"Martin!" said the schoolmaster, in a severe tone, looking up from the book with which he was engaged, " don't look out at the window, sir; turn your back to it."

" Please, sir, I can't help it," replied the boy, trembling with eagerness as he stared across the fields.

" Turn your back on it, I say!" reiterated the master in a loud tone, at the same time striking the desk violently with his cane.

"O sir, let me out ! There's Bob Croaker with my kitten. He's going to drown it. I know he is- he said he would ; and if he does, aunty will die, for she loves it next to me. And I must save it ; and- and if you don't let me out you'll be a murderer !"

At this concluding burst, Martin sprang forward and stood before his master with clinched fists and a face blazing with excitement. The schoolmaster's gaze of astonishment gradually gave place to a dark