Call over the list, and let each boy come up and answer." Ainger began by calling out his own name, and forthwith walked up to the master's desk.
"Do you know anything whatever of this affair ?" asked the doctor, looking him full in the face.
"No, sir," said Ainger, returning the look, after his fashion, half defiantly.
The next name was called, and its owner marched up to the desk and uttered his denial.

Railsford, as he stood scanning keenly the face of each boy in turn, felt that he was watching the action of some strange machine.

First Ainger's clear voice.

Then the short "Adsum," and the footsteps up to the desk.

Then the doctor's stern question.