Trace was not in the least softened; his strong prejudices did not allow him to be so. That this long-disliked master should turn out to be Arthur Paradyne, seemed like a personal and positive insult to himself. But he thought he might turn the discovery to present account. "You can work a portion of the debt off this instant, if you will, by disclosing to me the name of the man you met." "That I cannot do. Ask me anything else, Trace." "Say you will not." "The terms are almost synonymous. I _may_ not." "That's enough," retorted Trace, turning on his heel. "Good evening to you, Mr. Arthur Paradyne." CHAPTER XXI. The Outbreak. It was the morning following the arrival of Mr. Trace. The boys filed out of chapel: but instead of hindering, lingering, dallying, as it was generally their pleasure to do, those of the first desk threw off their gowns with remarkable haste, and rushed into school. As sheep follow their leader, so do boys mostly go in the wake of their fellows; and George Paradyne, who appeared to be the only one of the class not acting in concert, and who had rather wondered wherefore the bustle, hastened in also. But he found no place for him. His seat was occupied. By dint of sitting wide instead of close, the first desk contrived to fill the whole space. Brown major was before Paradyne's particular compartment, had got it open, and was disposing his own books and belongings in it. "What are you doing with my desk, Brown major?" demanded George. "Move down lower, will you." Paradyne's place now was next to Trace. It had been curious to note in the past weeks the tacit antagonism of the two boys, sitting side by side; Trace ignoring Paradyne always, Paradyne having no resource but to be ignored. Brown major took no heed to the request, and did not move down. "Will you go down, I say, Brown? I shall have to pull you out if you don't." Not a word of answer. The boys had their books out now, and were bending over them, putting up their backs as if some great draught were behind. George Paradyne laid hold of Brown to swing him out, when Loftus major interposed. Gall was at home with a temporary indisposition, or it might not have occurred, since the senior was expected to keep peace. Bertie Loftus acted in a degree for him, but assumed little authority. "Take your hands off him, Paradyne; we cannot have a disturbance here." "He is in my place; he is taking my desk," cried George.