study.

The boys followed the footman, and as soon as they were outside Glyn
began to question him.

"Has my father come, Wrench?"

"Yes, sir," said the man coldly, for since the beginning of the trouble
and the sharp examinations that had taken place, the behaviour of the
servants had been distant in the extreme, and such friendly intercourse
as had existed between the pupils and masters had received a decided
check. In fact, as the days glided away, the Doctor's establishment had
become more and more haunted by the evil spirit, suspicion.

"How long has my father been here?" asked Glyn.

"About an hour, sir," replied the man shortly. "I didn't look at the
clock. This way, please, sir. I am busy."

It was so different from the Wrench of the past that it sent a chill
through the boys, as they followed on and began whispering so that the
man should not hear.

"Go on first, Glynny," whispered Singh.

"Get out! I haven't lost my belt," was the reply.

"But the Colonel's your father."

"Well, I can't help that, can I? It's about your business. You go on
first."

"I shan't. I have got something wrong with my legs," said Singh. "They
feel quite weak."

"Come on together," cried Glyn, and he thrust his arm through Singh's,
as the door was opened and the boys uttered a sigh of relief in concert,
for the Doctor was not present, and at first they had to see the Colonel
alone.

It was a strange sensation that ran through both, a mingling of dread,
despair, and misery, as they gazed in imagination into the stern,
threatening countenance of the fierce-looking old soldier, and wished
themselves a thousand miles away. For Glyn felt more uncomfortable than
ever before in his life, and as he darted a quick sideways glance at his
companion it was to see no haughty indignant prince ready to stand
defiantly upon his rights, but a fellow-pupil appearing as mild and
troubled as could be.

All this was little more than momentary, and the fierce threatening face
they had come to encounter was all fancy made; for the Colonel's looks
as he held out his hand was very much the same as when they had dined
with him the last time at his hotel, and his salute was just a hearty
English:

"Well, boys, how are you? But you two fellows have been making a pretty
mess of it over that belt!" And before either of them could reply, he
continued, in his short, giving-order style, "Great nuisance and bother
to me. I have had qui