“Newcombe, where are you going? Sit down!”
“I have business with the principal,” answered Tom, “and I am in a great hurry to see him.”
“Well, it is not customary for students to go out in that unceremonious manner,” said the sergeant. “We’ll all go before long; but, if you want to go now, you’ll have to ask the lieutenant-colonel’s permission.”
“I won’t do that!” said Tom to himself, as he reluctantly returned to his seat at the table. “If I don’t request favors of him now, he can’t ask them of me when I become colonel. I’ll fix you,” he muttered, looking toward the sergeant, who, he thought, had addressed him rather too abruptly. “I’ll take those stripes off your arm the very first thing I do. You are not fit to be an officer.”
Tom was very indignant at being obliged to remain in his seat until all the students had finished their suppers. It was a regulation he did not like, neither could he see that it was of any use. As soon as the colonel’s straps were on his shoulders, he would ask the principal to abolish the rule. This, he thought, would serve to render him very popular with the students, several of whom, he noticed, having satisfied their appetites, were impatient at being required to wait for their companions. They were not compelled to wait long, however, for presently the order was given for the students to return to their quarters. Tom’s company was the last that marched out; and, as soon as they reached the dormitory, and the command had been given to break ranks, Tom started below, to see the principal.
“Newcombe!” shouted the sergeant, from the head of the stairs, “where are you going?”
“I told you once before to-night that I wanted to see the principal,” said Tom, impatient at being delayed.
“It is time to begin study, now,” said the sergeant. “Is your business important?”
“Yes!” answered the new student; “it is very important.”
“Go ahead, then; but return as soon as you can, for I am responsible for you now until you make your appearance in the school-room.”