240 THE CHERRY-STONES.

him entirely by an unworthy artifice. At
any rate, a generous boy would have
confessed what he had done, when he
saw the effect it had produced on his an-
tagonist. Above all, to repeat the annoy-
ance this morning, before the assembled
school, and on such an occasion, was most
unfeeling. I do not seek to inquire fur-
ther into your motives; but, after what
has transpired, I cannot give you your
prize. It has always been my principle
to refuse any reward to a boy who has
been guilty of a serious offence ; and in no
other light can I view your late conduct.
Retire, now, to your own room, and remain
‘by yourself until you return home. I trust
your sol'tude will be rightly employed.” |

Sharpe turned sullenly away, and left
the room. The doctor seemed relieved
when he was gone,