The two boys looked up and found they were standing in the presence of the headmaster.
"What's the meaning of this?" he repeated. "Who is this man you're talking to?"
There was a moment's silence, during which the seedy stranger slunk away, and disappeared round the corner.
"I ask who is this man you are speaking to?"
"I don't know, sir," answered Valentine.
"Nonsense!" retorted Mr. Westford sharply. "I saw you two boys holding a conversation with him once before. You must know who he is; answer my question immediately."
"He told us his name was Hanks," said Jack; "but we don't know him. He came up and spoke to us of his own accord."
"And, pray, what did he want to speak to you about?"
"I don't know, sir," answered Valentine—"that is—he wanted to beg some money."
"I don't understand your answer, Fenleigh," replied Mr. Westford. "I fear you are not telling me the truth—or, at all events, you are trying to keep something back which ought to come to my knowledge. There must be some reason for my having twice found you in conversation with that disreputable-looking fellow. Both of you will not go outside the school premises for a fortnight without special permission."