Martin asked:
a) Why did the gatekeeper not let Hillel in if he was a regular attendee
b) Why didn't Shemaya and Avtalyon say, "Where is our pupil Hillel today," and go to look for him, they were neglecting their duty to their pupil?
Martin
The Kollel replies:
a) He was given strict orders not to let in people who did not want to pay.
b) It seems that a Rebbi is not obligated to inquire as to the welfare about a regular attendee unless he is absent more than once. Accidents do happen, and a single absence is not noteworthy. Ask you local Dafyomi lecturer.
-Mordecai
The Kollel adds:
Hillel in his great modesty was totally nondescript and made sure to be unnoticed both by the gatekeeper and the Rosh Yeshivah.
Dov Zupnick