“I did see him,” he muttered doggedly.
“Martin,” directed Mr. Leith. “Step to the door and tell White and Thacker to come in.”
Fred did as ordered and returned, bringing the two small boys with him.
“Tell me now, boys, what you told me yesterday,” the teacher commanded.
They looked fearfully at Hicksley and his companions, who shot threatening glances at them. But they went ahead and related what they had seen on the afternoon in question. The simple story bore the mark of truth on its face and carried conviction.
Mr. Leith dismissed them and turned to the three in front of him.
“What have you to say to this?” he demanded.
They kept silent, with their heads lowered, and after a moment the teacher continued:
“I am not going to say anything more just now to add to the shame you must be feeling. You are all to report to Doctor Raymond in his study at three o’clock this afternoon. That is all for the present.”
They stumbled back to their seats, avoiding the contemptuous looks of their schoolmates. And that afternoon at the hour named they had the interview they dreaded with the head of the school.