This appeal fairly broke the spell. Freddy was at his brother’s side in an instant, and the rest of the school, had not Mr Rosher motioned them back, would have followed him.
“Teddy and Freddy, my lads,” said the farmer, “go to thy seats like good lads. Let him say yea or nay to what this—little—peacher says.”
“Say you didn’t, Jeff,” implored the boys.
Jeffreys shook his head sadly.
“I can’t,” he said. “If he’s dead—”
“Oh, he’s dead,” put in Jonah; “I can tell you that.”
Jeffreys gave one scared look at the speaker, and then hurried from the room.
Mrs Trimble followed him up to his room.
“I don’t believe it all,” said she; “you never did it on purpose, you’re not so bad as that. I won’t believe it even if you tell me,” said the good lady, bursting into tears.
Jeffreys put together his few books and garments.