You boys are the guardians of the honour of your house.

The only honourable thing at a time like this is to speak the truth, whatever the consequences.

The question I ask is this-- Was any boy here concerned in the outrage on Mr Bickers?
or does any boy know who was?
I will wait for two minutes, that you may understand the importance of the question, before I call for an answer." Dead silence.

The boys for the most part looked straight before them with heightened colour, and watched the slow progress of the minute-hand of the clock.
"I repeat the question now," said the doctor, when the allotted time had run--"Was any boy here concerned in the outrage on Mr Bickers?
or does any boy know who was?
If so, let him stand up." The silence which followed was broken to some by the thumping of their own hearts.

But no one rose; and a sense of relief came to all but Railsford, who felt his spirits sink as the prospect of a near end to his trouble receded.
"Every boy here," said the doctor, slowly, "denies all knowledge of the affair ?" Silence gave consent.
"Then," continued the head-master, more severely, putting up his eyeglass, and handing the list to Ainger, "I shall put the question to each boy separately.