(Telson 2, Bosher 1, Parson 2.)" After a great deal of puzzling and cogitation Riddell managed to translate this lucid document into ordinary English as follows: "Call-Over, Friday evening, Telson (schoolhouse), Bosher, King, Lawkins, Parson (Parrett's), absent.

To go to the captain at half-past eight on Saturday.

(Telson has already been absent twice this week, Bosher once, Parson twice.)" And with the discovery the unhappy captain found his worst fears realised.
Whatever would he do?
It was now half-past five.

In three hours they would be here.

What would Wyndham have done?
Caned them, no doubt.
Riddell had no cane.