Mr. Harmer and Mr. Young left the room, and the dean took his seat at the masters desk.
He was glancing over the list of subjects which the boys had done, when suddenly a voice exclaimed, “Come, Joe, hurry up!” Then there was a quiet laugh.
“What boy has dared to make that impertinent remark?” exclaimed the dean angrily.
No boy answered or moved.
“I will severely punish every boy, if necessary, to find out the guilty one,” said the dean.
Still no boy answered.
“As you are all silent, I shall question each one of you separately, and the boy who has been guilty of this insult shall be severely punished.”
“Herbert King,” said the dean, “stand up. Did you speak, or do you know who spoke?”
“No, sir,” replied King, pale with fear.
“Phew!” came the sound of a whistle.