“By the way, Mr. Snowdon,” asked Mr. Penrose, “why did the boy Bernard run away from you?”
“Because he’s a bad lot.”
“Did you treat him kindly?”
“I always treat my pupils kindly,” answered Mr. Snowdon stiffly.
“You didn’t when I was a pupil of yours, five and twenty years ago. However, the boys didn’t treat you kindly. It makes me laugh whenever I think of you being ridden out of town on a rail.”
“Septimus, go outside!” said Mr. Snowdon, who felt sensitive about having this unpleasant episode in his early life made known to his son and heir.
“I want to stay here, pa.”
“Go out at once or I’ll horsewhip you.”
Much against his will, Septimus left the room. He was very curious to learn more about his father’s adventure with the big boys.
Mr. Snowdon waited an hour in the hope that Bernard would appear, but in vain. Finally he summoned Septimus reluctantly and started for home. He had ridden about two miles when he met an open carriage holding three gentlemen. They stopped their carriage and hailed Mr. Snowdon.