The boys smiled and bade Walter good-bye, as they wished him speedy relief from Dr Keith’s prison. “And when do you think poor little Eden may come and sit in my study again?” asked Power. “I miss him very much.”
“You mustn’t think of that for a long time,” answered the doctor.
“How about this two o’clock affair?” said Henderson, as they left the room.
“Upon my word I don’t know. Sit next to me, Flip, in case of a row.”
“Are the monitors strong enough, do you think?”
“We shall see.”
The school was in a fever of excitement and curiosity. At dinner-time nothing else was talked of by the lower boys, but the upper forms kept a dignified silence.
Two o’clock came. The names of all the school were called over, and amid perfect silence the master of the week left the hall. Then Somers stood up in the daïs and said—
“Is Harpour here?—the rest please to keep their places.”
“I’m here—what do you want of me?” said Harpour sulkily, as he stood up in his place.