“This alters the case considerably,” said the teacher.  “Is there any other boy who witnessed the affair, and can substantiate what has been said?  If so, let him raise his hand.”

Herman Reynolds raised his hand.

“Well, Herman, what do you know about it?  Were you present?”

“Yes, sir, I was.  It was just as Alfred said it was.”

“What have you to say, Godfrey?” asked Mr. Stone, sternly.

“I don’t mean to be insulted by an Irish boy,” said Godfrey, haughtily.

“Remember where you are, sir, and speak in a more becoming manner.  Did you attack Alfred Parker, as he says?”

“He had no business to run into me.”

“Answer my question.”

“Yes, I did.”

“And did you kneel on his breast?”

“Yes.”

“Oblige me by saying, ‘Yes, sir.’”

“Yes, sir,” said Godfrey, reluctantly.

“Why do you complain, then, of being treated in a similar manner by Andrew?”

“He has no business to touch me.”

“If he had not interfered when he saw you maltreating his young schoolfellow, I should have been ashamed of him,” said the teacher.

This so far chimed in with the sentiment of the boys that they almost involuntarily applauded; and one boy, arising, exclaimed: 

“Three cheers for the teacher!”

The three cheers were given with a will, and, though they were, strictly speaking, out of order, Mr. Stone was a sensible man, and the only notice he took of it was to say: 

“Thank you, boys.  I am glad to find that you agree with me on this point, and that your sympathies are with the weak and oppressed.  Godfrey Preston, your complaint is dismissed.  I advise you to cease acting the part of a bully, or you may get another similar lesson.  Andrew, when you exert your strength, I hope it will always be in as just a cause.  You may take your seat, and you also, Alfred.”

The boys would have applauded again, but Mr. Stone said, waving his hand: 

“Once is enough, boys.  Time is precious, and we must now go on with our lessons.  First class in arithmetic.”

Godfrey had been equally surprised and angry at the turn that affairs had taken.  He was boiling with indignation, and nervously moved about in his seat.  After a slight pause, having apparently taken his determination, he took his cap, and walked toward the door.

Mr. Stone’s attention was drawn to him.

“Where are you going, Godfrey?” he demanded, quickly.

“Home,” said Godfrey.

“You will wait till the end of school.”

“I would rather not, sir.”

“It makes no difference what you would rather do, or rather not do.  Are you sick?”

“No, sir.”

“Then you have no good cause for leaving, and I shall not permit you to do so.”

“I have been insulted, sir, and I don’t wish to stay.”