"Have you any objections to my asking the boys a few questions, Mr. Parasyte?"
"Certainly I have. I am not willing to be arraigned and tried before my own school."
"O, very well!" exclaimed Mr. Hale, nodding his head significantly; and without saying anything more, he left the school-room.
The students felt that they had a friend in Mr. Hale, and even did not fear a prosecution for running away with the steamer. We judged that the captain of the Adieno would have to bear all the blame of that occurrence.
"What are these circulars for?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, when the visitor had departed. "Vallington, as the ringleader in this conspiracy, I call upon you for an answer."
"Those whose names are signed to the paper intend to send them to their parents."
"They do—do they?" exclaimed the principal, with compressed lips. "Are you aware that published slanders of this kind subject those who utter them to a severe penalty?"
"We can prove all we assert, and should be glad of an opportunity to do so," replied Vallington, firmly.
"There is not a word of truth in the paper," added Mr. Parasyte, wiping his brow.
He walked up and down the platform two or three times in silence. With him the case was desperate. He knew not what to do. He had learned that the students would not be browbeaten or bullied.