Gilks has done the one thing possible to him to show his remorse for what has occurred.

He has confessed it voluntarily, but I have told him he must leave the school to-morrow morning." Gilks remained where he was, with his eyes on the ground, while the doctor was speaking, and attempted no plea to mitigate the sentence against him.
"I find," continued the doctor, "that if he tells the truth he has not been the only, and perhaps not the principal, culprit.

He says he did what he did at the suggestion of Silk.

Perhaps you will send for Silk now, Riddell." Riddell went off to discharge the errand.

When he returned Gilks looked up and said, nervously, "Need I stay, sir?
I don't want to see Silk." The doctor looked at him doubtfully, and replied, "Yes, you must stay." A long, uncomfortable pause followed, during which no one spoke or stirred.