A talk lasting quarter of an hour followed, and it was decided that Dick should return to the Stanhope cottage, to tell Tom and Sam what turn affairs had taken. Then Tom was to come to the Hall, leaving Dick to look after Sam. It was nightfall before Dick got back to the cottage. Of course his brothers and the others listened to his story with interest. Both Sam and Tom felt greatly relieved. "If Grinder keeps on he'll kill himself in one of his fits," said Sam. "I hope he leaves before I go back to school." "If I was you, I wouldn't go back until he does leave," said Tom. "I'm sure Mrs. Stanhope will let you stay here; won't you?" "To be sure, Tom," answered the lady of the cottage. "But now Captain Putnam has made up his mind, you may be sure Mr. Grinder will not remain at the Hall many days." "Perhaps he'll go to-night," said Dora. "The captain surely wont wish him at the Hall over Sunday." Tom remained with his brothers until evening; then started for the Hall on foot, not caring to bother with a horse. The road was now well broken, so he had no trouble in making the journey. When he arrived at the Academy he found the boys assembled in the classroom, in charge of one of the under-teachers. "You cannot see Captain Putnam at present," said the teacher. "You will have to remain here with the other pupils until he is at leisure." "Something must be wrong," murmured Tom, as he slipped in a seat next to George Granbury. "I think the captain is getting rid of old Grinder," was the whispered reply. "He's afraid we'd go out and give him three groans when he left." "I see. Well, it's best to let him go quietly. Good riddance to him." "That's what all the boys say, although some are sorry he had the fit." "So am I sorry; but he brought it on himself." Presently there was loud knocking in the front of the building and the slamming of a door. Then a trunk was dumped into the captain's cutter, and the horse started off, carrying Peleg Snuggers and Jasper Grinder behind him. When the captain came into the classroom he was pale, and pulled nervously on his mustache Evidently his task of getting rid of the passionate teacher had not been a light one. He said but little, and shortly after the boys were dismissed and sent to bed. Sunday continued bright and clear, but it was so bitter cold that but few of the students went to church and Sunday school. Tom was anxious to hear how Sam was getting along, and in the afternoon Captain Putnam himself drove him to the Stanhope cottage in the cutter. It was found that the youngest Rover was feeling much better, although his hoarseness had not left him. He said he was sure he could go back to school the next day. "We had a visit from Jasper Grinder," said Dick. "He insisted on stopping here in spite of all Snuggers could do to stop him." "And what did he say?" asked the captain anxiously.