James thought to himself with a thrill of unpleasant excitement, “It’s coming.  In ten minutes I shall know whether Tom Bassett or I is to rule this school.”

His manner was calm, however, as he said, “That is no excuse.  I can’t accept it.  As your teacher I order you to join your class.”

“Can’t you wait till to-morrow?” asked Tom, with a grin, which was reflected on the faces of several other pupils.

“I think I understand you,” said James, with outward calmness.  “You defy my authority.”

“You’re only a boy like me,” said Tom; “I don’t see why I should obey you.”

“If you were teacher, and I pupil, I should obey you,” said James, “and I expect the same of you.”

“Oh, go on with the recitation!” said Tom, lazily.  “Never mind me!”

James felt that he could afford to wait no longer Turning to the class, he said, “I shall have to delay you for a minute.”

He walked deliberately up to the seat where Tom Bassett was sitting.

Tom squared off in the expectation of an assault; but, with the speed of lightning, the young teacher grasped him by the collar, and, with a strength that surprised himself, dragged him from his seat, in spite of his struggles, till he reached the place where the class was standing.

By this time Bill Stackpole felt called upon to help his partner in rebellion.

“You let him alone!” he said, menacingly, stepping forward.

“One at a time!” said James, coolly.  “I will be ready for you in a minute.”

He saw that there was only one thing to do.

He dragged Tom to the door, and forcibly ejected him, saying, “When you get ready to obey me you can come back.”

He had scarcely turned when Bill Stackpole was upon him.

With a quick motion of the foot James tripped him up, and, still retaining his grasp on his collar, said, “Will you go or stay?”

Bill was less resolute than Tom.

“I guess I’ll stay,” he said; then picked himself up and resumed his place in the class.

Apparently calm, James returned to his desk, and commenced hearing the class recite.

The next morning, on his way to school, James overtook Tom Bassett, who eyed him with evident embarrassment.  Tom’s father had sent him back to school, and Tom did not dare disobey.

“Good morning, Tom,” said James, pleasantly.

“Mornin’!” muttered Tom.

“I hope you are going to school?”

“Father says I must.”

“I am glad of that, too.  By the way, Tom, I think I shall have to get some of the scholars to help me with some of the smaller pupils.  I should like to get you to hear the lowest class in arithmetic to-day.”

“You want me to help you teach?” exclaimed Tom, in amazement.

“Yes; it will give me more time for the higher classes.”

“And you don’t bear no malice on account of yesterday?”