ourage
by numbers. So the plot was regularly laid. Pietrie and Graham were to
put out the lights at each end of one table immediately after tea, and
Wildney and Booking at the other, when the study fellows had gone out.
There would then be only Mr Rose's candle burning, and the two middle
candles, which in so large a room would just give enough light for their
purpose. Then all the conspirators were to throng around the door, and
from it aim their crusts at Mr Rose's head. Not nearly so many would
have volunteered to join, but that they fancied Mr Rose was too gentle
to take up the matter with vigour, and they were encouraged in their
project by his quiet leniency towards Eric the night before. It was
agreed that no study-boy should be told of the intention, lest any of
them should interfere.

The hearts of many beat fast at tea that night as they observed that
numbers of boys, instead of eating all their bread, were cutting off the
crusts, and breaking them into good-sized bits.

Tea finished, Mr Rose said grace, and then sat down quietly reading in
his desk. The signal agreed on was the (accidental) dropping of a plate
by Brigson. The study-boys left the room.

Crash!--down fell a plate on the floor, breaking to pieces in the fall.

Instantly the four candles went out, and there was a hurried movement
towards the door, and a murmur of voices.

"Now then," said Brigson, in a loud whisper; "what a wretched set you
are! Here goes!"

The master, surprised at the sudden gloom and confusion, had just looked
up, unable to conjecture what was the matter. Brigson's crust caught
him a sharp rap on the forehead as he moved.

In an instant he started up, and ten or twelve more crusts flew by or
hit him on the head as he strode out of the desk towards the door.
Directly he stirred, there was a rush of boys into the passage, and if
he had once lost his judgment or temper, worse harm might have followed.
But he did not. Going to the door, he said, "Preparation will be in
five minutes; every boy not then in his place will be punished."

During that five minutes the servants had cleared away the tea, full of
wonder; but Mr Rose paced up and down the room, taking no notice of any
one. Immediately after, all the boys were in their places, with their
books open before them, and in the thrilling silence you might have
heard a pin drop. Every one felt that Mr Rose was master of the
occasion, and awaited his next step i