Regardless of their support of the two leaders of the Second Form, Baxter boys and girls were noted for their love of fair play, and this exhibition of pettiness by Bart surprised them into silence, which lasted until the headmaster and Fred were lost to sight within the school building. Mr. Vining's office was on the right of the hallway, near the entrance, and although it was tastefully furnished, so intimately associated was it with reprimands and explanations that none of the scholars ever noticed how comfortable and attractive it was. Pointing to a bench, the headmaster indicated to Fred to be seated, and himself dropping into a Morris chair, he studied the boy's face a moment before saying: "Did I understand you to say that Bart did not tell you to come to me?" "I said I did not hear him, sir." "But you would have, had he done so?" "The boys were calling out to him, so I couldn't hear very well." "You're the same Fred, aren't you?" smiled Mr. Vining at the boy's refusal to implicate one of his fellow students. "Now tell me how the trouble started." "I can't, sir!" "Why?" "Because I was not there when it began." But Fred did not hesitate to describe his own actions. "I'm sorry," commented the headmaster, when the recital was finished. "I'm afraid you will be obliged to hear a good many unpleasant----" "But my father is _not_ dishonest," interrupted Fred. "It is natural for you to think so," returned Mr. Vining noncommittally. "As I said when I came upon you and Bart, you Second Form boys should set an example by obeying the rules. You know fighting in front of the school is forbidden, don't you?" "Yes, sir." "Then why were you going to?" "Because I shall defend my father's name anywhere, Mr. Vining." "H'm! Baxter rules are made to be obeyed, Fred. To prevent a recurrence of this morning's scene, I must ask you to give me your word not to fight with Bart." "I can't, sir." "Why?" "Because when the boys said I only stood up against Bart after having seen you coming----" "Is that true?" interrupted Mr. Vining. "No, sir. I was too busy watching Bart to see any one else." "H'm. Go on." "I said I would fight him to-night at seven." Several minutes the headmaster gazed at the serious, manly face of the boy before him, then said: "If you fight, Fred, I shall suspend you. Now you may go." [Illustration: IF YOU FIGHT, FRED, I SHALL SUSPEND YOU] CHAPTER III FRED'S SACRIFICE It was with lagging feet and heavy heart that Fred left the office of the headmaster.