I've had a good mind to go to England myself and
stick up for him."

"It's a good job you haven't," said I.

"What I'm afraid is, that he is worried about other things. I hope, by
the way, you never said anything about what I told you the other day."

"No," said I, not quite candidly. For I had tried to tell Tempest, but
he would not let me.

"That's right. I hope he's cleared his debts off by now."

"I--I don't think he has," stammered I.

"Really! It's a pity. The doctor would be much more likely to be down
on him for being in debt than--"

He pulled up suddenly, as Tempest at that moment walked up. He must
have heard the last few words; and if it required looks of guilt and
confusion on my part to convince him we had been speaking of him, I
think I gave him proof positive.

He had apparently intended to summon me to his study. But, as he saw
with whom I was conferring, and overheard the subject of our
conversation, he thought better of it, and with lowering face stalked
away.

I wished I was dead then! Something told me I had lost my friend, and
that no amount of explanation could do away with the barrier which had
suddenly been erected between us.

"Awkward," said Crofter. "It's a good job we were talking no harm of
him."

"He won't fancy our talking about him at all," said I.

"I suppose we've as much right to talk about him as any one else."

"He'll be awfully down on me, I know," said I miserably.

"All I can say is, if he is, you're a young fool if you care two straws.
Tempest's a good fellow; but he's rather a way of not allowing a fellow
to have a soul of his own."

This failed to console me. I made one effort to see Tempest and
explain, but he was occupied with his books, and did not even deign to
notice my presence in his study.

Later on in the evening all speculation as to the result of the
morning's interview was set at rest. An unusual summons came to
Sharpe's to meet the doctor in our hall.

We assembled uncomfortably and with sore spirits. The worry of the
whole business was telling on us, and we heartily hoped, while we
clamoured for no surrender in words, that Tempest would disappoint us
for once.

The doctor came presently, looking very grave, and accompanied by Mr
Jarman. From the head master's face we concluded at once that all was
up. But to our surprise he said,--

"I am glad to say, in reference to the matter I met you boys about
yesterday, that Tempest