Quick--something must be done! done in a flash, too! But the very imminence of the emergency paralyzed his invention.
Good!--he had an inspiration! He would run and snatch the book, spring through the door and fly.

But his resolution shook for one little instant, and the chance was lost--the master opened the volume.

If Tom only had the wasted opportunity back again! Too late.

There was no help for Becky now, he said.

The next moment the master faced the school.
Every eye sank under his gaze.