his hurried advance to deliver a stern command to cease fighting. But before he uttered a word his biggest pupil came staggering back towards the ring of boys on the Doctor’s side, and as they hurriedly gave way down came Slegge flat upon his back at the fresh-comer’s feet.
After delivering his final blow, Glyn Severn nearly followed his impulse, and had hard work to check himself from falling flat upon his adversary. As it was, he dropped only upon one knee, rose again painfully, and stood with bruised and bleeding face gazing blankly at his stern preceptor, who now thundered out in his deepest tones, “What is the meaning of this?”
At the sight of the Doctor a thrill ran through the little throng; and, moved as by one impulse, there was the suggestion of a rush for safety. But the thunderous tones of the Doctor’s voice seemed to freeze every young abettor in his steps.
“Do you hear me, sirs?” cried the Doctor again. “What is the meaning of this?”
It was the smallest boy of the school who replied, in a shrill voice full of excitement, conveying the very plain truth:
“Fight, sir. Tom Slegge and one of the new boys.”
“Silence!” thundered the Doctor. “You know my rules, and that I have forbidden fighting. Here, somebody, one of the high form boys—you, Burney, let me hear what you have to say. Speak out, sir. Ah, you have been seconder, I suppose?”
“Yes, sir,” faltered the lad, whose hands showed unpleasant traces of what he had been doing.
“Ah,” continued the Doctor.—“Mr Rampson, see that not a boy dares to move.—Now, Burney, let me hear the whole truth of this from beginning to end. No suppression, sir, from favour or fear. I want the straightforward truth. Who began this disgraceful business?—Stop! Mr Rampson, here. Is that boy Slegge much hurt?”
“A bit stunned, sir, and stupid with his injuries, but he’s all right, sir; he’s coming round,” and in proof thereof Slegge, with the assistance of the master’s hands, struggled to his feet, and stood shaking his head as if he felt a wasp in his ear, and then promptly sat down again.