Even Diggory trembled, and Allingford, noticing it, laid his big hand reassuringly on the small boy's shoulder.
"I wish to know," began the doctor, "which of you boys were concerned in what took place last night?
I refer, of course, to the screwing up of Mr.Grice's bedroom door." No one spoke, but Fletcher turned pale to the lips.
"Had you anything to do with it, Fletcher ?" "No, sir." "Then will you tell me the meaning of this ?" continued the head-master, holding up the cipher note.
"I--I don't know what it means," began the prefect.
"Don't lie to me, sir," interrupted the doctor sternly.

"You know very well what it means; it's of your own invention." Thurston saw clearly that the game was up, and with the recklessness of despair decided at once to accept the inevitable.
"I screwed up Mr.Grice's door," he said sullenly.
"And who assisted you ?" To this inquiry Thurston would give no reply, but maintained a dogged silence.

Gull and Hawley, however, anxious at all costs to save their own skins, practically answered the question by saying, "We didn't," and casting significant glances at Noaks and Fletcher.
What followed it is hardly necessary to describe in detail.

The five culprits were subjected to a merciless cross-examination, during which a confession, not only of their various transgressions, but also of the motives which had prompted them to adopt such a line of conduct, was dragged from their unwilling lips.

The cloak was torn off, and the cowardice and meanness of their actions appeared plainly revealed, and were forced home even to their own hearts.
"Thurston and Fletcher," said the doctor, when at length, long after the bell had rung for "interval," the inquiry concluded, "go to your studies, and remain there till you hear from me--Noaks, go in like manner to the housekeeper's room .-- Gull and Hawley, as you seem to have taken no active part in this last misdemeanour, you may go.