An event like this carries its own lesson.

Do not be too ready to blame them, but let their example be humbly taken by each one of you as a warning against the first approach of temptation, from which none of us is free, and which by God's help only can any of us hope ever to resist or overcome." The doctor's words did not fail to make a deep impression on those present.

There were not a few whose consciences told them that after all the difference between them and the expelled boys was not very great, and it had needed a warning like this to arouse them.
The rest of the day a subdued atmosphere hung over Willoughby.

A good many boys thought more than was their wont, and even the noisiest shrunk from indulging their high spirits to their customary extent.
But the chief feeling that day was one of relief.

Not that two bad boys had been expelled, but because the hateful boat-race mystery had been finally cleared up, and with it the reproach on the honour of Willoughby had been removed.