“I will take this opportunity to add something more. There has been for some weeks a spirit of disorder prevalent among you, which must be effectually quelled before any favors can be shown to the school as a whole. We have been very patient with you, and have tried to temper justice with mercy. Now I desire to give you fair notice that I propose to be master here, and that the rules of this school, and the orders of my teachers and officers, must be obeyed to the letter. If any boy chooses to dispute this point practically, we shall make it convenient to do without him at Riverpark.
“But while desiring and intending to maintain strict discipline in the school, I desire to be not only fair and just, but magnanimous; and when I discover a better feeling on your part, and an honest effort to live up to your duties as gentlemen and soldiers, I shall most assuredly meet you more than half way.
“Let this be made manifest by your conduct, and it will not be necessary for you to present petitions; it will be my pleasure to anticipate your reasonable desires for enjoyment, and to indulge them without the asking.
“Now you understand me. I regret that in thus speaking to you it is necessary for me to address the school as a whole. There are manly boys here who deserve only words of commendation. They are the more deserving, because they have maintained a high standing in the midst of adverse influences. I take this opportunity to thank them publicly.
“Officer of the day, you may call the classes.”
The last words were addressed to the cadet-official who sat at the desk. Then Colonel Silsbee descended from the platform, crossed the room, and entered his office.
There was no opportunity for the petitioners to take counsel together concerning the refusal of their petition until the recess for luncheon at twelve o’clock. The sandwiches were brought up, as usual, in a huge tray, and placed on the desk, and each boy took one as he passed by in the march from the schoolroom. A minute later, in the drill-hall, the petitioners gathered in excited groups, and discussed the situation loudly.
There was general disappointment, and not a little ill-feeling; there were even some expressions of downright anger.
A few of the boys boldly declared their determination to take a holiday at the first opportunity, with or without leave; but for the greater number, the determined words and earnest manner of Colonel Silsbee had acted as a temporary check to the formation of projects involving any breach of the rules.