etly silenced by saying
"Very well," and turning to go, a movement which so terrified the worthy
publican that he caved in at once, and submitted to further questions.

Mr Loman then followed up his advantage by finding out all he could
about the companions whom his son had been in the habit of meeting on
the occasion of his visits to the Cockchafer. What were their names,
occupations, addresses, and so on? Cripps, if any one had told him
twenty-four hours ago that he would be meekly divulging all this
information to any one in his own house, would have scoffed at the idea.
But there was something about Mr Loman's voice, and Mr Loman's eye,
and Mr Loman's note-book, which was too much for the publican, and he
submitted like a lamb.

In due time the ordeal was over, and Mr Loman said he would now go and
call upon these young gentlemen, and see what they had to say, and that
Mr Cripps would most likely hear from him again.

Altogether the landlord of the Cockchafer had hardly ever passed such an
uncomfortable morning.

Meanwhile the other searchers, among whom were Oliver and Wraysford,
were busy.

For a whole day there came no news of the missing boy. No one could be
met who had seen him or heard of him. Neither in Maltby nor up the
river, nor in the country roads round, could any tidings of him be
found. Towards evening those who remained anxiously behind began to
entertain fresh fears. Had the boy been merely running away, some one
would surely have seen him or heard of him. Had anything worse happened
to him?

Mr Loman and the police-inspector paid a hurried visit to the
boathouse. Had the boy been there? No, no one had been there for two
days. They followed the paths through the woods, asking at every
cottage and stopping every passer-by. But no, no one knew anything. No
boat had passed through the lock, no passenger on foot had gone past it.

The night came, and with it most of the searchers returned, dejected and
worn-out.

The school was strangely silent. Not a sound could be heard in the
passages or class-rooms. Nothing but the heavy rain, which now began to
fall dismally upon the roof and windows of the old school-house.

Boys who heard it shuddered, and their minds went out into the dark wet
night after their lost schoolfellow, wherever he might be.

Where was he now? they wondered, and how was he faring?

"Has Greenfield returned?" asked the Doctor, as about ten o'clock the
masters