and Mr Loman met for the mockery of supper in the head master's
study.

"No," said Mr Jellicott. "I have just been inquiring. He has not
returned."

"Strange," said the Doctor; "which direction did he take?"

"Up towards Grandham," said Wraysford; "we went together as far as the
cross roads, and then I went off on the Dallingford road and back by the
river."

"He ought to be back now," said the Doctor, looking concerned.

"There is no railway or coach from Grandham," suggested Mr Rastle; "he
would have to walk back most likely."

"And in this rain!" said the Doctor.

"Perhaps," said Wraysford, "he may have heard something."

It was a cheery suggestion. If it could but be true!

"He would have telegraphed," said Mr Loman.

"There is no telegraph office there," said the Doctor; "the Grandham
people have to come here or to Dallingford to telegraph."

They waited an hour, but Oliver did not return.

The night became more and more stormy. The bleak February wind whistled
among the chimneys, and the hard rain beat pitilessly at the windows and
on the gravel walk outside.

The Doctor rose and pulled up the blind and looked out. It was a dreary
prospect. The rain had turned to sleet, and the wind was growing fast
to a gale. The trees round the house creaked and groaned beneath it.

"It is a dreadful night," said the Doctor. "Those two poor boys!"

No one else said anything. The storm grew fiercer and fiercer. Boys in
their dormitories sit up in bed and listened to the roar of the wind as
it howled round the house. And that silent party in the Doctor's study
never once thought of seeking rest. Midnight came; but no Oliver, no
Loman--and the storm as furious as ever.

Presently there came a soft knock at the door, which made every one
start suddenly as the door opened.

It was Stephen in his night-shirt. He, like every one else, had been
awakened by the storm. Oliver was the monitor of his dormitory; and now
for the first time the boy missed his elder brother. Where was Oliver?
he asked. No one could say. He had been out all day, and no one had
seen him since he got back.

This was enough for Stephen. With bounding heart and quivering lips he
sprang from his bed and hurried down stairs. There was a light in the
Doctor's study; and there he went.

The boy's alarm and terror on hearing that his brother had not returned
was piteous to see. He begged to be allowed to go and look for him, and