"Very well. You had them all done but two when you met Thornton to-day noon?"
"Yes, sir."
"Thornton," added Mr. Parasyte, turning to me, "I have no disposition to hurry you in the unsettled case of to-day, though the result of Poodles's examination shows that he had no need of the assistance you say he asked of you; but perhaps it would be better that you should state distinctly whether or not you intend to apologize. It is quite possible that there was a misunderstanding between you and Poodles, which a mutual explanation might remove."
"I do not think there was any misunderstanding," I replied.
"If you wish to meet Poodles after school, I offer my services as a friend to assist in the adjustment of the dispute."
"I don't want to meet him," said Poodles.
Mr. Parasyte actually rebuked him for this illiberal sentiment; and while he was doing so, I added that I had no desire to meet Poodles, as proposed. I now think I was wrong; but I had a feeling that the principal intended to browbeat me into an acknowledgment.
"Very well, Thornton; if you refuse to make peace, you must take the consequences. Do you intend to apologize to Poodles, or not?"
"I do not, sir," I replied, decidedly.
"Then you are expelled from the Parkville Liberal Institute."