Every one, however, denied having touched the things mentioned.

A general search was made; but the missing articles could not be found, and at length the matter was reported to Mr.Welsby.
The latter was evidently greatly displeased on hearing the facts of the case.

As soon as dinner was over he called the school together, and after standing for some moments in silence, frowning at the book he carried in his hand, said briefly,-- "With regard to these tools, there is a word which has never been used before in connection with any pupil at The Birches, and which I hope I may never have occasion to use again.

I can hardly think it possible that we have a _thief_ in the house.

I am rather inclined to imagine that some one has removed the things and hidden them away in joke; if so, let me tell him that the joke has been allowed to go too far, and that, unless they are returned at once, a shadow of doubt will be cast upon the honour and integrity of all here present.