CHAPTER XII.
WHO SHALL BE MASTER?
With as much dignity as was possible under the circumstances, James stepped to the teacher's desk and rang the bell.
This was hardly necessary, for out of curiosity all the scholars had promptly followed the young teacher into the school-room and taken their seats.
After the introductory exercises, James made a brief address to the scholars: "I don't need any introduction to you," he said, "for you all know me.

I see before me many who have been my playfellows and associates, but to-day a new relation is established between us.

I am here as your teacher, regularly appointed by the committee, and it is my duty to assist you as far as I can to increase your knowledge.

I should hardly feel competent to do so if I had not lately attended Geauga Seminary, and thus improved my own education.

I hope you will consider me a friend, not only as I have been, but as one who is interested in promoting your best interests.