ed, and
afterwards made the same keen examination of Severn.

"Disgraceful!" he said at last, shaking his head and frowning. "Young
gentlemen, you will resume your studies at once.--Mr Rampson, will you
see that these two injured lads go to their dormitory directly. Mrs
Hamton will attend to their injuries and report to me whether it is
necessary for the surgeon to be called in.--You hear me, boys?" shouted
the Doctor. "Disperse at once. There will be a lecture in the theatre
in ten minutes' time.--Mr Rampson, there is to be no communication
between these two principals and the rest.--You, Burney, and you, Singh,
go on to my library."

The next minute the trampled arena was in silence, and the Doctor, with
his hands clasped behind him, was marching back alone towards his study,
going so slowly that every one who had formed a portion of the little
gathering had disappeared by the time he was half-way to the open French
window.

There was something peculiar about Dr Bewley's countenance as he slowly
marched back. For one minute it was placid, the next stern, and
directly after a slight quivering of the facial nerves developed into a
mirthful look, which was emphasised by a low, pleasant, chuckling laugh.
For the fact was that the tall, stern, portly Doctor's thoughts had
gone far back to his old schooldays and a victory he had once achieved
over the brutal bully of the school at which he had been placed. And
whether he was alluding to the tyrant of his days or to the one who had
lorded it for long enough in the establishment of which he was the head
must remain a mystery; but certain it was that the Doctor muttered
presently to himself, "An overbearing young ruffian! A thoroughly good
thrashing; and serve him right!"

The next moment the utterer of these words, which had fallen upon his
own ears only, was looking guiltily round as if in dread lest he might
have been heard. But there was no one visible but Sam Grigg, who was
brushing hard at boots by the entrance to his own particular outdoor
den; and he was too far away to hear; while, when the Doctor entered his
study, he was met at the door by Wrench, who announced that a lady was
waiting in the drawing-room, and he handed a card.

"Ha, yes, Wrench," said the Doctor. "About a new pupil. I will see her
directly.--Oh, Singh--Burney, you here? I will speak to you both
another time. One moment--this is private, boys. You both know--at
least, you do now, B