rty miles
out of New York City and some two or three miles from the Sound. It is
more than possible that these facts are already known to you; if you
live in the vicinity of New York they certainly are. But at the risk of
being tiresome I must explain a little about the school for the benefit
of those readers who are unacquainted with it. Brimfield was this Fall
entering on its twenty-fifth year, a fact destined to be appropriately
celebrated later on. The enrollment was one hundred and eighty students
and the faculty consisted of twenty members inclusive of the principal,
Mr. Joshua L. Fernald, A.M., more familiarly known as "Josh." The course
covers six years, and boys may enter the First Form at the age of
twelve. Being an endowed institution and well supplied with money under
the terms of the will of its founder, Brimfield boasts of its fine
buildings. There are four dormitories, Wendell, Torrence, Hensey and
Billings, all modern, and, between Torrence and Hensey, the original
Academy Building now known as Main Hall and containing the class rooms,
school offices, assembly room and library. The dining hall is in
Wendell, the last building on the right. Behind Wendell is the
gymnasium. Occupying almost if not quite as retiring a situation at the
other end of the Row, is the Cottage, Mr. Fernald's residence. Each
dormitory is ruled over by a master. In Billings Mr. Daley, the
instructor in modern languages, was in charge at the period of this
story, and since it was necessary to receive permission before leaving
the school grounds after supper, Don and Tim paused at Mr. Daley's study
on the way out. Don's knock on the portal of Number 8 elicited an
instant invitation to enter and a moment later he was shaking hands with
the hall master, a youngish man with a pleasant countenance and a manner
at once eager and embarrassed. Mr. Daley was usually referred to as
Horace, which was his first name, and, as he shook hands, Don very
nearly committed the awful mistake of calling him that! After greetings
had been exchanged Don explained somewhat vaguely the reason for his
tardy arrival and then requested permission to visit Coach Robey in the
village after supper.

"Yes, Gilbert, but--er--be back by eight, please. I'm not sure that Mr.
Robey isn't about school, however. Have you inquired?"

"No, sir, but Tim says he isn't eating in hall yet, and so----"

"Ah, in that case perhaps not. Well, be back for study hour. If you're
g