"It came some time ago." Something warned the fellow not to open the envelope there.

He took it to his room, where he read the letter.

It was from Dr.
Thornton, and said only: _"You are directed to appear before the Board of Education at its stated weekly meeting to-night.

This is urgent, and you are warned not to fail in giving this summons due heed."_ In an instant Phin was white with fear.

His legs trembled under him, and cold sweat stood out on his neck, face and forehead.
For some moments the young man acted as though in danger of collapse.
Then he staggered over to the tap at his washbowl, and gulped down a glass of water.