"May I say one word, sir?" said Mr. Tapping in a lull.
"Quite unnecessary, Mr. Tapping," cut in the still angry master; "I don't wish any explanations. Such a thing as this has never happened in the history of this institution. That's all I wish to know. You forget that you are not left in charge of a young ladies' seminary."
"Very well, sir," said the mortified Mr. Tapping. "May I ask what you intend to do about this act of insubordination?"
"That is what I intend to ask you, sir," replied his superior. "Good-night."
The next day after luncheon, Mr. Tapping summoned the house to his study and addressed them as follows:
"Young gentlemen of the Dickinson House, I don't think you have any doubt as to why I have called you here. A very serious breach of discipline has taken place—one that cannot be overlooked. The sooner we meet the situation in the right spirit, gravely, with seriousness, the sooner will we meet each other in that spirit of harmony and friendly understanding that should exist between pupil and master. I am willing to make some allowance for the spirit of mischief, but none for an exhibition of untruthfulness. I warn you that I know, that I know who were the ringleaders in last night's outrage." Here he stopped and glanced in succession at each individual boy. Then suddenly turning, he said:
"Hicks, were you concerned in this?"
"Mr. Tapping," said Hickey, with the air of a martyr, "I refuse to answer."
"On what ground?"