No one had been found daring enough to bell the cat--that is, to shoot the dog.

To what scoundrel was Dangerfield College now indebted for this inestimable blessing?
Dead silence followed the doctor's announcement.

Boys' faces were studies as they stood there rent in twain by delight at the news and horror at the inevitable doom of the culprit.
"I repeat," said the head master, "Hector was found this morning shot in his kennel.

Does any boy here know anything about it ?" Dead silence.

The master's eyes passed rapidly along the forms, but returned evidently baffled.
"I trust I am to understand by your silence that none of you know anything about it.