When Hickey, that afternoon, brazenly sought out Mr. Baldwin, a certain staccato note in the greeting caused a dozen careful phrases to die on his tongue. "Don't hesitate, Hicks," said Baldwin, smiling coldly. "I came, sir," said Hicks, looking down, "I came--that is, I--Mr. Baldwin, sir, I'm sorry it turned out such a failure." "Of course, Hicks," said Baldwin, softly, "of course. It must be a great disappointment--to you. But it is not a failure, Hicks. On the contrary, it has been a great success--this campaign of education. I have learned greatly. By the way, Hicks, kindly announce to the class that I shall change my method of hearing recitations. I have a new system--based on the latest discoveries in the laws of probability. Announce also an examination for to-morrow." "To-morrow?" said Hickey, astounded. "On the review--in the interest of education--my education. Don't look down, Hicks--I cherish no resentment against you--none at all." "Against me?" said Hickey, aggrieved. "My feelings are of gratitude and affection only. You have been the teacher and I the scholar--but----" He paused and purveyed the persecuted Hicks with the smile of the anaconda for the canary, "but, Hicks, my boy, whatever else may be the _indifference_ of the masters toward your education, when you leave Lawrenceville you will not be weak in--mathematics." [Illustration: chapter title decoration--THE MARTYRDOM OF WILLIAM HICKS] THE MARTYRDOM OF WILLIAM HICKS Hickey had now reached the height of his fame. Intoxicated by success, he forgot all prudence, or rather his revolt became an appetite that demanded constant feeding. He no longer concealed his past exploits, he even went so far as to announce the escapades he planned. "You are running your head into the noose, Hickey, my boy," said Macnooder, sadly; "every master in the school has got his eye on you." "I know it," said Hickey proudly, "but they've got to catch me." "Your position is different," objected Macnooder, "now you are suspected. And do you want me to tell you the truth? Your trick about the clappers was too clever. If you could imagine that, you were at the bottom of other things. That's what the Doctor will say to himself when he thinks it over." "The Doctor plays square," retorted Hickey; "he won't do anything on suspicion. Let him try and catch me, let them all try. If they get me fair and square, I'll take my punishment. I say, Doc, just you wait. I've got something up my sleeve that'll make them all sit up." "Good Lord!" said the Egghead, who was of the party, "you don't mean you're going on?" "Egghead," said Hickey, impressively, "I've made up my mind that I just can't live without doing one thing more!" "Heavens, Hickey! what now?" "I've got a craving, Egghead, to sleep in Tabby's bed." "No!" "Fact." "What do you mean?" "Just that. I intend to sleep, not just pop in and out, to _sleep_ two hours in Tabby's nice, white, little bed." "Gee whiz, Hickey! When?"