vocabulary was not equal to his contempt.

"There will not be much wrong with his cane in the Twentieth School, I
dare say," went on the old man, grimly. "As for lifting his hat, it is
time some of them were learning manners. When I was a boy we were made
to mind our manners, I can tell you."

"So are we!" replied Hughie, hotly; "but we don't go shoween off like
that! And then himself and his rules!" Hughie's disgust was quite
unutterable.

"Rules!" exclaimed the old man. "Ay, that is what is the trouble."

"Well," said Hughie, with a spice of mischief, "if Thomas is late for
school he will have to bring a note of excuse."

"Very good indeed. And why should he be late at all?"

"And if any one wants a pencil he can't ask for it unless he gets
permission from the master."

"Capital!" said the old man, rubbing his hands delightedly. "He's the
right sort, whatever."

"And if you keep Thomas home a day or a week, you will have to write to
the master about it," continued Hughie.

"And what for, pray?" said the old man, hastily. "May I not
keep--but--Yes, that's a very fine rule, too. It will keep the boys from
the woods, I am thinking."