“We will accompany you with pleasure, sir,” said the boys.
They regarded the usher with new respect for this display of courage, for which they had not given him credit.
“I’ll fix you, Crabb,” said Jim Smith, insolently, “and don’t you forget it!”
Mr. Crabb did not deign to answer him.
Jim Smith was as good as his word.
An hour later Mr. Crabb was summoned to the presence of the principal.
Socrates received him with marked coldness.
“Mr. Crabb,” he said, “I cannot conceal the amazement I feel at a complaint which has just been made by my nephew.”
“Well, sir?”
Mr. Crabb had nerved himself for the worst, and did not cower or show signs of fear, as Socrates expected he would.