We're sorry to be late, sir." After which ample explanation and apology the boys felt themselves decidedly aggrieved that they were not at once ushered in to supper.
Mr Ashford, however, being a mortal of only limited perception, required a good deal more information; and a painful and somewhat petulant cross-examination ensued, the result of which was that our heroes were informed they were not to be trusted, that both Mr and Mrs Ashford were disappointed in them, that they ought to be ashamed of themselves, and that they would hear more about the matter to-morrow.
And what about the supper ?--that glorious spread of coffee and hot toast, and eggs and bacon, the anticipation of which had borne them up in all the perils and fatigue of the day, and had shone like a beacon star to guide them home?
The subject was ignored, basely ignored; and the culprits were ordered to join the ordinary school supper and appease their hunger on bread and cheese and cold boiled beef, and slake their thirst on "swipes." Then did the spirits of Richardson, Heathcote and Coote wax fierce within them.

Then did they call Mr Ashford a cad, and Mrs Ashford a sneak.

Then did they kick all the little boys within reach, and scowl furiously upon the big ones.

Then did they wish the mare was dead and Templeton a ruin! As, when Jove frowns and Mercury and Vulcan scowl, the hills hide their heads and the valleys tremble beneath the storm, so did the youth of Mountjoy quake and cower that evening as it raised its eyes and beheld those three gloomy heroes devour their beef and drink their swipes.

No one ventured to ask how they had fared, or wherefore they looked sad; but they knew something had happened.