And James didn’t. When he found his candy gone he looked around at Charlie and scowled, for he guessed Charlie had stolen it, but he did not dare complain. Charlie grinned pleasantly at him.
“Charles Black, go to the board,” directed Miss Mason half an hour later. “We have just time to go over to-morrow’s lesson in multiplication. Take the figures I give you.”
Miss Mason looked impatiently at Charlie. He remained in his seat. 44
“I can’t go,” he objected when she continued to stare at him. “Can’t I do it from here?”
“Certainly not. Go to the board this instant,” retorted Miss Mason. “Charles, do you hear me?”
“I tell you, I can’t go,” wailed Charlie Black. “I––I won’t go!”
Meg gasped. Even Miss Mason looked surprised.
Then she walked over to the door and opened it.
“You may go down to the principal’s office,” she said coldly. “No boy can remain in my room who refuses to obey me.”
Charlie’s face was red, and he refused to meet the teacher’s eyes.