The tramping of feet outside, the shrill calls and shouting and the changing voices of the older boys ceased to be heard--and there was silence.

Penrod, still affecting to be occupied with Lowell, was conscious that Miss Spence looked at him intently.
"Penrod," she said gravely, "what excuse have you to offer before I report your case to the principal ?" The word "principal" struck him to the vitals.

Grand Inquisitor, Grand Khan, Sultan, Emperor, Tsar, Caesar Augustus--these are comparable.

He stopped squirming instantly, and sat rigid.
"I want an answer.

Why did you shout those words at me ?" "Well," he murmured, "I was just--thinking." "Thinking what ?" she asked sharply.
"I don't know." "That won't do!" He took his left ankle in his right hand and regarded it helplessly.
"That won't do, Penrod Schofield," she repeated severely.