“That’s right, sir,” said Coxhead.
And the others assented.
“Very well,” said the doctor. “Tempest, I ask you to say whether you heard Mr Jarman tell the boys to wait?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And did you tell them, in spite of that, to come in?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m head of the house, and I’m responsible for the order of my house.”
“I am glad to hear you think so,” said the doctor drily. “Have you always been equally jealous for the order of your house this term, Tempest?”
This was a “facer,” as we all felt. Tempest flushed and glanced up at the head master.