As the master of Oak Hall strode into the classroom there was a pause. He mounted the platform and put up his hand, and soon all became quiet.
“Young gentlemen, be seated,” he said, in his strict but kindly fashion, and instantly every student 153 sat down. Then he turned to the teacher. “Mr. Haskers, what is the trouble?” he asked.
“The trouble is that certain students will not learn their lessons,” answered Job Haskers, sourly. “I had to take them to task for it.”
“Who are those students?”
“Lawrence, Basswood, Porter, Morr, Beggs––”
“That will do for the present. Lawrence, stand up,” ordered Doctor Clay.
Phil did as requested, and the eyes of the entire class were fastened on the shipowner’s son.
“Now, Lawrence, what have you to say for yourself?” went on the doctor.
In a plain, straightforward manner, Phil told his side of the story. Several times Job Haskers wanted to interrupt him, but Doctor Clay would not permit this. Then Ben was questioned, and after that the master of the school turned to Dave.
“Is your complaint the same, Porter?”