ut only saying how sorry
he was; and the others confirmed his statement.

"Egerton and Warburton, stand out. Do you hear what Williams says? Do
you still deny the charge brought against you?"

The room was breathless. The two culprits turned deadly pale, and
began to stammer out what was partially denial, partially excuse. And
then in an abject tone implored forgiveness.

Doctor Palmer took no notice of their entreaties, but mentioned to them
to stand by his desk. The other four he dismissed to their seats.

He then addressed the whole assemblage of boys and masters:

"I have now another matter of very serious moment to speak to you
about. A great injustice has been done to Campbell--an injustice which
has in a measure contributed, I fear, to his reasons for running away.
To set you an example of the manliness of confession, I tell you
openly, and Mr Prichard wishes me to say the same for him, that we--he
and I--have made a great mistake, and judged and punished Campbell
unjustly. You will understand that I am referring to the book found in
his possession during the examination. At the same time, I wish you
all fully to understand that appearances went decidedly against
Campbell, and evidence proved his guilt. And it was acting upon these
appearances and this evidence that we punished him. Mr Franklyn,
however, will kindly explain the matter to you;" and the Doctor sat
down overcome by excitement and emotion.

And then Mr Franklyn (the Examiner), after a preliminary "ahem!" spoke
to the boys in a clear ringing voice, going straight to the point
without any introductory remarks.

"On Tuesday last I received the papers done by you on Monday morning.
With those of the Lower Third Form came a note from Mr Prichard, saying
that he had sent with the papers a book--a Delectus translation ('Crib'
as you would call it)--which he had found in Campbell's possession
during the examination. And he requested me, and very properly, too,
to take the necessary steps respecting Campbell's place in his class.
Here, however, Mr Prichard begs me to plainly state the mistake he
made. He did not compare the papers sent in, with the translation of
the book. This would at once have acquitted Campbell. For I at once
emphatically say that, even if the book were his, he never used it
during the examination. His work was correct, but boyish in style.
The rendering of the book is the work of a man. So much, then, is
clear, th