forgotten the existence of the
sweep or the fact that he had given his name to the venture. When
therefore Railsford unexpectedly walked into his study, he did not in
any way connect the visit with that trivial incident. He conjured up in
his mind any possible motive the master could have for this interview.
He could only think of one, and perceiving a paper in Railsford's hands,
concluded that he had discovered the authorship of a certain anonymous
letter addressed to Mr Bickers, and had looked in for a little
explanation.

Felgate was quite prepared to gratify him, and promised himself a
cheerful quarter of an hour over so congenial an occupation. He was, in
consequence, considerably mortified when the real object of the visit
unfolded itself.

"Felgate," said Railsford, "I have come to you on very unpleasant
business. This is not the first time I have had to caution you that
your example in the house is neither worthy of a prefect nor a senior
boy."

"Thank you, sir," said Felgate, with ostentatious indifference. He had
better have remained silent, for Railsford dismissed whatever of
mildness he had come armed with, and stood on his dignity.

"Don't be impertinent, Felgate; it will do you no good. I want to know
how it comes that your name appears here at the head of a list of
entries for a sweepstake on a horse race, when you as a prefect know
that gambling in any shape or form is strictly prohibited here?"

Felgate, taken back by this unexpected indictment, looked at the paper
and laughed.

"I really don't know how my name comes there. I can't be supposed to
know why anybody who likes should write my name down on a piece of
paper."

"You mean to say that you never entered your name?" asked Railsford,
beginning to feel a sense of relief.

"Certainly not."

"You were asked to do so? What did you reply?"

"I haven't a notion. I probably said, don't bother me--or do anything
you like, or something of that sort."

"Did you point out that it was against the rules?"

"No. Is it against the rules? There doesn't seem any harm in it, if
fellows choose to do it. Besides, it wasn't for money."

"Did you give six stamps?"

"Stamps? I fancy someone came to borrow some stamps of me a week or so
ago. I forget who it was."

"Felgate," said the master with a tone of scorn which made the prefect
wince, "it is hardly worth your while to tell lies when you can satisfy
me of your guilt quite as easily