It was like running the gauntlet; every one, great or small, pinching, kicking, or otherwise maltreating me as I passed by.
Goaded on in this manner, I at length reached the middle of the room, where dangled the bell-rope, the cause of all my sufferings.

I should have passed it--for my confusion was so great, that I was quite at a loss to comprehend what all this could mean, and almost believed myself under the influence of an ugly dream--but now the boys, who were seated in advance in the row, arose with one accord, and barred my farther progress; and one, doubtless more sensible than the rest, seizing the rope, thrust it into my hand.

I now began to perceive that the dismissal of the school, and my own release from torment, depended upon this self same rope.

I therefore, in a fit of desperation, pulled it once or twice, and then left off, naturally supposing that I had done quite enough.

The boys who sat next the door, no sooner heard the bell, than rising from their seats, they moved out at the door.