Mr. Prymm turned pale and Deacon Bates shivered violently, while a low hum and a general shaking of heads showed the unpopularity of young Mr. Banty's idea. "The class cannot entertain such a theory for an instant," answered Deacon Bates, as soon as he could recover his breath, "though it encourages the freest expression of opinion." "Oh!" remarked Mr. Banty, with a derisive smile. The tone in which this interjection was delivered put the class upon its spirit at once. "Our leader means exactly what he says," said Mr. Jodderel; "any honest expression of opinion is welcome here." "If such were not the case," said Mr. Prymm, "a rival class would not have been formed." "And none of us would have learned how many sides there are to a great question," said Mr. Buffle. "Larger liberty wouldn't be possible," said Builder Stott. "Why, I've just had to shudder once in awhile, but the speakers meant what they said, and I rejoiced that there was somewhere where they could say it." "I've said everything _I've_ wanted to," remarked Squire Woodhouse. "That's so," exclaimed insurance President Lottson. "I havn't seen any man put down," testified Captain Maile, "and I don't yet understand what to make of it." "Nobody could ask a fairer show," declared Mr. Radley. "The utmost courtesy has been displayed toward me," said Dr. Fahrenglotz, "although I am conscious my views are somewhat at variance with those of others." "The nature of proof has not been as clearly understood as it should have been," said young Lawyer Scott; "but no one has lacked opportunity to express his sentiments." "So far from fault being found with the freedom of speech," said Mr. Alleman, "the sentiment of the class is, I think, that the expression of additional individual impressions would have been cordially welcomed, as they will also hereafter be." Young Mr. Banty felt himself to be utterly annihilated, and the pillars of the class looked more stable and enduring than ever, and felt greatly relieved when the session ended, and they could congratulate each other on the glorious spirit of liberty which had marked their collective deliberations. And when Squire Woodhouse dashed impetuously from the room, and returned to report that Dr. Humbletop's class consisted of one solitary pupil, several of the members unconsciously indulged in some hearty hand-shaking. CHAPTER IV. A SOLEMN HOUR COMPLETELY SPOILED.