But his tongue failed him at the critical moment, and he gave it up.

He had caught sight of Teddy's eyes fixed on his in mingled misery and terror, and the sight unmanned him.
He moved slowly to the door.
They watched him, spellbound, and in a moment he would have gone, had not Teddy with a big sob made a spring forward and seized him by the arm.
"Oh, Jeff it's a wicked he; we don't believe it.

Freddy, we don't believe it, do we?
Father, he's been good to us; he never did anything unkind.

Don't have him sent away!" This appeal fairly broke the spell.

Freddy was at his brother's side in an instant, and the rest of the school, had not Mr Rosher motioned them back, would have followed him.
"Teddy and Freddy, my lads," said the farmer, "go to thy seats like good lads.