Lawrence and Clavering kept close behind.