d had forgotten their presence, ventured to say, "I
beg your pardon, sir; you sent for us," and put an end to the mental
debate as to the form in which the subject should be approached.

"Yes, sir," said the Doctor sternly. "I have sent for you both, as it
is better that any lapse from the strict rules of my establishment
should be dealt with immediately; not that I wish to be too severe, for
you are both new pupils and strange to the regulations of a high-class
school in England. You gather, of course, that I am alluding to your
very undignified conduct in the sight of all your fellow-pupils."

"Yes, sir," said Glyn; "about our riding the elephant?"

"Of course. It was disgraceful. You, to whom I should have looked for
the conduct and demeanour of a gentleman, being the son of an eminent
officer in the army, behaving like some little common street-boy, and
leading your fellow-pupil, in whom from his ignorance of English customs
and etiquette such a lapse might be excused. It was only the other day
that your father the Colonel, sir, told me that you would set an example
to the young Prince, and here I find you directly snatching at the
opportunity to behave as you have done."

"I beg your pardon, sir," cried Glyn, in a voice full of protest, "it
was--"

"Silence, sir!--Yes, what is it?" cried the Doctor angrily, for there
was a quick tap at the door, and the footman appeared. "Have I not told
you, sir, that when I am engaged like this I am not to be interrupted?--
Eh? Who?"

"That showman, sir, wants to see you, sir."

"That showman?" cried the Doctor angrily. "What showman? What about?"

"Come about the damages, sir; the broken fences. He said he wouldn't
keep you a moment, sir, if you would see him."

"Oh," said the Doctor, cooling down. "Yes, the damages, the torn-up
hedge and the broken fence. A most annoying affair. You can sit down,
gentlemen, while I dismiss this man.--Where is he, Wrench?"

"In the hall, sir; on the mat."

"Ho!" said the Doctor, rising; and he marched slowly out, leaving the
boys looking at one another and then at the busts of the great scholars
of Greece and Rome ranged at intervals upon the cornices of the
bookcases that covered the study-walls.

Neither felt disposed to speak, for an inner door stood ajar, and from
the other side came the faintly heard scratching noise of a pen.

And so in silence some ten minutes or so passed before the Doctor came
in, looking ver