Dick started, looked bewildered, then rose.
"It's—-it's——-" he began.
"A little more rapidly, if you please."
"I studied it last night, sir, but I'm afraid I've clean forgotten all about that principle," Dick confessed. He sat down, red-faced, nor was his discomfiture decreased by hearing some of the occupants of the girls' seats giggle.
"I shall question you about that at the next recitation. Mr.
Prescott," nodded the submaster.
"Ye-es, sir. I hope you'll have luck," Dick answered, absently.
"What's that?" rapped out Mr. Morton.
Dick, aroused, was on his feet again, like a flash.
"I beg your pardon, Mr. Morton," he came out straightforwardly. "That sounded like slang, or disrespect. I beg to assure you, sir, that neither was intended. The truth is——-"
"Your mind is busy with other things this morning, I see," smiled the sub-master.