"Let him in," said the judge.
The door opened, and Mr. Parasyte entered the school-room.
CHAPTER VIII.
IN WHICH ERNEST VANQUISHES THE SCHOOLMASTER.
Mr. Parasyte had evidently obtained some information in regard to the great rebellion before he entered the school-room; for though he looked extremely troubled, he did not seem to be so much astonished as might have been expected. He was admitted by order of the judge, and took off his hat as he walked up the aisle to the platform, wiping away the perspiration which gathered on his heated brow under the severe mental struggles his position induced.
"What does all this mean?" he demanded, with a sternness which we could not help seeing was assumed.
The boys were all orderly and quiet; the school room was as still as during the regular sessions of the Institute. The sentinels, with their bats and clubs, stood immovable at their stations, and the scene produced its full impression upon the mind of the principal. As he did not seem to be prepared to receive an answer to his question, none was given; and Mr. Parasyte glanced uneasily around the room, apparently seeking to obtain a better understanding of the scene.
"What does all this mean?" demanded he, a second time.
"It means, sir," replied Henry Vallington, "that the boys are dissatisfied, and intend to have things set right."