I took no notice of the order, but continued to pack up my things.
"Do you hear me?" demanded Mr. Parasyte, in a loud and angry tone.
"I do hear you, sir. I have been expelled, and I don't care about listening to any more speeches."
"If you don't come here, I'll bring you here," added the principal, with emphasis.
Somewhat to my surprise, but greatly to my satisfaction, the boys made no demonstration in my favor. They seemed to think I was now in a mood to fight my own battle, though they were doubtless ready to aid me if I needed any help. Mr. Parasyte appeared to have begun in a way which indicated that he intended to maintain his authority, even at the risk of a personal encounter with me and the boys who had voluntarily espoused my cause.
Having packed up my books and papers, I took the bundle under my arm, and deliberately walked out of the school-room. The principal ordered me to stop; but as he had already sentenced me to expulsion, I could see no reason why I should yield any further allegiance to the magnate of the institution. He was very angry, which was certainly an undignified frame of mind for a gentleman in his position; and I was smarting under the wrong and injustice done to me. Mr. Parasyte stopped to procure his hat, which gave me the advantage in point of time, and I reached the little pier at which my boat was moored before he overtook me.
I hauled in the painter, and pushed off, hoisting the mainsail as the boat receded from the wharf. Mr. Parasyte reached the pier while I was thus engaged.
"Stop, Thornton!" shouted he.
"I would rather not stop any longer," I replied, running up the foresail.
"Will you come back, or I shall bring you back?" demanded he, fiercely.