Over on the other side of the room, fearing that a violent riot was about to start, some of the girls began to scream. The women teachers present hurried among the girls, quieting them by reassuring words. "Now, young gentlemen," called Mr. Drake, "we'll consider all this rumpus done with. Discipline reigns and Gridley's good name must be preserved!" This brought a cheer from many, for Mr. Drake was genuinely respected by the boys as a good and fair-minded man. Such men as Drake, Morton or Luce could lead these warm-hearted boys anywhere. Stepping quickly back to the platform, Drake sounded the bell. In an instant there was an orderly movement toward the desks. At the second bell all were seated. "In the absence of the principal," began Mr. Drake, "I-----" A low-voiced laugh started in some quarters of the room. "Silence!" insisted Mr. Drake, with dignity. "School has opened. I-----" He was interrupted by a new note. Out in the yard sounded the clanging of a bell, the quick trot of horses' feet and the roll of wheels. The boys looked at one another in unbelieving astonishment. Then heavy steps sounded on the stairway. Outside Mr. Cantwell's voice could be heard: "I'll take you inside, chief!" In came the principal, his face now white from dread of what he had done, instead of showing the white-heat of passion. After him came Chief Coy and three policemen in uniform. For at least a full half minute Chief Coy stood glancing around the room, where every student was in his seat and all was orderly. The boys returned the chief's look with wondering eyes. Then Mr. Coy spoke: "Where's your riot, principal? Is this what you termed a mutiny?" Mr. Cantwell, who had gone to his post behind the desk, appeared to find difficulty in answering. "Humph!" muttered the chief, and, turning, strode from the room. His three policemen followed. Then there came indeed an awkward silence. Submaster Drake had abandoned the center of the stage to the principal. Mr. Cantwell found himself at some loss for words. But at last he began: "Young ladies and young gentlemen, I cannot begin to tell you how much I regret the occurrences of this morning. Discipline is one of my greatest ideals, and this morning's mutiny-----" He felt obliged to pause there, for an angry murmur started on the boys' side, and traveled over to where the girls were seated: "This morning's mutiny-----" began the principal again. The murmur grew louder. Mr. Cantwell looked up, more of fear than of anger in his eyes. Mr. Drake, who stood behind the principal, held up one hand appealingly. It was that gesture which saved the situation at that critical moment. The boys thought that if silence would please Mr. Drake, then he might have it. "Pardon me, sir," whispered Drake in Cantwell's ear. "I wouldn't harp on the word mutiny, sir. Express your regret for the injury unintentionally done Bristow." Mr. Cantwell wheeled abruptly. "Who is principal here, Mr. Drake?"