At a signal from Belton, all the students lifted their right hands, each bearing a small white board on which was printed in clear type: "Equality or Death." The president fell back, aghast, and the white teachers were all struck dumb with fear.

They had not dreamed that a combination of their pupils was possible, and they knew not what it foreboded.

A number grasped the paper that was giving so much trouble and read it.
They all then held a hurried consultation and assured the students that the matter should receive due attention.
The president then rang the gong again but the students yet remained.
Belton then arose and stated that it was the determination of the students to not move an inch unless the matter was adjusted then and there.

And that faculty of white teachers beat a hasty retreat and held up the white flag! They agreed that the colored teacher should eat with them.
The students broke forth into cheering, and flaunted a black flag on which was painted in white letters; "Victory." They rose and marched out of doors two by two, singing "John Brown's Body lies mouldering in the grave, and we go marching on." The confused and bewildered teachers remained behind, busy with their thoughts.

They felt like hens who had lost their broods.