ce or twice rattling the bones of
her riders by a mild attempt at a trot, but otherwise showing no signs
of renewing her former more energetic protest.

In this manner, after a weary and not altogether refreshing journey, the
three jaded, tightly-packed heroes came to a standstill at the door of
Mountjoy House, where, one after the other, they slid sadly from their
perches, and addressed themselves to the satisfying of Mrs Ashford's
natural curiosity, only hoping the interview would not be protracted,
and so defer for long the supper to which they all eagerly looked
forward.

"Why, what's all this?" said the matron.

"Where's the waggonette, and Tom?" chimed in Mr Ashford, appearing at
the same moment.

"Please, sir," said Dick, "we didn't wait for Tom, and drove home, and
there was a little accident. I was driving at the time, sir. We got
spilt, and the trap was a little damaged. We left word for Tom to see
to it, and I'll write and get my father to pay for mending it. We're
all awfully sorry, sir. Dr Winter sends his regards, and we shall hear
the result of the exam. on Thursday. One of the wheels came off, but I
fancy it will go on again. It was a rut did it. We were coming along
at a very good pace, and should have been here an hour ago if it hadn't
been for the accident. We're sorry to be late, sir."

After which ample explanation and apology the boys felt themselves
decidedly aggrieved that they were not at once ushered in to supper.
Mr Ashford, however, being a mortal of only limited perception,
required a good deal more information; and a painful and somewhat
petulant cross-examination ensued, the result of which was that our
heroes were informed they were not to be trusted, that both Mr and Mrs
Ashford were disappointed in them, that they ought to be ashamed of
themselves, and that they would hear more about the matter to-morrow.

And what about the supper?--that glorious spread of coffee and hot
toast, and eggs and bacon, the anticipation of which had borne them up
in all the perils and fatigue of the day, and had shone like a beacon
star to guide them home? The subject was ignored, basely ignored; and
the culprits were ordered to join the ordinary school supper and appease
their hunger on bread and cheese and cold boiled beef, and slake their
thirst on "swipes."

Then did the spirits of Richardson, Heathcote and Coote wax fierce
within them. Then did they call Mr Ashford a cad, and Mrs Ashf