Mr.Simkins' patience, perhaps never very long, was about exhausted.

He had reason on his side, however, for Steve was by no means the only student who was in difficulties at that time.

On Friday morning Mr.Simkins had indulged in sarcasm.
"Well, well," he said, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands, "I dare say it is too much to require you young gentlemen to study when it is such fine weather for football.

What a pity it is that lessons and play conflict, is it not, Wilson ?" Wilson was too canny to make audible reply, however, and the instructor proceeded blandly.
"I wonder if Mr.Fernald would postpone recitations until after you have finished football for the year.

I think I'll suggest it to him.
For, really, you know, this sort of thing is only wasting my time; and yours too, young gentlemen, for you might be out kicking a leather-covered bag of wind around the ground instead of sitting here cudgelling your poor brains--eh?
Let us say heads, rather.