They were still coming when the assembly bell rang.

As fast as any entered they made their way, with solemn faces, to the desk on the platform.
As Mr.Cantwell had feared, the pennies still continued to pour in upon him.

Suddenly the principal struck his desk sharply with a ruler, then leaped to his feet.

His face was whiter than ever.
It was plain that the man was struggling to control himself against an outburst of wrath.

He even forced a smile to his face a sort of smile that had no mirth in it.
"Young ladies and young gentlemen," Mr.Cantwell rasped out, sharply, "some of you have seen fit to plan a joke against me, and to carry it out most audaciously.