If ever boy felt miserable, he did that next morning, for they were all going back to Coleby. The romantic adventure was at an end, and he was like a prisoner.
Why had he left the doctor’s? What had he gained by it but misery and wretchedness. Bob had turned out one of the most contemptible cowards that ever stepped. He had proved to be a miserable tyrannical bully when they were alone; and in the face of danger a wretched cur; while now that they were caught he was ready to tell any lie to save his own skin.
What would Helen say to him, and think of him? What would Mr Hippetts say—and Mr Sibery?
He would be sent back to the Union of course; and one moment he found himself wishing that he had never left the schools to be confronted with such misery as he felt now.
They were on their way back by rail. The doctor, who had not even looked at him, was in a first-class carriage with Sir James, and the plans being altered, and the boat sent up to Coleby by a trustworthy man, Bob and Dexter were returning in a second-class carriage, with their custodians, Peter and old Dan’l.
They were the sole occupants of the carriage, and soon after starting Bob turned to Dexter—
“I say!” he exclaimed.
Dexter started, and looked at him indignantly—so angrily, in fact, that Bob grinned.
“Yer needn’t look like that,” he said. “If I forgives yer, and begins to talk to yer, what more d’yer want!”
Dexter turned away, and looked out of the window.