hearing,
although the door communicating with the house was closed and he was
still in the refectory in front, while we were at the rear of the
establishment.

Of course, as was natural at such a crisis, the boys grouped themselves
into little coteries, considering what should be done in such an
unlooked-for emergency. Even Slodgers, the sneak, pretended to be as
angry as anybody, desiring to have revenge for the deprivation of our
annual gala show; but Tom and I kept aloof from all, and held our own
counsel, much to the disgust of Slodgers, as we could easily see, for
the cur wanted to hear what we might suggest so that he could go and
report to Dr Hellyer.

We were too wary birds for Slodgers, however; we were not going to be
caught, like young pigeons, with his chaff--no, we knew better than
that!

We agreed with the mass of our schoolfellows that the Doctor's arbitrary
proclamation was an act of unmitigated tyranny and a "jolly shame;" but,
beyond that, Slodgers could get nothing out of us, although we listened
cordially to all the others had to say, and regulated our procedure
accordingly.

"I vote," said Batson, one of the big boys like Tom and I were now,
"that we buy our fireworks on Saturday, in spite of what Old Growler has
declared, and if he does not allow us to let them off in the evening,
why we'll have `a grand pyrotechnic display,' as the newspapers say, at
night in the dormitories."

"Hear, hear!" shouted all the fellows in rapturous enthusiasm at such a
bold idea; and even Tom and I wondered whether this plan would not be
better than ours. But it was only for a moment. Reflection told us
that the Doctor would certainly hear of our doings in time, through
Slodgers, to nip the brilliant design in the bud ere it could be
matured; so, while the majority of the boys devoted all their spare cash
on the Saturday afternoon, when some of us were allowed to go into the
town, in the purchase of squibs and crackers, and Roman candles, we
declined all share in the enterprise on the plea of having no money--an
excuse readily recognised, as the finances of most of the pupils were
known to be not in a flourishing condition.

While Batson and his confreres took advantage of the half-holiday to go
out to buy these fireworks, Tom and I remained indoors, he on the plea
of indisposition and I for the ostensible purpose of writing out an
imposition; but we both utilised the time thus afforded us by artfully
remo