Come in." In response to this somewhat tremulous invitation, Telson, Parson, Bosher, Lawkins, King, trooped into his study, the picture of satisfaction and assurance, and stood lounging about the room with their hands in their pockets as though curiosity was the sole motive of their visit.
Riddell, while waiting for them, had hastily considered what he ought to say or do.

But now, any ideas he ever had darted from his mind, and he gazed nervously at the small company.
"Oh!" said he at length, breaking silence by a tremendous effort, and conscious that he was looking as confused as he felt, "I suppose you are the boy--" "Yes," said Bosher, leaning complacently against the table and staring at a picture over the mantelpiece.
"The boys who were late," said Riddell, stammering.

"Let me see." Here he took up the paper and began to read it over: "`Co.

Pri.

Telson (S.H.).' Ah, yes! Telson.