“What do you mean?” asked the boy, burying his face in his hands, and utterly unnerved by the tones of his friend’s voice.
“I mean this,” said Riddell, as firmly as he could, “that there are only two courses open. Either you must confess what you have done, of your own accord, or it will be my duty to do it for you.”
“I don’t see how it’s your duty to tell everybody,” said the boy. “I should get expelled to a dead certainty!”
“It must either be one or the other,” said the captain.
“Oh, Riddell!” exclaimed the boy, springing to his feet, “don’t say that! I know I’ve been a cad, and let myself be led into it; but surely it’s not so bad as all that! You’ve always been a brick to me, I know, and I’ve not been half grateful enough. But do let us off this time! please do! I can’t tell you anything; I would gladly, only I’ve promised. You wouldn’t have me break my promise? If you tell of me I shall be expelled I know I shall! Do help me out this time!”
“Poor fellow!” said Riddell, who was not proof against this sort of appeal from any one, least of all from one he loved.
The boy was quick in the energy of his despair to follow up his advantage.
“I’d make it good any other way—any way you like—but don’t have me expelled, Riddell. Think of them all at home, what a state they would be in! I know I deserve it; but can’t you get me out of it?”
“If you were to go to the doctor and tell him everything—” began Riddell.
“Oh, that’s just what I can’t do!” exclaimed Wyndham. “I’d do it like a shot if it was only myself in it. I don’t know how you found it all out, I’m sure; but I can’t go and tell the doctor, even if it was to get me off being expelled.”