I suppose he has written a report about those beastly verses." The greeting of Dr.Wallace was, however, of a different nature from that which he had anticipated.
"Archer," he said, "I have just received a note from your father.

You are to go home at once." Jack Archer opened his eyes in astonishment.

It was but an hour and a half since he had started from Harbledown, a mile or so distant from the school.

His father had said nothing at breakfast, and what on earth could he want him home again for?
With a mechanical "Yes, sir," he returned to his place, gathered up his books hastily together, fastening them with a strap, and was soon on his way home at a rapid trot.

He overtook ere long the servant who had brought the note--an old soldier, who had been Major Archer's servant in the army.
"What is the matter, Jones?
Is any one ill at home ?" "No, sir; no one is ill as I knows of.