King had been often called “Onions” since the first of April incident, and was always very angry when anyone used the nickname. He could not see that side of the joke.
If the boys were anxious, the master was equally so, as he wished them to show up well before the dean. This did not always happen, and work which Mr. Harmer had been through time after time, they sometimes quite forgot when they were questioned by the dean. The unlucky boy, who from inattention had not learnt his work properly, or from nervousness was unable to remember, would not only be reproved by the dean, but, after he had gone, Mr. Harmer would give him some impositions in order to help his memory.
Those boys who had been previously examined remembered this, and that was one reason why they were always very glad when the dean’s visit was over.
While the dean was talking to Mr. Harmer about the work the boys had done during the past few months, the boys themselves were quietly talking about their chances.
“I wish I had been unwell to-day,” said Harry Cox, “so that I should not have been able to come. Frank Pitt, lucky beggar, is at home with a bad cold. I wish I had twenty colds!”
“You’ll find it warm enough presently to cure all your colds, Harry,” said Steve. “I hope the dean is in a good temper; he is sometimes.”
“He isn’t likely to be so with me, anyhow,” observed King, who was trying to put on a bold face and tone; but it was rather a failure, for he looked more nervous than anyone.
The dean took the master’s seat and glanced round the class. Not a sound was heard.
“I have been reading the report on your conduct, boys, and on the whole it is satisfactory, although I find some complaints. It appears that at times some of you boys have not been quite so truthful as I should like to see. All British boys like to be thought brave! Quite right, too. I like to see brave boys, and so always remember this, that lying is the refuge of cowards. Don’t forget what I say, boys. To be brave you must be truthful. I am not going to preach to you.”
The dean looked at Harry Cox and two other boys. They all felt and looked very much ashamed.