, I should not be here. I presume you
come on business, sir."

"On business!" exclaimed the principal, apparently taken aback by the
remarks of Vallington. "I _did_ come on business."

"You will oblige me by stating it, sir. I have been chosen the leader
of this company, and I represent the students here assembled."

"My business is to order you back to the Institute," continued Mr.
Parasyte, becoming a little excited by the independent manner of our
leader.

"In behalf of those whom I represent, I must decline to obey the
order--at least for the present."

The eye of the deputy sheriff twinkled as he listened to these
speeches. He seemed to regard the affair as a big joke, and to
appreciate it accordingly. Though none of us had ever had any official
relations with him, we knew him as what all the people called "a good
fellow," witty, jovial, and never severe even in the discharge of his
duties. It is more than probable that he knew Mr. Parasyte as the boys
knew him, and despised him accordingly. At any rate, we judged from
the expression on his round face, that he was at heart on our side,
however his official position might compel him to act.

"I am sorry, boys, that you have engaged in this rebellion, for it
will not be pleasant for me to compel obedience," continued Mr.
Parasyte, struggling to repress his anger.

"I am sorry, also, that we have been compelled to take this unpleasant
stand," replied Vallington, with dignity. "If you are willing to hear
it, sir, I should like to state the position of the boys in this
matter. Perhaps the difficulty can be arranged; if it can, we will at
once return to the Institute."

"If there are any real abuses, I am willing to correct them. I will
hear what you have to say."

Vallington briefly rehearsed the grievances of the boys, and demanded
that Thornton should be restored to all his privileges, without
punishment, and that Mr. Hardy should be reengaged.

Mr. Parasyte turned red in the face, and bit his lips with anger and
vexation.

"Are you the principal of the Parkville Liberal Institute, or am I?"
said he, when the parson had finished.

"Neither of us, I think, as the matter now stands, sir."

"I see that you are determined to defy me," added Mr. Parasyte. "You
ask me to restore Thornton without punishment of any kind. Are you
aware that he assaulted me with a deadly weapon?"

"We are aware that he defended himself when assaulted."

"Assaulted!" gasped M