He stood at the open door watching the great thunder-clouds that came marching across the sky to the battle. Cuthbert and I had not gone home to dinner because of the coming storm, the first heavy rain-drops of which were beginning to fall sullenly.
'To talk of such-like heathenish things,' burst out Mrs. Janet presently, 'before your scholars too.'
'Heathenish things—electricity. I will prove to you——'
'Boys,' she went on unheeding, 'the weather is always good weather, and no one ought to feel different in hot weather or in cold, or whether it rains or the sun shines. No, Caleb, I don't care what your books say.'
For Master Caleb had brought a big heavy book from the shelf, and after rubbing the dust off the leaves with loving care, was laying it open on the table before her.
The mere sight of it scattered his enemies quicker than any of his arguments could have done; Cuthbert seized his cap, and was through the door out into the rain in the twinkling of an eye.
Mrs. Janet suddenly remembered that the pudding needed her instant presence in the kitchen. Master Caleb and I were left alone.
'It's all in here,' he said, looking up at me with a baffled face.
'What is, sir?'
'The Laws of Electricity. It's no good talking to women—to most women, that is to say. See how clearly he puts it.'