“Yes, sir,” said Bernard, with a meekness which the twinkle in his eye belied.
“A little knowledge is a dangerous thing,” remarked Mr. Snowdon with dignity.
“I am sure you are a good judge on that point, Mr. Snowdon,” said Bernard with demure face, so that his elder did not catch the covert sarcasm.
“I am glad you give me credit for something,” rejoined the teacher. “Now you hear what I say. I won’t have you goin’ round with that Nat Barclay, as you did last evening.”
“What’s the matter with Nat Barclay?”
“He was once a pupil of mine, and he defied my authority, so I had to discharge him.”
“That isn’t what he says, Mr. Snowdon.”
“What does he say?”
“He says that he found out you didn’t know enough to teach him, and got his father to take him away from your school.”
“Then the boy lied,” said Mr. Snowdon, coloring deeply. “I’d like to thrash him.”