“What are you goin’ to do about it?” demanded Peter, insolently.
“Come out on the floor if you would like to be informed.”
“I shall stay where I am,” said Peter, defiantly.
“I have no objection, but you must keep order.”
Peter’s answer to this was to throw his slate on the floor.
Walter felt that the time for forbearance was past. If he suffered this insolence to go unpunished his authority in the school was overthrown. In that case he might as well retire at once. Moral suasion was thrown away upon Peter Groot. He must understand what was meant by physical suasion.
“Scholars,” said Walter, “I am sorry for what is about to happen, but I call you to witness that it has been forced upon me.”
He walked up to Peter’s desk, eying him in a quiet, determined manner.
“You have defied my authority,” he said, “and insulted me before the rest of the scholars. You believe me to be unable to enforce my orders. Come out on the floor and I will convince you to the contrary.”
“I am comfortable where I am,” said Peter, glancing about him triumphantly.