A murmur of approval came from "the other fellows," except Waterman. He greeted it with the customary yawn.
"You still hold to your wish that Percival should be expelled from Garside?" asked Mr. Weevil.
"Yes, sir."
"You understand that expelling a scholar from Garside is a very serious matter. It is a grave stigma placed on him at the commencement of his career—a stigma which clings to him when he goes from school into the sterner battle of life. I'm bound to impress this upon you, Parfitt, so that you may understand the gravity of the step you wish me to take."
"I understand, sir. We all understand."
"And you decline to do what Moncrief has done—withdraw from the petition?"
"Yes, sir. We can't stand Percival any longer."
"Hear! hear!" from Newall.
Suddenly, to the astonishment of the Form, the master opened the desk before him, and drew from it a book.
"You know this book?" he demanded.