"Mostly. Very well, I sha'n't mention you, Grey."
And with that Cadbury marched out of the housemaid's cupboard with his hands in his pockets.
Prayers were followed by early prep., and early prep., by breakfast, without a word on the subject uppermost in the minds of so many. The day-boys arrived, and saw at once that something was up, though what they could not make out. But at ten minutes to nine Mr. Peace entered the room with an excited air, and announced that all the boys were to stand together as at drill. Mr. West wished to speak to them.
The head appeared almost immediately, and ordered the occupants of the two rooms, headed by Hallett and Trevelyan, to stand in front.
He began with a short, studied preface about "an unpleasant duty" and "flagrant breach of rules"; then gave a brief résumé of what had taken place, and proceeded to personal enquiries.
"Where did the chicken come from? Who brought it into the house?"
Cadbury stood forward.
"So you are responsible for this, Cadbury? Anyone else?"
"No, sir."