Submaster Drake bit his lips.  This was not the way to deal with a situation in which the principal had started the trouble.  Mr. Drake wouldn’t have handled the situation in this way, nor would Dr. Thornton, the former principal.

But Purcell, with cheerfulness murmured, “Very good, sir,” and left the room, while many approving glances followed him.

Messrs. Morton and Luce shuffled rather uneasily in their seats.  Mr. Cantwell began to gather an idea that he was making his own bad matter worse, so he changed, making an address in which he touched but lightly upon the incidents of the morning.  He made an urgent plea for discipline at all times, and tried to impress upon the student body the need for absolute self-control.

In view of his own hasty temper that last part of the speech nearly provoked an uproar of laughter.  Only respect for Mr. Drake and the other submasters prevented that.  The women teachers, or most of them, too, the boys were sure, sided with them secretly.

The first recitation period of the morning was going by rapidly, but Mr. Cantwell didn’t allow that to interfere with his remarks.  At last, however, he called for the belated singing.  This was in progress when the door opened.  Mr. Eldridge, superintendent of schools, entered, followed by Bristow’s father.  That latter gentleman looked angry.

“Mr. Cantwell, can you spare us a few moments in your office?” inquired Mr. Eldridge.

There was no way out of it.  The principal left with them.  In a few minutes there was a call for Mr. Drake.  Then two of the women teachers were sent for.  Finally, Dick Prescott and three or four of the other boys were summoned.  On the complaint of a very angry parent Superintendent Eldridge was holding a very thorough investigation.  Many statements were asked for and listened to.

“I think we have heard enough, haven’t we, Mr. Eldridge?” asked the elder Bristow, at last.  “Shall I state my view of the affair now?”

“You may,” nodded the superintendent.

“It is plain enough to me,” snorted Mr. Bristow, “that this principal hasn’t self-control enough to be charged with teaching discipline to a lot of spirited boys.  His example is bad for them—–­continually bad.  However, that is for the Board of Education to determine.  My son will not come to school to-day, but he will attend to-morrow.  As the first step toward righting to-day’s affair I shall expect Mr. Cantwell to address, before the whole student body, an ample and satisfactory apology to my son.  I shall be present to hear that apology myself.”

“If it is offered,” broke in Principal Cantwell, sardonically, but Superintendent Eldridge held up a hand to check him.

“If you don’t offer the apology, to-morrow morning, and do it properly,” retorted Mr. Bristow, “I shall go to my lawyer and instruct him to get out a warrant charging you with felonious assault.  That is all I have to say, sir.  Mr. Eldridge, I thank you, sir, for your very prompt and kind help.  Good morning, all!”