noon
Poodles and Pearl , I learned , had been captured in their rooms , and dragged by sheer force into the school-room , to be examined on the charges to be preferred against them . Poodles looked timid and terrified , while Pearl was dogged and resolute . `` Thornton , '' said Henry Vallington , as my conductors paused before the judge , `` I have sent for you in order that we may ascertain the truth of the charges brought against you by Mr. Parasyte . If you provoked the quarrel to-day noon with Poodles , it is no more than fair and right that you should make the apology required of you . If you did not , we intend to stand by you . Have you anything to say ? '' `` I wish to say , in the first place , that , guilty or innocent , I am willing to submit to whatever penalty the principal imposes upon me . ''