When the bed gong sounded, we heard the boys trooping up-stairs; and then Dr Hellyer rose at last.
“Martin Leigh and Thomas Larkyns,” he rolled out in his very deepest voice, making the ceiling of the refectory ring as usual. “I intend to expel you from my school. I shall write to your friends in the morning; and, in the meantime, you will be confined here until they come to remove you!”
He then left the room, locking the door behind him, when the single jet of light from one burner went out suddenly with a jump, showing that he had turned the gas off at the main, and that we should not have a cheering beam to illumine our solitary vigil throughout the weary night.
A little bit of fire was still flickering in the grate, however, and, by this feeble light Tom and I looked at each other in desperation.
We were in a hobble, and no mistake!
What was to be done?