"Thornton's affair is to be settled by itself," replied Mr. Parasyte.
"Then I have nothing more to say, sir," added Vallington, with becoming dignity.
I interposed, and begged him not to consider me, but to make terms if he could, and permit me to settle my own affair. Bob Hale and Tom Rush protested; but no protest was needed to keep Vallington true to his purpose.
"You reject my terms, Vallington," said Mr. Parasyte.
"I do, sir."
"I wish to do what I can to end this unhappy disturbance, and I am willing to say that the punishment shall be very mild—if you will return to your duty."
"You have treated one of our number with shameful injustice, Mr. Parasyte. We can prove, and have proved, that he was not guilty of the charge brought against him. If you will do him justice, and through him all the rest of us, we will submit to such punishment as you think proper for breaking away."
"Thornton!" exclaimed Mr. Parasyte, with a malignant sneer. "Do you expect me to receive the forced confession of Poodles and Pearl?"
"The confession was not forced, sir."
"Come here, Poodles," said the principal, sharply.