But as it closed, a storm broke forth from all quarters of the Hall.
"Name! Sneak! Cad! Name!" The angry spots blazed out in Pledge's cheeks as he faced the storm and heard the cries.
"You want the names, do you?
You think, perhaps, I do not dare to give them.

I do dare, though I stand here single-handed.

The three boys are Richardson, Heathcote, and Coote, and if you don't believe me, ask them." Another dead silence followed this announcement, and all eyes turned to where the "Firm" sat, pale and quivering.
Before, however, they could say a word, Mansfield rose, and stepped up on to the platform.
"Pledge has, for reasons best known to himself, charged three boys here with theft.

Unlike his usual manner, he makes the charge in public before the whole school; and that being so, it is only fair the whole school should hear from him and his witnesses, if he has any, what the theft is." The Captain's words were greeted with cries of approval from the meeting, and every one turned now to Pledge.
He stood a moment irresolute, scowling at his arch-enemy, and longing to be able to include him in the accusation he brought against his _proteges_.

Then, with a half-swagger, he stepped on to the platform.
"If the Captain thinks I'm afraid to do what he asks, he's mistaken.