CHAPTER V.

THE BLOTTED WRITING-BOOK.

A welcome announcement—Marcus as teacher—Favors 75 solicited—Demonstrations of joy—A sudden change—Ronald’s explanation—The blotted writing-book—Punishment—Resistance and escape—An omitted particular—Assault and battery—How Marcus proposed to settle the matter—Mrs. Page’s misgivings—The case discussed—Nature of school government—An interview with the teacher—Her version of the affair—Ronald’s impudence—The writing-book examined—A discovery—The disgrace of expulsion—The teacher’s terms of settlement—Ronald rejects them—Motives urged—Unhappiness—The last resort—A motive that cannot be resisted—Going to school—Outside annoyances—The confession—The teacher’s response—Her confession—The unknown offender—Ronald subdued,