"I am in no humor to trifle with you," said he, opening a desk, and taking out a cowhide.
I was willing to confess, when I saw that implement, that I had not known him before. He was about to step down from refined to brutal tyranny.
"Poodles himself has confessed that he lied," I added, taking no further notice of the cowhide.
"Confessed!" exclaimed Mr. Parasyte, savagely. "The boys have either bribed or frightened him into this confession. It will have no effect upon me."
"I have nothing to say, then," I answered, with dignity. "If you will look into the case again, and require Poodles to do the examples, you will see that you, and not the boys, have made a mistake."
"Silence, sir! I don't intend to be addressed in that impudent way by any student. I have attempted to suppress this rebellion by mild means; but they have failed. I have been to see your uncle. As I supposed he would, he has taken a proper view of the case. He does not wish to have you expelled, and I revoke my sentence; but he desires to have you reduced to subjection."
My uncle had actually spoken, and taken sides with the tyrant. I was astonished, but not intimidated.
"I have drawn up a paper for you to sign, which shall be read to the boys to-morrow morning. There it is."
RESISTANCE TO TYRANNY.—Page 99.