Here came a knock at the door, and the school messenger entered with a letter.
“No answer,” said he, handing it to Tempest.
It was plain to see by the flush on Tempest’s face as he read it that it contained anything but pleasant news.
“It’s from Jarman,” said he, throwing it down on the table.
Wales took it up and read it.
“Mr Jarman informs Tempest that the list of names required in connection with this afternoon’s incident will not be required, as Mr Jarman already has it. Tempest will please attend the extra drill with the other boys of his house to-morrow, as his conduct this afternoon was neither respectful nor a good example to others.”
“Whew!” exclaimed Pridgin, rising, for a wonder, out of his chair; “that’s a nasty one, if you like. He’s taken you at your word, old man. Who’s given the list of names? Did you, you young sweep?” he demanded of me.
“Oh no,” said I, glad to be recognised under any term of endearment. “I wouldn’t think of doing such a thing. But I’ll tell you what I think.”
“Really, Jones iv., it’s nice to know you do think; but, if you don’t mind, we would rather not hear. If you know anything, let us hear it, but spare us your thoughts.”
Pridgin was rather crushing sometimes.