where her rights or her friends' rights were concerned.

She rose quietly and faced the angry teacher, who already regretted
having gone so far.

"If Miss Pierson is to be ordered from the room, Miss Leece, I shall
follow her. I spoke to her first. I was naturally surprised that you
gave out a problem so far in advance of our regular work. It is doubtful
if any girl in the class could do it except Miriam, and she must have
been prepared."

"Miss Harlowe," said Miss Leece, stamping her foot, and again giving way
to rage, "I must ask you to take your seat at once and never interfere
again with the way I conduct this class."

"You conduct this class with injustice and violence, Miss Leece," said
Grace, turning very white, but holding herself in admirable control
considering the conduct of the older woman.

"I am in no humor to be answered back this morning, Miss Harlowe, and I
would advise you to be careful," continued the enraged woman. "I have
had enough to try me since last night and this morning. Miss Pierson
must answer to the principal for those insults, and her insubordination
just now has only made matters worse."

"Miss Pierson has nothing to answer for which I have not, and I shall
join her," replied Grace, and she left the room.

Miss Leece was about to continue the lesson when Jessica, pale and
trembling, rose and followed her friend. Nora was next to go and in
another moment there was not a girl left in the algebra class except
Miriam and her four particular friends. The gong sounded as the last
pupil closed the door behind her, but there was little doubt that the
first class in algebra had gone on a strike.

The noon recess gong had sounded before the girls were able to meet and
talk about the incident, and, during the time that intervened, Anne had
received a summons in the form of a small note to meet the principal in
her office at three that afternoon. She said nothing to her friends,
however, and hid the envelope in her pocket.

The girls in IV. algebra gathered around their friends to hear the
story. They were indignant and expressed their readiness to join the
strike out of sympathy in case there was any more trouble.

"They have no right to put such a violent woman over us," said Grace, as
she nibbled at a pickle and a cracker in the locker room. "I wish they
would give me the opportunity. I should be more than willing to testify
to her behavior before the entire faculty and the school board