Silent and ashamed they slunk back into their places when the head-master at last returned to the school-room. But, to the universal surprise, he only addressed a few short, grave sentences to them on the subject, and announced that henceforth a master would have charge of the room during the luncheon interval.
"Hitherto, boys, I have allowed you considerable liberty, regarding you, though young, as civilized and Christian gentlemen. You have shown me I was mistaken. Therefore I must treat you differently until I see you become what I hoped you already were. You might do worse than strive to attain to this. To your classes, if you please!"
"Does anyone know where Trevelyan minor is?" enquired Mr. Anderson presently, looking into the mathematical class-room.
Jack sprang from his seat.
"Yes, I know! Please, sir," turning to his master, "will you excuse me?"
"No need for you to come, Brady," interposed Mr. Anderson; "tell me where he is, that's all."
Jack hesitated; then, putting his hand in his pocket, drew out a key.
"He's in the book-room, sir. And it's locked."
Now, as the book-room opened out of the school-room, in which Mr. West was teaching, it was impossible that the door could be unlocked, and Toppin released, without the fact becoming known to him. He looked up at sound of the key, and the sight of the small, red-haired urchin, seated disconsolately on a globe within, and swinging his short legs, evoked a question.
"What has that lad been doing, Mr. Anderson? Did you lock him up?"