a manner which those who
knew him felt to be ominous. Stafford looked alternately solemn and
sneering, according as he turned to the captain or Felgate. And
Barnworth alone looked comfortable, and, apparently, had not an idea
what all the excitement was about.

At ten o'clock Railsford entered in his cap and gown, and Ainger
immediately began to call over the roll. Every one answered to his name
except Maple of the Shell, who was away at his father's funeral, and
Tomkins the Baby, who had been so scared by the whole affair, that he
had turned sick during breakfast, and retired--with the dame's
permission--to bed.

During the call-over the doctor had entered and seated himself at the
master's desk. His quick eye took in each boy as he uttered his
"Adsum," dwelling longer on some than on others, and now and then
turning his glance to the master and senior prefect. When it was all
over and Ainger had handed in the list, the head-master took his
eyeglass from his eye, laid the list on the desk before him, and said--

"Boys, this is an unusual and unpleasant visit. You know the object of
it; you know the discredit which at present lies on your house and on
Grandcourt, and you know what your duty is in the matter. If any boy
here does not know what I mean, let him stand up."

It was as much as the life of anybody present was worth to respond to
this challenge. One or two who could never hear a good story too often
would not have objected if somebody else had demanded further
information. But for their own part, their discretion outdid their
curiosity, and they retained their seats amidst a dead silence.

"Very well. Now I will put a question to you as a body. It is a very
serious question, and one which no honest boy here, if he is able to
answer it, can afford to evade. A great deal more depends on your
answer than the mere expulsion of one or more wrong-doers. You boys are
the guardians of the honour of your house. The only honourable thing at
a time like this is to speak the truth, whatever the consequences. The
question I ask is this-- Was any boy here concerned in the outrage on
Mr Bickers? or does any boy know who was? I will wait for two minutes,
that you may understand the importance of the question, before I call
for an answer."

Dead silence. The boys for the most part looked straight before them
with heightened colour, and watched the slow progress of the minute-hand
of the clock.

"I repe