im? Good gracious, he must be ill!" he said,
starting up, as Eric suddenly made a great stagger to one side, and
nearly fell in the attempt to recover himself.

Wright pulled the little boy down with a firm hand.

"Hush!" he whispered; "take no notice; he's been drinking, Verny, and I
fear he'll be caught."

Vernon instantly sat down, and turned deadly pale. He thought, and he
had hoped, that since the day at "The Jolly Herring" his brother had
abandoned all such practices, for Eric had been most careful to conceal
from him the worst of his failings. And now he trembled violently with
fear for his discovery, and horror at his disgraceful condition.

The sound of Eric's unsteady footsteps had made Mr Rose quickly raise
his head; but at the same moment Duncan hastily made room for the boy on
the seat beside him, and held out his hand to assist him. It was not
Eric's proper place; but Mr Rose, after one long glance of
astonishment, looked down at his book again, and said nothing.

It made other hearts besides Vernon's ache to see the unhappy boy roll
to his place in that helpless way.

Dr Rowlands came in and prayers commenced.

When they were finished, the names were called, and Eric, instead of
quietly answering his "adsum," as he should have done, stood up, with a
foolish look, and said, "Yes, sir." The head-master looked at him for a
minute; the boy's glassy eyes and jocosely stupid appearance told an
unmistakable tale; but Dr Rowlands only remarked, "Williams, you don't
look well. You had better go at once to bed."

It was hopeless for Eric to attempt getting along without help so Duncan
at once got up, took him by the arm, and with much difficulty (for Eric
staggered at every step) conducted him to his bedroom, where he left him
without a word.

Wildney's condition was also too evident; and Mr Rose, while walking up
and down the dormitories, had no doubt left on his mind that both Eric
and Wildney had been drinking. But he made no remarks to them, and
merely went to the Doctor, to talk over the steps which were to be
taken.

"I shall summon the school," said Dr Rowlands, "on Monday, and by that
time we will decide on the punishment. Expulsion, I fear, is the only
course open to us."

"Is not that a _very_ severe line to take?"

"Perhaps; but the offence is of the worst character. I must consider
the matter."

"Poor Williams!" sighed Mr Rose, as he left the room.

The whole of the miserable