with the matter in
hand. Unless, that is, I may act as mediator? Is the--the question in
dispute one which is open to arbitration?"

"I'm afraid not," answered Amy. "The fact is, sir, this fellow has a
lamentable habit of speaking disrespectfully of his school. I have
warned him that I didn't like it and he persists. What I--"

"It isn't that, sir!" cried Dreer passionately. "He says I--I broke
Durkin's fiddle, and I didn't, and the rest is only an excuse to--to
fight me! He hasn't any right--"

"Dreer!" protested Amy. "I've explained, even insisted that the incident
of the violin has nothing to do with this--er--salutary punishment I am
inflicting. I wish you wouldn't confuse things so!"

The stranger grinned. "Seems to me," he said, "all that is necessary
then is for the gentleman with the ensanguined cheek to withdraw
whatever derogatory remarks he may have injudiciously used. What do you
think?" He appealed politely to Clint.

"Yes, sir, I--I suppose so," Clint agreed.

"That's so," said Amy, "but he is also under treatment for lapse of
memory, sir, or perhaps I should say for hesitancy of speech. I am
hoping that presently he will remember who did break the violin and tell
us. Have we your permission to continue, sir?"

"Hm." The man's eyes twinkled appreciatively as he returned Amy's
ingenuous regard. "I see that my offer of good offices was premature.
Pray let the argument proceed. With your permission I'll stand by and
see that everything is as it should be."

Dreer's amazement was ludicrous. "You--you mean you're going to let him
knock me down again?" he demanded incredulously.

"Seems to me," replied the stranger judicially, "it's up to you whether
he knocks you down. Why don't you turn the tables and do the knocking
down yourself? It's a beautiful morning you've chosen, gentlemen."

"I won't fight, I tell you!" screamed Dreer. "I'll tell Fernald of this
and you'll all be expelled!"

"We won't worry about that yet, Dreer," said Amy. "Come on, now. Let's
get through with this."

"Keep away from me!" Dreer cried. Then he appealed to the stranger.
"Make him let me alone, won't you, sir, please? I--I told him I'd do
anything he said!"

"Oh, did you?" asked the man. "Then hold on a bit. What is it you want
him to do, you chap in the shirt-sleeves?"

"I want him to acknowledge that he has been terribly mistaken about the
school, for one thing."

"You do acknowledge that, don't you?" asked the man