of the teacher, he could not escape the rude jests of the school-fellows over his short stature and big head. He had yet another cross to bear. His father generally made him sit up very late at night, conning his lessons or repeating them to him. If he ever made the slightest mistake or was found to drowse, he was sure to receive a good thrashing. Thakurdas belonged to the old school which thoroughly appreciated the value of the rod. He was the last person to spoil his son by excessive indulgence. Sometimes the vigorous application of the ferule and the touching shrieks of pain that followed would arouse the inmates of the house who instantly ran up to his rescue. Once belaboured with a cudgel he decamped to find shelter in the house of Babu Ramdhon Ganguly, clerk of his college. At this stage Jagaddurlav Babu considered it his duty to interfere and read the father a lecture. He even threatened to turn him out of doors if he was again found guilty of such indiscretion. This proved a successful
