"I want to go home," growled Tom Topover as soon as he saw the principal. "I'm not going to stay here all night."
"You will not stay here all night," answered Captain Gildrock, in his mild tones. "Bates, you will take them to the dormitory, and give them four rooms at the farther end on the left."
"On the left, sir; I understand," replied the old quartermaster.
On the outside of the windows of these rooms was an iron grating like that used in banks to cover the operations of the cashier or teller. They had been fitted up for those who were disposed to run away. Besides the locks on the doors, there were crossbars across each of them, secured by padlocks, so that they could not be removed.
"Mr. Bristol and I will assist you," added the captain, when he saw that four of the young ruffians might be more than a handful for the old man, though he was still strong and active.
"I want to go home," growled Tom again, when he found that no notice had been taken of his complaint.
"You will not go home, and you will come with me," continued the principal.
The trouble began then.