There was a pause. The Principal was troubled and perplexed. If the animosity towards Ananda was roused to such an extent as to produce these results something must be done and done promptly. "If the feeling runs so high, I am afraid I shall be compelled to dispense with his services. I shall be sorry to part with him for his own sake; I could see that he would have suited admirably as a master; his teaching is clear and lucid. But I can't have the school emptied in this way. You must help me to get out notices at once which will make it plain to the parents of the boys that the matter will be set right and another man will take the class." Dr. Wenaston had the unpleasant task before him of breaking the news to Ananda and of warning him that he must not be seen on the school premises again. There was no objection to an occasional visit to the house. Miss Wenaston would be pleased to see him at any time; but he must be careful to keep away from the class rooms and playing-fields. Ananda received the news in silence. The sight of the empty rooms was enlightening and needed no comment. He was not surprised when Dr. Wenaston intimated in polite and gentle speech that he could no longer permit him to appear in the college. "I had better leave at once, sir; as soon as the boys know that I am not here they will return," was Ananda's reply. "You understand the situation?" "Quite; the absence of the boys is convincing." His dejection touched the Englishman. "I am sorry, very sorry for you. We must see what can be done in some other way. I will write to Mr. Alderbury at once." Ananda turned his back on the silent rooms and walked towards the road. The residence of the Principal stood on his left fronting the other way. Mrs. Hulver was in the back verandah, her eye scanning the landscape. She called sharply to the butler. "Ramachetty, go and tell that native gentleman over there that I want to speak to him." Ananda, surprised at the summons, responded to her call. "Come in, Mr. Ananda; I want a few words with you," was her greeting. Mrs. Hulver bustled into her sitting-room, followed by her visitor. "Sit down," she said, in her expansive maternal manner. "I have something to tell you. Do you know that those imps of boys who ought to be in class are waiting outside about a hundred yards up the road?" "Are they, Mrs. Hulver? What do they want?" Although he asked the question he was able to give a shrewd guess as to the reason of their presence. "They want you; and they mean mischief. You must just sit here for a while, and when the coast is clear you can get away safely. I was in the town this morning. I tell you it is in a ferment over your coming to the college, and it isn't safe for you to be seen about in broad daylight. Those young limbs of mischief mean to do you some hurt."