Andy had no idea that Godfrey would complain to the teacher in a matter where he was so clearly in the wrong, nor would he if he had not relied upon his father’s position to carry him through.

“Mr. Stone is a poor man,” he thought, “and he won’t dare to take the part of a low Irish boy against the only son and heir of Colonel Preston.  He knows on which side his bread is buttered, and he won’t be such a fool as to offend my father.”

While he said this he knew that it was very doubtful whether his father would espouse his cause, but then Mr. Stone would probably suppose he would, which would answer the same purpose on the present occasion.

When Andy re-entered the schoolroom with the rest of the boys at the termination of recess, he saw Godfrey in his seat.  The latter darted at him a glance of malicious triumph.

When the noise of entering was over, Mr. Stone said: 

“Andrew Burke, come forward!”

Considerably surprised, Andy came forward, and looked up with a modest self-possession into the teacher’s face.

“A complaint has been entered against you, Andrew,” Mr. Stone began.

“What is it, sir?” asked Andy.

“You are charged by Godfrey Preston with violently assaulting and throwing him down, just before school commenced.  Is this true?”

“Yes, sir,” answered Andy, promptly.

“You are charged with kneeling down upon him, and preventing his getting up.”

“That is true,” said Andy, quite composedly.

“I am surprised that you should have acted in this manner,” said Mr. Stone.  “I did not think you quarrelsome or a bully.”

“I hope I am not,” said Andy.  “Did Godfrey tell you why I knocked him over?”

“He said it was because he would not associate with you.”

Andy laughed.

“I hope you’ll excuse my laughing, sir,” he said, respectfully; “but I’d rather associate with any of the boys than with Godfrey.  I like him least of all.”

“Then, that is the reason you attacked him, is it?”

“No, sir.”

“Then, what was it?”

“If you don’t mind, sir, I’d like to have you ask Alfred Parker.”

“Alfred Parker,” called out the teacher, “come forward.”

Alfred obeyed.

“Do you know why Andrew attacked Godfrey Preston?”

“Yes, sir; it was on my account.”

“On your account!  Explain.”

“This morning, before school, I was playing with another boy, and accidentally ran into Godfrey.  He got mad, and threw me over violently.  Then he pressed his knee on my breast till I could hardly breathe.  I begged him to let me up, but he would not, though he knew that it was only an accident.  While I was lying on the ground, Andy Burke came up.  He no sooner saw me than he ran up, and threw Godfrey off, and got on him in the same manner, and I think he served him right.”

As he uttered these last words, Godfrey scowled ominously, but Andy’s face brightened up.  He was glad that Alfred was brave enough to speak up for him.