“Then you might tell your father; or shall I do so?”
“I’ll go in.”
“I’ve been round to Bell’s room, pa,” he said, “but he isn’t there.”
“Inquire around among the boys if anyone has seen him,” answered the doctor, frowning.
“Did you flog Rawdon?” asked Simon, eagerly.
“Not yet. Do as I told you.”
Inquiry was made among the pupils, but if anyone had seen Vivian Bell, no one would give information on the subject.
At length an under-gardener said: “I seen him going off Bolton way. He had a bundle under his arm. He looked like he was running away.”
“Bell running away!” exclaimed Dr. Musgrave, scandalized. “Why, he wouldn’t dare to do such a thing!”
“You know best, sir,” said the gardener, humbly.