“My dear fellows,” said Railsford, “don’t let’s spoil our last evening by talking about this miserable affair. I can’t tell you anything at all: I can only ask you to believe I have good reasons for what I’m doing. They ought to be good reasons, if the price I have to pay is to leave Grandcourt, and all of you.”
It was evidently no use trying to “draw” him further; and as the first bed bell sounded shortly afterwards, they withdrew after a cordial but dismal farewell.
“I shall see you again in the morning before I go,” said he.
The prefects walked away abstracted and downcast. It was all very well for him to say, “Keep the work up when I am gone.” But how were they to do it? He was the pivot on which all their work had been turning; and without him what chance was there of keeping the house together for a day?
“Come in here a minute, you fellows,” said Ainger, as they reached the captain’s door. “We must do something to stop it.”
“That’s a very feeble observation to make,” said Barnworth. “Is that what you want us to come in here for?”
“No, hang it, Barnworth! there’s no time for chaff at present. What I want to say is, have we tried every possible means of finding out who scragged Bickers last term?”
“I think so,” said Stafford. “Every one in the house has denied it. If it’s one of our fellows, it’s probably the biggest liar among us.”
“Which means Felgate?” said Ainger.
“Or Munger,” said Barnworth.