“I didn’t think you’d care,” said John, not quite truthfully.
“Well, I do care,” said Peter, sullenly, “and I don’t want you to speak of it again.”
“You won’t mind after you’ve got even with him.”
“No, but I haven’t got even with him yet.”
“You will, though.”
“Of course I will. I wish I could to-day.”
There was some more conversation of this character, but it did not vary in substance from what has already been reported.
When the boys returned to the schoolhouse it was time for Peter’s class in grammar to recite. The latter did not belong to the first class, but the second, and it happened that he was the oldest and largest scholar in his class, but not by any means the most proficient. He had applied to Mr. Barclay to let him join the first class, which request was very promptly refused. Peter did not dare to make a fuss, knowing that Mr. Barclay had the physical strength to enforce his decision. But with Walter he believed it to be different. He therefore proposed to make a transfer, that he might no longer be humiliated by being associated with those smaller and younger than himself. When, therefore, the second class in grammar took their places, he remained in his seat. Walter might not have noticed this, but one of the class spoke, saying: “Peter Groot belongs to this class.”
Peter looked up and said: “No, I don’t.”
“Yes, he does.”