There was a hush. "Good Gawd!" said Hunter. Silence ensued; but curiosity soon overcame surprise.
"What did you say, by the by?" asked Gordon.
Tester repeated as far as he could remember the exact words.
"Yes, you know; it was a bit hot, wasn't it? I expect you opened the blighter's eyes a bit. He wasn't used to that sort of literature."
In spite of themselves Tester and Bradford laughed. They had been vaguely aware of a tired-looking figure in a Sam Browne as they left the canteen. He had looked "some ass." But Gordon soon became serious again.
"What are you men going to do? Of course you won't own up."
"We can't very well. I am in the Sixth and Bradford's had one row this term, and of course, I was the criminal. I am supposed to be a responsible personage."
"Of course, owning up's out of the question."
"But do you think anything will happen?" Bradford was a little frightened. "I mean will there be a sort of general inspection?"
"You bet there won't. When a master begs men to own up, it means that he's up the spout. It's much more fun catching a fellow red-handed. And, after all, you two are the last people anyone would think of."