“Then why don’t you obey me?”
“I will pick them up when I get ready,” said Peter, impudently.
Walter found it difficult to restrain his temper at this open insolence, but he succeeded by an effort.
“You appear to forget that I am the teacher of this school, and you are my scholar,” said Walter.
“You are a boy like me,” said Peter. “I ain’t goin’ to be ordered round by a boy no older than I am.”
“I am aware,” said Walter, quietly, “that I am only a boy, and that some of my pupils, probably yourself, are older than I am. But that does not alter the fact that I am your teacher. The trustees knew my age when they appointed me teacher. They placed me here not only to teach, but to keep good order. I have had no trouble thus far with any one but you. What is your object in making trouble?”
“I ain’t goin’ to be ordered round by a boy,” said Peter.
“I don’t intend to do any ordering, except what is absolutely necessary. But I intend to keep order,” said Walter, firmly. “You can continue to attend school, and I will do my best to advance you in your studies, or you can leave it, if you are unwilling to be orderly. Take your choice.”
“I am comin’ to school,” said Peter, “and I will behave as I have a mind to.”
“Not if I can prevent it,” said Walter, resolutely, his eyes flashing with anger.