"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.