nearly noon
`` I will , '' answered the doctor ; and a little later he set off for Oakdale in his buggy , going alone . The boys walked down to the gymnasium , resolved to keep out of all classes until the matter had been settled . They had impressed it on Doctor Clay 's mind that either Job Haskers must leave the school or they would do so . It was nearly noon when the master of Oak Hall came back , driving slowly and looking very thoughtful . The boys met him at the entrance to the grounds and he told them to come to the office , and closed the door carefully behind them . `` You were right , '' he said , almost brokenly . `` I have been deceived by this -- this -- I do not know what to call him !