“He can’t keep school,” said John.
“Why not, my son?”
“He can’t keep order. He is only a boy.”
“If the scholars behave themselves, and he knows enough to teach, I don’t see why he should not succeed. I hope, John, you do not propose to make any trouble.”
“No,” said John, slowly, “but the other fellows will.”
“Then,” said Mr. Barclay, “you can exert your influence to prevent them.”
John felt rather flattered by this reference to his influence, but nevertheless he did not like the idea of having Walter for a teacher. Mr. Barclay, though he entertained no very flattering opinion of John, was worldly wise, and had shown him some subserviency on account of his father’s position. John had a secret feeling that Walter would not do this, and he determined to make trouble for him. He didn’t mean to help him, at any rate.
CHAPTER VII
A NOVEL SITUATION.
“You are to be examined to-morrow evening at General Wall’s, Mr. Howard,” reported Allen Barclay to Walter, who was waiting the result of his visit.