"What is that?"
"We'll tell you by and by. Parasyte says you assaulted him, and hit him over the head with a big ruler. How was that, Ernest?"
I told them what had occurred after we left the school-room, and gave them all the particulars of my battle with the principal.
"Served him right," was the verdict of the boys. "He didn't tell us that he attempted to flog you; only that you pitched into him, apparently without any cause or reason," added Tom Rush.
"You all ran out of school," said I. "What is Mr. Parasyte going to do about it?"
"We don't know, and we don't care. He is a tyrant, and a toady; and all but about a dozen of the fellows are going to quit the school."
"But where are you going?" I asked, surprised at this decided step.
"We have it all arranged, and are going to break away in a bunch. We are getting things ready; but we want you, Ernest."
"Why me?"
"Because you are a good sailor, and know all about boats?"