“That’s the way to talk, Peter,” said Phineas. “We’re together in that. If we stand by Mr. Howard he’ll get along.”
“That’s what he told me,” said Peter, gratified at his rising importance. “I’m goin’ to study hard, and see if I can’t be somebody.”
“Then you may count me your friend, Peter. We won’t laugh at each other’s mistakes hereafter, but we’ll both see if we can’t improve.”
Thus was Peter confirmed in his good resolutions. Walter had managed to strike the right chord, and produced a complete revulsion of feeling in his once rebellious pupil.
There was one, however, who was not pleased at Peter’s change. This was John Wall. He did not want the new teacher to secure friends, and he was sorry for Peter’s defection. At recess he managed to speak to Peter alone.
“It seems to me you’ve changed since yesterday, Peter,” he said, with a sneer.
“So I have,” said Peter.
“Was it the licking the teacher gave you that changed you?” asked John, with the same tone.
“Look here, John Wall,” said Peter, “if you say that again, I’ll knock you over.”
“I didn’t think you were going back on me, after all you said. I thought it must be because you was afraid.”