There was a general silence and pause of expectation. The scholars were sitting in judgment on the new teacher, and wondering how he would proceed.
Walter rose, and, calmly surveying the fifty scholars whose charge he had assumed, spoke as follows:
“Scholars, before entering upon our duties, it may be proper for me to say a few words. When I came to this place, it was not with the intention of teaching. You know how it has happened that I have undertaken to do so. You will easily judge, from my appearance, that I have not experience to fit me for the post, and am younger than some of you. But I have made up my mind to do my best, and I hope the relations between us will be mutually pleasant and profitable. I will do all I can to make them so. I will, in the first place, go round and take your names, and make inquiries as to the studies you wish to take up. To-morrow we shall be ready to begin in earnest, and go on regularly.”
This speech was favorably received by the generality of the scholars. It was greeted with applause, in which, after a while, all joined, with two exceptions. These two were Peter Groot and John Wall. Peter leaned back in his seat, with both hands in his pockets, looking at Walter, with an impudent smile on his face, as much as to say, “I am quiet now, but I’ll make it hot enough for you by and by.” As for John, he regarded Walter with a supercilious glance. He was not likely to break out into open rebellion, not having the courage, but he did not intend to trouble himself to be respectful, but to treat the new teacher with a cool disdain and assumption of superiority, which, though disagreeable, would not subject him to censure. He depended on his new friend, Peter, to take bolder measures.
Walter took the school register, and went to the nearest desk. He took down the name and age of the scholar, and learned to what classes he belonged, and then went on. He met with perfectly respectful answers till he came to Peter Groot.
Peter sat in the position already described, leaning back, with both hands in his pockets. Walter noticed it, and he had no difficulty in foreseeing trouble. But he did not care to precipitate matters. Whenever it came, he meant to be ready.
“What is your name?” he asked.
Peter pretended not to hear.
“What is your name?” demanded Walter, in a quick, imperative tone.
Peter turned slowly, and answered: “Peter.”