“They declared they would not do the lessons I had set for them.”
“Why not?”
“They said they were too long—or rather, their leader, Tom Fairfield, did.”
“Ah, and so they have a leader, just as in an industrial strike. Very interesting, very.”
“Interesting!”
“Yes—er—that is from a psychological standpoint, of course.”
“Oh, I see. But something must be done. Even though, as a punishment for careless work, I doubled the usual lesson, that is no excuse for striking.”
“Oh, and so you doubled their lessons? Well, I suppose they naturally resented that. But, of course, as you say, I presume that was no excuse. But I will do something. I will act at once. I have thought of the best plan.”
“What is it?” asked Professor Skeel, hoping it was the suspension of the entire class, and the expulsion of Tom.