found the president and the prefect of studies
in the star chamber.

"Be seated" was the brief command. "Do either of you know anything about
a secret organization called the 'Wild Geese'?"

The culprits saw that the customary denial of everything would not
answer in this case. They acknowledged that they had heard of such
a society. The President was satisfied that he had learned from the
other members about all the information that he needed, and that the
present interview would not add much to his knowledge, so he turned to
the two boys with a kindly smile and gave them a fatherly lecture on the
error of their ways. He urged them to promise that in the future they
would be more faithful to study and more obedient to the rules
of the institution. His kind tones made Paul and Stockie feel ashamed
and inspired them with the hope that this gentle lecture would be
their only punishment. They glanced congratulations at each other out
of the corners of their eyes.

"Now boys," said the president in conclusion, "you have promised me
faithfully to mend your conduct. To keep this promise fresh in your
memory, I have something to give you. My motto is to leave the best for
the last, so Master Paul will retain his seat. Take off your
jacket, Stockdale."

Disappointment and dismay were depicted on the two faces. Stockie made
many fruitless attempts to unbutton his jacket, unbuttoning two buttons
and buttoning one. At last the president's patience gave out and he
rushed on his victim with the strap. Now, in the room was an old-
fashioned bed, in which ropes were fastened from side to side, in lieu
of slats. To escape the strap, Stockie dove under this bed. The
president, who was somewhat rheumatic, could not reach him very well, so
he called upon the prefect and Paul to assist him in removing the bed.
They moved it from side to side around the room in vain, for Stockie was
holding on to the bed cords. Paul felt like an executioner to his
friend; but life is sweet. He glanced furtively at the prefect and
saw him convulsed with smothered laughter. The president made frantic
attempts to dislodge Stockie and Paul dashed through the door to
liberty. Later, Stockie appeared and cheered Paul with the information
that his punishment would come when he had gone to bed. Paul looked
the situation over and at last thought of a plan of escape. He sent
Stockie into the hall to call out an unsus