But they failed to satisfy Mr Ashford that they were not to blame for what had occurred.
"I am less concerned," said he, "about the damage done to the waggonette than I am to think I cannot trust you as fully as I ought to be able to trust my head boys.

I hope during the week or two that remains of this term you will try to win back the confidence you have lost.

I must, in justice to my other boys, punish you.

Under the circumstances, I shall not cane you, but till the end of the term you must each of you lose your hour's play between twelve and one." Mr Ashford paused.

Perhaps he expected an outburst of gratitude.
Perhaps he didn't exactly know what to say next.