It was Thomas who assumed command.
“Don't choke him so, Ranald,” he said. “And clear out of the way, all you girls and little chaps.”
“What are you going to do, Thomas?” asked Don, acknowledging Thomas's new-born leadership.
“Tie him up,” said Thomas. “Get me a sash.”
At once two or three little boys rushed to the hooks and brought one or two of the knitted sashes that hung there, and Thomas proceeded to tie the master's legs.
While he was thus busily engaged, a shadow darkened the door, and a voice exclaimed, “What is all this about?” It was the minister, who had been driving past and had come upon the terrified, weeping children rushing home.
“Is that you, Thomas? And you, Don?”
The boys let go their hold and stood up, shamed but defiant.
Immediately the master was on his feet, and with a swift, fierce blow, caught Thomas on the chin. Thomas, taken off his guard, fell with a thud on the floor.
“Stop that, young man!” said the minister, catching his arm. “That's a coward's blow.”