“I’ll take the responsibility,” said Mr. Snowdon impatiently. “Just show me to his room.”
“He isn’t in his room.”
“Where is he, then?”
“He went out to walk with Mr. Penrose directly after breakfast.”
“Is that a good while since?”
“About two hours.”
“Then I will wait for him. He can’t be out much longer.”
“That’s right, pa,” said Septimus. “You’d ought to take him back with you. If he makes any trouble, I’ll help you.”
The landlord regarded Septimus with a glance by no means flattering.
“Who is that boy, Mr. Snowdon?” he asked. “Is he one of your pupils?”