"I have something to say to the students of the school this morning,"
began Dr. Thornton, in a low but steady voice. "It is something
which, I am happy to state, I have never before been called upon
to say.
"One of the most valuable qualities in any man or woman is loyalty.
All of us know, from our studies in history and literature, many
conspicuous and noble examples of loyalty. We have also, in our
mind's eye, some examples of the opposite qualities, disloyalty
and treachery. Outside of sacred history one of the most conspicuous
examples of betrayal was that of Benedict Arnold."
Every boy and girl now had his eyes turned fixedly on the old
principal. Outside of the football squad no student had any idea
what was coming. Phin tried to look wholly unconscious.
Dr. Thornton spoke a little more on the meanness of treachery
and betrayal. Then, looking straight over at the middle of the
third aisle on the boys' side of the room, the principal commanded:
"Mr. Drayne, stand by your desk!"
Phin was up, hardly knowing how he accomplished the move. Every
pair of eyes in the room was focused on him.
"Mr. Drayne," continued the principal, and now there was a steely
glitter of contempt in the old man's eyes, "you were displeased
because you did not attain to as high honors on the football eleven
as you had hoped. In revenge you made copies of the code signals
of the team, and mailed a copy to the captain of nearly every
team against which Gridley High School is to play this year.
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