"And I think it a shame there are not more like him. He is honest and open, and he——"
"But these charges against him, professor?"
"I take no stock in them. I understand that the boy has made enemies because he has been successful in doing remarkable things since entering Fardale. His success has made others envious and jealous. They are trying to down him. Are you going to help them, professor? Are you going to become the instrument of these enemies?"
"Oh, you have a slick way of putting things, Professor Gunn; but you know the boy insulted me in this very room and before your eyes. You know it, sir!"
"He dared stand up manfully and defend himself, for which I confess my admiration."
"Your admiration?"
"Exactly."
"Yah! His actions were admirable! Oh, yes! The young spitfire! I’d like to have the handling of him! He’d play no more football for one while! I’d put him in the guard-house, and he’d live on bread and water for a week, a month, a year, if necessary! I’d break his spirit! I’d show him I was his master!"
"Professor Gooch, you are so angry that you talk childish. When you have cooled down, you may regard this matter in a different light."
"No, sir—no! I have placed in your hands the charges against that boy! I demand that they be investigated!"