He was engaged at once, although he was previously informed of the kind of timber he would be obliged to hew.
"Promptly at nine o'clock A.M.every scholar was on hand to welcome the man who had said that he would 'conquer the school or forfeit his reputation.' Having called the morning session to order, he said that he had been engaged to take charge of the school.

He came with his mind prejudiced against the place.

He had heard of the treatment of the former teachers by the pupils, yet he was not at all embarrassed, for he felt that, with the proper recognition of each other's rights, teacher and scholars could live together in harmony.

He did not intend to threaten, but he intended to make the scholars obey him, and would try and win the good-will of all present.

He had been engaged to take charge of that room, and he wished the co-operation of every pupil in so doing.