stand it any longer, so here goes," and he threw his book up into
a tree, in whose branches it securely lodged.

His comrades followed his example, and the news that Sankey and some
of the other fellows were determined to put up with it no longer
soon spread, and in five minutes not a book was to be seen in the
playground. The spirit of resistance became strong and general,
and when the bell rang the boys walked into the schoolroom silent
and determined, but looking far less moody and downcast than usual.
Mr. Hathorn took his seat at his desk.

"The first class will come up and say their tasks."

Not a boy moved in his seat.

"The first class will come up and say their tasks," the master
repeated, bringing his cane down with angry emphasis on the desk.

Still no one moved.

"What does this mean?" he shouted, rising from his seat.

"It means, sir," Ned Sankey said, rising also, "that we are
determined, all of us, that we will learn no more extra tasks.
None of us, so far as we know, ever touched your cat, and we are
not going to submit to be punished any longer for a fault which
none of us have committed."

"No, no," rose in a general chorus through the schoolroom, "we will
do no more tasks."