CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.
WHICH TREATS OF LAW AND JUSTICE.
While Pledge was dressing on the following morning, the Captain's fag brought him a note.
"There's no answer," said the junior, tossing it down on the table, and departing, whistling.

Pledge opened it and read:-- "As you are determined to defy the rules, and make others do the same, I send this note to say Heathcote is no longer your fag, and that you will have to do without one for the future.

I also wish to say that unless you are prepared to abide by school rules, it will save trouble if you send in your resignation as a monitor at once .-- E.

M." His first impulse on reading this letter was to laugh, and toss the paper contemptuously into the hearth.

But on second thoughts, his amusement changed to wrath, not quite unmixed with dismay.
He knew well enough last night, when he sent Heathcote out, that he was bringing matters between himself and the Captain to an issue.