from the place I keep it and before I got here this morning put it on
the pole."

"Do you know which of the boys did it?"

"No, sir."

"Go to the schoolroom and ask Professor Moot to please step here."

"Professor," said the principal, when the teacher of physical culture
stood among them, "how many of your pupils can climb to the top of the
pole?"

"Five of them can do it easily; two of them have not yet come, but there
are three here."

"Step here, you three, and show me the palms of your hands," said the
principal, and with very red faces the three obeyed.

"This is the boy," he continued, as the red palms proved that the boy
had recently climbed the pole, "and because you were a coward and would
not answer when I asked, you get no recess to-day. Now pass your books
to your neighbor and bring down that cap."

Like a poor criminal going to the gallows, the Trojan went to the pole
and began the ascent with his already tender hands. He would have asked
for a postponement had not the serene face of the principal warned him
that it would not be granted. With much effort he reached the top, took
off the helmet, and slipped rapidly down with it in his hand.