The singing books lay on the desks before the students.

Instead, however, of calling out the page on which the morning's music would be found, Dr.Thornton held his little gavel in his hand, after giving a preliminary rap or two on his desk.
"I have something to say to the students of the school this morning," began Dr.Thornton, in a low but steady voice.

"It is something which, I am happy to state, I have never before been called upon to say.
"One of the most valuable qualities in any man or woman is loyalty.
All of us know, from our studies in history and literature, many conspicuous and noble examples of loyalty.

We have also, in our mind's eye, some examples of the opposite qualities, disloyalty and treachery.

Outside of sacred history one of the most conspicuous examples of betrayal was that of Benedict Arnold." Every boy and girl now had his eyes turned fixedly on the old principal.