Then, with a load on his heart such as he had never felt before, the captain turned the boat’s head and rowed slowly back to Willoughby.
Chapter Twenty Four.
The Rockshire Match.
Riddell was not destined to have much leisure during the next few days for indulging his misery or making up his mind in what direction his duty lay.
As he reached the school after his memorable excursion on the river, he was met by Fairbairn, who had evidently been on the lookout for him.
“Why, where have you been? and what’s wrong?” he exclaimed, as he observed his friend’s dejected looks.
“I’ve been a turn on the river,” replied Riddell, making a desperate effort to recover his wits and look cheerful.
“You look every bit as if you were just starting there to drown yourself,” said Fairbairn; “but, I say, I’ve got a message for you.”