The bird came closer. Even now he did not understand, but his throat was dry and his heart was beating violently.
“The money that Mr. Thompson gave me the day before the end of term?”
“Yes, yes, my boy.”
“He gave me fifteen shillings and the ticket.”
“Well, let me have it.”
“I spent it.”
There was a pause. Mr. Cole stared at his son.
“What do you say?”
“I spent it, father.”
“What?”