Ernest obeyed, though his sobs shook his whole frame.
"I have never known you tell a lie. I will trust you now. Did you take my knife from my desk and return it here with a broken blade?"
For one moment Ernest uncovered his face.
"No, ma'am, I never touched your knife; I didn't know it was broken till you showed it to us."
"I believe you," she said, earnestly. "A boy who always has told the truth, deserves to be believed. You may all return to your lessons. Henry Drake, you may remain after school."
It was noticed by all that Henry's face was as red as Ernest's had been.
One of the scholars presently held up his hand for permission to speak to the teacher about his lesson. She went directly to his desk, and, as she passed Henry's seat, she heard him say, in a hurried whisper,—
"If you tell anything about me, Ernest, I'll cut your hand worse than it was before."
Half an hour before school was dismissed, Ernest asked leave to go home, as his head ached badly.
"Yes," was the reply; "and I advise you to lie down till I call, which will be soon after school."