CHAPTER XXXIX THE NEW MASTER

On the platform of the main schoolroom in the Shelby Classical Institute stood Colonel Owen and Walter Sherwood.
“My young friends,” began Colonel Owen, “you are all aware that your respected teacher, Mr. Haywood, is obliged to be absent for the remainder of the term. I have been able to secure as his substitute Mr. Walter Sherwood, who will do his best to carry on the work which Mr. Haywood has so auspiciously¹ commenced. I hope you will receive him cordially and uphold him in his task.”
Walter felt some diffidence as he realized what a responsibility had been placed upon him.
He cleared his throat and spoke² a few words.
“Colonel Owen has introduced me to you and expressed a hope in which I join him—that you will receive me cordially and uphold me in my work. I will now go about among the seats, make inquiries³ as to your progress, and arrange the classes.”
This short speech made a favorable impression upon all the pupils with two exceptions. These were the largest scholars—Ben Buffum and Enoch Snow. What they thought of Walter may be gathered from their conversation as they walked home together.
“What do you think of the new master, Ben?” said Enoch.
“I s'pose he'll do. He ought to, if he's been to college; but I'll tell you what, Enoch, it riles me to have a boy of my own age set over me.”
“Me ditto!”
“He would do for a primary school, but when it comes to young men like us, I don't like to let people know that he's my teacher.”
“It's all right for the others to obey him, but you and I are just as strong as he, and maybe stronger.”
“I guess I could floor him in wrestling.”
“You're too much for me, Ben, and I think I can stand up to him, and maybe lick him.”
“It's likely you can. Now, there was Hayward—he was a big man. I didn't mind obeying him.”
“Are you talking about Mr. Sherwood?” asked Harry⁴ Howe, a boy of fourteen.
“No, I'm not. I'm talking about Mr. Hayward.”
“How do you like the new teacher?”
“He's only a boy. He'll have a hard row to hoe.”
“Who'll make it hard for him?”
“Enoch and I.”
“Then it will be a shame. He seems to be a perfect gentleman.”
“Gentleman! He's only a boy, like ourselves.”
“At any rate, he knows enough to teach us.”
“That may be, but he can't keep order.”
“Why can't he?”
“You'll see whether he can or not,” said Ben, significantly.
“Are you going to make trouble?”
“It isn't best for small boys to know too much.”
Walter had not failed to notice the half-rebellious demeanor⁵ of his two oldest pupils. Moreover, he had been warned by the janitor⁶ of the building that they would be likely to give him trouble.

1 auspiciously   

adv.吉利； 繁荣昌盛； 前途顺利； 吉祥

参考例句：

• He started his new job auspiciously on his birthday. 他在他生日那天找到了新工作，真是幸运。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The year began auspiciously with good trade figures for January. 一月份贸易额可观，今年一开头就前景光明。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 spoke   

n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说

参考例句：

• They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
• The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。

3 inquiries   

n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听

参考例句：

• He was released on bail pending further inquiries. 他获得保释，等候进一步调查。
• I have failed to reach them by postal inquiries. 我未能通过邮政查询与他们取得联系。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

4 harry   

vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼

参考例句：

• Today,people feel more hurried and harried.今天，人们感到更加忙碌和苦恼。
• Obama harried business by Healthcare Reform plan.奥巴马用医改掠夺了商界。

5 demeanor   

n.行为；风度

参考例句：

• She is quiet in her demeanor.她举止文静。
• The old soldier never lost his military demeanor.那个老军人从来没有失去军人风度。

6 janitor   

n.看门人，管门人

参考例句：

• The janitor wiped on the windows with his rags.看门人用褴褛的衣服擦着窗户。
• The janitor swept the floors and locked up the building every night.那个看门人每天晚上负责打扫大楼的地板和锁门。