Railsford, had he been anyone else but Master of the House, would have enjoyed this little adventure.

As it was, he did not like it, for it could scarcely end where it had.

He astonished Felgate that evening by a visit to his study.
"Felgate," said he, "I wish to know your reason for giving Bateson a cigar to smoke." "I give Bateson a cigar, sir ?" "Do you deny it, Felgate ?" demanded the master sternly.
"Oh," said the prefect, with a forced laugh, "I believe there was some joke about a cigar.

He had a great fancy to try one." A scornful look came into Railsford's face as he said, "Do you really suppose, Felgate, any good is gained by not telling the truth at once ?" "The truth, sir ?" said Felgate, firing up as uncandid persons always do when their veracity is questioned.

"I don't understand you, sir." "You understand me perfectly," said Railsford.