Breaking Away | Page 9

night."
"And when did you do those two?" continued the principal, mildly, but with the air of a man who expects soon to make a triumphant point.
"Between schools, at noon, while the students were at dinner and at play."
"Very well. You had them all done but two when you met Thornton to-day noon?"
"Yes, sir."
"Thornton," added Mr. Parasyte, turning to me, "I have no disposition to hurry you in the unsettled case of to-day, though the result of Poodles's examination shows that he had no need of the assistance you say he asked of you; but perhaps it would be better that you should state distinctly whether or not you intend to apologize. It is quite possible that there was a misunderstanding between you and Poodles, which a mutual explanation might remove."
"I do not think there was any misunderstanding," I replied.
"If you wish to meet Poodles after school, I offer my services as a friend to assist in the adjustment of the dispute."
"I don't want to meet him," said Poodles.
Mr. Parasyte actually rebuked him for this illiberal sentiment; and while he was doing so, I added that I had no desire to meet Poodles, as proposed. I now think I was wrong; but I had a feeling that the principal intended to browbeat me into an acknowledgment.
"Very well, Thornton; if you refuse to make peace, you must take the consequences. Do you intend to apologize to Poodles, or not?"
"I do not, sir," I replied, decidedly.
"Then you are expelled from the Parkville Liberal Institute."
CHAPTER IV.
IN WHICH ERNEST SAILS THE SPLASH, AND TAKES A BATH.
Difficult as the task was, I had thus far kept cool; but my sentence fell heavily upon me, and I could not help being angry, for I felt that I had been treated unfairly and unjustly. Poodles's statement had been accepted, and mine rejected; his word had been taken, while mine, which ought at least to have passed for as much as his, was utterly disregarded.
I turned upon my heel and went to my seat. My movement was sharp and abrupt, but I did not say anything.
"Stop!" said Mr. Parasyte, who evidently believed that the moment had come for him to vindicate his authority.
I did not stop.
"Stop, I say!" repeated the principal.
I proceeded to pick up my books and papers, to enable me to comply literally with my sentence.
"Come here, Thornton."
I took no notice of the order, but continued to pack up my things.
"Do you hear me?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, in a loud and angry tone.
"I do hear you, sir. I have been expelled, and I don't care about listening to any more speeches."
"If you don't come here, I'll bring you here," added the principal, with emphasis.
Somewhat to my surprise, but greatly to my satisfaction, the boys made no demonstration in my favor. They seemed to think I was now in a mood to fight my own battle, though they were doubtless ready to aid me if I needed any help. Mr. Parasyte appeared to have begun in a way which indicated that he intended to maintain his authority, even at the risk of a personal encounter with me and the boys who had voluntarily espoused my cause.
Having packed up my books and papers, I took the bundle under my arm, and deliberately walked out of the school-room. The principal ordered me to stop; but as he had already sentenced me to expulsion, I could see no reason why I should yield any further allegiance to the magnate of the institution. He was very angry, which was certainly an undignified frame of mind for a gentleman in his position; and I was smarting under the wrong and injustice done to me. Mr. Parasyte stopped to procure his hat, which gave me the advantage in point of time, and I reached the little pier at which my boat was moored before he overtook me.
I hauled in the painter, and pushed off, hoisting the mainsail as the boat receded from the wharf. Mr. Parasyte reached the pier while I was thus engaged.
"Stop, Thornton!" shouted he.
"I would rather not stop any longer," I replied, running up the foresail.
"Will you come back, or I shall bring you back?" demanded he, fiercely.
"Neither, if you please."
"If you wish to save trouble, you will come back," said he.
"I'm not particular about saving trouble. If you have any business with me, I will return."
"I have business with you."
"Will you please to tell me what it is?"
"No, I will not."
"Then you will excuse me if I go home," I added, as I hoisted the jib.
There was only a very light breeze, and the Splash went off very slowly. I took my seat at the helm, trying to keep as cool as possible, though my bosom bounded with emotion. I was playing a strange part, and I was not at