“What did he say?” asked General Wall, in some curiosity.
“He said,” answered John, who took a little malicious satisfaction in annoying Peter, “that the hen was qualified to teach the one who brought her there.”
“Very good,” said the general, laughing. “He had you there, Peter.”
Peter scowled, but did not reply. The joke was at his expense, and he did not relish it. He felt angry with John for repeating the offensive remark, and with his father for laughing at it.
“Was the teacher angry?” was the next question.
“No; he took it as a joke, and told Peter he might carry the hen home.”
“There was no need of your coming too, John.”
“Peter wanted me.”
General Wall was a little surprised at this. He knew his son and had heard him more than once speak in contemptuous terms of Peter, whose company he now appeared to seek. However, he said nothing further, except to caution Peter against playing any further tricks, and enjoining upon both boys to return to school as soon as possible.
“What made you tell your father what the master said of me?” demanded Peter, angrily, when General Wall had driven by.