o should be settled by practical
joking is simply outrageous. This is the first instance of the kind
that I ever remember to have happened at Ronleigh, and I tell you
plainly that I am determined to make an example of the offenders."

"I assure you, sir," said Oaks, in a low, agitated voice, "that we have
had no hand in this matter."

"I am sorry even to seem to doubt your word, Oaks," answered the doctor,
"but I think you must own that appearances are very much against you.
A screw-driver bearing your name was found in the passage, and this
piece of paper, which was pushed under the bedroom door, and which now
lies before me, bears a direct reference to the dispute about the
school time. As far as I can see at present, the only conclusion which
can be arrived at is that this is an act of retaliation which has sprung
from your contention with Mr. Grice."

The captain was about to speak, but Dr. Denson held up his hand.

"As I said before," he continued, "I am sorry, Allingford, even to
appear to doubt your word; I have always had reason to rely with
confidence upon the integrity and honour of my prefects, and believe
me, this interview is to me an exceedingly painful one. The matter,
however, is too serious to be passed over lightly, and you must hear me
to the end. The conduct of the school during the present term has
been far from satisfactory: two acts of gross misconduct have already
been committed, and I cannot but blame those whom I hold mainly
responsible for the order of the school that in both instances the
offenders should have gone unpunished. It seems hardly possible to me
that such things should happen without its coming to the ears of the
prefects who were the perpetrators of the deeds in question. Here we
have a third example of the same thing. If neither of you took any
actual part in screwing up this door, I am still inclined to think that
you must have been cognizant of the act, and I demand to know the names
of the offenders. Take time to think before you answer. I warn you
once more that I am determined to sift the matter to the bottom."

Once more the two prefects protested that they had not the remotest idea
who had played the trick on Mr. Grice.

Dr. Denson frowned, and sat for some moments without speaking, rapping
the blotting-pad in front of him with the butt end of a seal; then
remembering the presence of the small boys, he turned towards them with
an inquiring look.

"Well?"