"Ha! I want no back talk——"
"But we are going to tell you what we think of you before you go," came from Fred. "We think you are dictatorial and unfair, and that you do not know half as much as you pretend——"
"He's the sourest teacher I ever saw!" came from one of the girls.
"And we are all glad he is going!" came from several others.
Montgomery Jadell started to talk again, but the babble was so great he could not make himself heard.
"They are all against you," said Ebenezer Boles. "Better take your leave and have done with 'em. I reckon they are more'n half right in what they say. Call at my office to-morrow and get the pay that is still due you."
"Of course you side with them. Well, I will call, for the money is justly mine—and then I shall wash my hands of Lakeport forever!" said Montgomery Jadell, tragically.
Stepping to the entryway he tore off his linen duster and hauled on his long, black coat. Then he reached for his silk hat—the one Harry had had to purchase for him.
As the hat was turned down over the principal's head a stream of chimney soot descended over his face and neck, giving him the appearance of a darky.
"Wha—what is th—this?" he spluttered. "Soot! Who put that in my hat?"