"Is it true that some of my boys have been fighting?" No one answered. Evidently Mr. Hobby knew more about the affair than any of them supposed. "Well, I am not surprised that you have nothing to say about it," added Mr. Hobby. "There is not much to be said in favor of fighting. But I must know the truth about it. How is it, William (addressing William Bustle), what do you know about it?" William glanced his eye over the school-room and hesitated, as if the question put him into a tight place. He had no desire to volunteer information. "Speak out," urged his teacher; "we must know the truth about it. I fear that this was not a _sham_ fight from all I can learn. Did _you_ fight?" "Yes, sir, I did my part," William finally answered with considerable self-possession. "Your part?" repeated Mr. Hobby, inquiringly. "Who assigned such a part to you?" "Nobody but myself. I don't like to stand and look on when boys are abused." "Don't? eh! I wish you would act on that principle when you see some _lessons_ in your class abused, and come to the rescue by learning them. That would be acting to some purpose." This was a sharp rejoinder by the teacher; and William, as well as the other boys, understood its application. "But that talk is neither one thing nor another, William," continued Mr. Hobby. "Waste no more time in this way, but let us have the truth at once. Be a man now, though you were not when engaged in a quarrel with your companions." William was now reassured by his master's tone, and he proceeded to give his version of the affair. His statement was simply a vindication of his side of the trouble, and Mr. Hobby so regarded it. "Now, Lewis (addressing Lewis Willis), we will hear what you have to say," continued Mr. Hobby. "You were engaged in this disgraceful affair, I believe." Lewis admitted that he was, but he hesitated about replying. "Well, let us have it, if you have anything to say for yourself. There is not much to be said for boys who fight." Lewis mustered courage enough to tell his story, which was as one-sided as that of William. He presented _his_ side of the difficulty as well as he could, whereupon Mr. Hobby remarked: "Both of you cannot be right. Now, I would like to know how many of you think that William is right. As many scholars as think that William's statement is correct may raise their hands." Several hands went up. "Those who think that Lewis is right may raise their hands." Several hands were raised. George did not vote. "Did no one attempt to prevent or reconcile this trouble?" inquired Mr. Hobby--a question that was suggested by the facts he had learned. "George did," answered one of the smaller boys. "Ah! George tried to keep the peace, did he? That was noble! But he did not succeed?" Mr. Hobby added, by way of inquiry. "No, sir," replied the lad. "They did not mind him."