They entered his study, and he looked about everywhere for the key. "Hallo," he said, "I'm nearly sure I left it in the corner of this drawer, under some other things; but it isn't there now. What can have become of it?"
"Where's the box?" said Duncan; "let's see if any of my keys will fit it. Hallo! why you're a nice treasurer, Monty! here's the key in the box!"
"No, is it though?" asked Montagu, looking serious. "Here, give it me; I hope nobody's been meddling with it."
He opened it quickly, and stood in dumb and blank amazement to see it empty.
"Phew-w-w-w!" Montagu gave a long whistle.
"By Jove!" was Duncan's only comment.
The boys looked at each other, but neither dared to express what was in his thoughts.
"A bad, bad business! what's to be done, Monty?"
"I'll rush straight down to tea, and ask the fellows about it. Would you mind requesting Rose not to come in for five minutes? Tell him there's a row."
He ran down stairs hastily and entered the tea-room, where the boys were talking in high spirits about the match, and liberally praising Eric's play.