Every one answered to his name except Maple of the Shell, who was away at his father's funeral, and Tomkins the Baby, who had been so scared by the whole affair, that he had turned sick during breakfast, and retired--with the dame's permission--to bed.
During the call-over the doctor had entered and seated himself at the master's desk.

His quick eye took in each boy as he uttered his "Adsum," dwelling longer on some than on others, and now and then turning his glance to the master and senior prefect.

When it was all over and Ainger had handed in the list, the head-master took his eyeglass from his eye, laid the list on the desk before him, and said-- "Boys, this is an unusual and unpleasant visit.

You know the object of it; you know the discredit which at present lies on your house and on Grandcourt, and you know what your duty is in the matter.

If any boy here does not know what I mean, let him stand up." It was as much as the life of anybody present was worth to respond to this challenge.