Red Planet by Robert A. Heinlein Page A

bulletin boards you would have been, each of you, prepared for inspection. As for the dereliction itself, I want you to understand that this lesson far transcends the matter of the childish and savage designs you have been using on your face coverings, offensive as they were.’
    He paused and made sure of their attention. ‘There is actually no reason why colonial manners should be rude and vulgar and, as head of this institution, I intend to see to it that whatever defects there may have been in your home backgrounds are repaired. The first purpose, perhaps the only purpose, of education is the building of character—and character can be built only through discipline. I flatter myself that I am exceptionally well prepared to undertake this task; before coming here I had twelve years’ experience as a master at the Rocky Mountains Military Academy, an exceptionally fine school, a school that produced men ’
    He paused again, either to catch his breath or let his words soak in. Jim had come in prepared to let a reprimand roll off his back, but the schoolmaster's supercilious attitude and most especially his suggestion that a colonial home was an inferior sort of environment had gradually gotten his dander up. He spoke up. ‘Mr Howe?’
    'Eh? Yes? What is it?’
    'This is not the Rocky Mountains; it's Mars. And this isn't a military academy.’
    There was a brief moment when it seemed as if Mr Howe's surprise and anger might lead him to some violence, or even to apoplexy. After a bit he contained himself and said through tight lips. ‘What is your name?’
    'Marlowe, sir. James Marlowe.’
    'It would be a far, far better thing for you, Marlowe, if it were a military academy.’ He turned to the others. ‘The rest of you may go. Weekend privileges are restored. Marlowe, remain behind.’
    When the others had left Howe said, ‘Marlowe, there is nothing in this world more offensive than a smart-aleck boy, an ungrateful upstart who doesn't know his place. You are enjoying a fine education through the graciousness of the Company. It ill behooves you to make cheap wisecracks at persons appointed by the Company to supervise your training and welfare. Do you realize that?’
    Jim said nothing. Howe said sharply, ‘Come! Speak up, lad—admit your fault and make your apology. Be a man!’
    Jim still said nothing. Howe drummed on the desk top; finally he said, ‘Very well, go to your room and think it over. You have the weekend to think about it.’
    When Jim got back to his room Frank looked him over and shook his head admiringly. ‘Boy, oh boy!’ he said, ‘ain't you the reckless one.’
    'Well, he needed to be told.’
    'He sure did. But what are your plans now? Are you going to cut your throat, or just enter a monastery? Old Howie will be gunning for you every minute from here on out. Matter of fact, it won't be any too safe to be your roommate.’
    'Confound it, Frank, if that's the way you feel, you're welcome to find another roommate!’
    'Easy, easy! I won't run out on you. I'm with you to the end.’ Smiling, the boy fell dead. ‘I'm glad you told him off. I wouldn't have had the courage to do it myself.’
    Jim threw himself across his bunk. ‘I don't think I can stand this place. I'm not used to being pushed around and sneered at, just for nothing. And now I'm going to get it double. What can I do?’
    'Derned if I know.’
    'This was a nice place under old Stoobie. I thought I was going to like it just fine.’
    'Stoobie was all right. But what can you do, Jim, except shut up, take it, and hope he will forget it?’
    'Look, nobody else likes it either. Maybe if we stood together we could make him slow up.’
    'Not likely. You were the only one who had the guts to speak up. Shucks, I didn't even back you up—and I agree with you a hundred per cent.’
    'Well, suppose we all sent letters to our parents?’
    Frank shook his head. ‘You couldn't get them all to—and some pipsqueak would snitch. Then you would be