When the Headmaster discovered that Henry Bates, one of the boys in the Fourth Form, had been playing truant for some time, he summoned him to his study. He looked at the boy sternly and asked him (1) ________ . Bates replied that (2) __________ . The Headmaster looked astonished and asked him (3) __________ . Bates explained (4) ________ , but that (5) __________ . The Headmaster asked (6) __________ , and the boy said (7)__________ . Then the Headmaster inquired (8) ______________ . Bates answered that (9) __________________ . And he added that (10) ___________________ . The Headmaster thought for a moment and then remarked that (11) ____________ . He went on to say, however, that (12) ________________________________ . The direct speeches: 1. “Why did you run away?” 2. “I don’t know, sir.” 3. “What do you mean?” 4. “I haven’t any particular reason.” 5. “I don’t like school and I want to go away.” 6. “How old are you, Bates?” 7. “Sixteen and a half, sir.” 8. “Do you know what you want to do if you leave school?” 9. “I want to join the Royal Navy.” 10. “My parents are willing to let me.” 11. “Perhaps that is the best thing you can do.” 12. “I am still going to punish you for staying away from school.”