“Yes, sir, certain sure, sir.”
“Ah! And which of the young gentlemen is it, please?”
“It’s him, sir!” Mr. Grogan’s hand shot out at Gerald. Mr. Collins showed unmistakable surprise.
“What! Why—now, come, Mr. Grogan, isn’t there a chance that you may be mistaken? Remember that it was at night and, according to your own words, you didn’t see his face.”
“I seen his hair, Mr. Collins, and I seen the shape of him, sir, and that’s him.”
“Very well. Graves, you may go; you, too, Benton; and you, Hale. Sorry to have troubled you.” The boys filed out, unmistakable relief expressed on their features. And as they went Gerald understood for the first time why they had been summoned. Each of them had light hair, and each was about his own age and size!
[CHAPTER XII]
GERALD PAYS THE PENALTY
“Now, Pennimore,” began the Assistant Principal, kindly, “you and I have been pretty good friends so far, haven’t we?”