'But--but,' King played his last card desperately, 'I was going to recommend Winton for extra sub-prefect in my House, now Carton has gone.'
'Certainly,' said the Head. 'Why not? He will be excellent by tea-time, I hope.'
At that moment they saw Mr. Lidgett, tripping down the corridor, waylaid by Winton.
'It's about that mouse-business at mechanical drawing,' Winton opened, swinging across his path.
'Yes, yes, highly disgraceful,' Mr. Lidgett panted.
'I know it was,' said Winton. 'It--it was a cad's trick because--'
'Because you knew I couldn't give you more than fifty lines,' said Mr. Lidgett.
'Well, anyhow I've come to apologise for it.'
'Certainly,' said Mr. Lidgett, and added, for he was a kindly man, 'I think that shows quite right feeling. I'll tell the Head at once I'm satisfied.'
'No--no!' The boy's still unmended voice jumped from the growl to the squeak. 'I didn't mean that! I--I did it on principle. Please don't--er--do anything of that kind.'