at my side. One of the men was to drive, while
the other was directed to await his return, and then pull the boat
back. I was forced to acknowledge to myself that Mr. Parasyte's
strategy was excellent, and that I was completely baffled by it; but
as I was satisfied that my time would soon come, I was content to
submit, with what patience I could command, to the captivity from
which I could not escape.

The vehicle was driven to the front door of the Institute; and the
boys, who were still on the shore of the lake, watching for the return
of the boat, did not have any notice of the arrival of the prisoner. I
was conducted to the hall of the principal's apartments first, and
then to a vacant chamber on the third floor. Mr. Parasyte performed
this duty himself, being unwilling to intrust my person to the care of
one his subordinate teachers. A suit of clothes belonging to a boy of
my own size was sent to me, and I was directed to put it on, while my
own dress was dried at the laundry fire. This was proper and humane,
and I did not object.

When I had changed my clothing, Mr. Parasyte presented himself. By
this time he had thoroughly cooled off. He looked solemn and dignified
as he entered the little room, and seated himself in one of the two
chairs, which, with the bed, formed the furniture of the apartment. He
had probably considered the whole subject of his relations with me,
and was now prepared to give his final decision, to which I was also
prepared to listen.

"Thornton," said he, with a kind of jerk in his voice.

"Sir."

"You have made more trouble in the Parkville Liberal Institute to-day
than all the other boys together have made since the establishment was
founded."

"I didn't make it," I replied, promptly, intending to give him an
early assurance that I would not recede from the position I had
taken.

"Yes, you did. You provoked a quarrel, and refused to apologize--a
very mild penalty for the offence you had committed."

"I deny that I provoked a quarrel, sir."

"That question has been settled, and we will not open it again. I have
shown the students, by my prompt pursuit of you when you set my
authority at defiance, that I intended to maintain the discipline of
this institution. I have taken you and brought you back. So far I am
satisfied, Thornton."

"I am not. You have smashed my boat, and you must pay for her," I
added, calmly, but in the most uncompromising manner.

"This is not a matter of