IN WHICH ERNEST STRIKES A HEAVY BLOW, AND WINS ANOTHER VICTORY.
I was astonished at my own prowess, as I stood, with heaving breast, gazing at the prostrate form of the vanquished tyrant. I was a stout young fellow, heavy enough and strong enough for a boy of fifteen; but I did not regard myself as a match for a full-grown man. I suppose the fury and impetuosity of the onslaught I made had given me the victory before Mr. Parasyte was able to bring all his power to bear upon me.
I was satisfied with what I had done, and did not care to do any more. I wished to leave; but the principal had locked the door, and put the key into his pocket. I glanced at the window, hoping to find a means of egress in that direction, though it was at least ten feet above the ground. But ten feet are nothing to a boy of spirit; and I was moving towards the window, intending to take the leap, when Mr. Parasyte sprang to his feet, and confronted me again. If ever a man wore the expression of a demon, the principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute did at that moment; and it was patent to me that, unless I could effect my escape, my trials and troubles had but just commenced.
I was more disposed to use strategy than force; for, in spite of the victory I had won, I was fearful that the tyrant "carried too many guns" for me. The malignity of his aspect was accompanied by an expression of pain, as though he had been injured by his fall. This was in my favor, if I was to be again compelled to break a lance with him.
"You villain!" gasped Mr. Parasyte, with one hand upon his side. "How dare you resist?"
"I have no fancy for being cut to pieces with a cowhide," I replied, as coolly as I could, which, however, was not saying much.
"Your uncle wished me to reduce you to subjection, and to flog you till you came to your senses."
"I am not very grateful to my uncle for his request; and I have to say, that I will not be tamely flogged either by you or by him."
"What do you mean to do?" demanded he, apparently astonished to find me so resolute.
"I mean to resist as long as I am flogged," I replied, twisting the cowhide I still held in my hand.