Hammond went like a rat from a cage.
Next moment the door opened again and Pointon appeared, a tall, studious young man considerably impressed with the importance of the occasion.
He was not alone. As he entered, the Head saw a string of young men behind him, and he rose to his feet in surprise.
“What is this?”
Pointon spoke in a calm voice. If anything the Head was the more excited of the two.
“Some prefects of the school ask to be allowed to speak to you, sir.”
“What is it about?”
The deputation moved into the room, looked round almost instinctively for the Grey Man, and then brought their eyes to bear, as one man, upon the Head who had taken his place.
“About Rouse, sir,” said Pointon. “They wish me as their spokesman to tell you that Rouse is the only fellow they wish to elect as captain of football, and they ask you to——”
The Head advanced upon them in growing anger.