erend H Gordon's premises; the above reward
will be given for any such information as may lead to the apprehension
of the offenders."

Soon after the seizure of the pigeons there had been a rumour that
Gordon had offered a reward of this kind, but the matter had been
forgotten, and the boys had long fancied their secret secure, though at
first they had been terribly alarmed.

"What do you show me that for?" he asked, reddening and then growing
pale again.

Billy's only answer was to pass his finger slowly along the words, "Five
pounds reward."

"Well?"

"I thinks I knows who took they pigeons."

"What's that to me?"

"Ho, ho, ho! that's a good 'un," was Billy's reply; and he continued to
cackle as though enjoying a great joke.

"Unless you gives me five pound, anyhow, I knows where to get 'em. I
know who them evil-disposed persons be! So I'll give ye another week to
decide."

Billy shambled off in high spirits; but Eric sank back into his chair.
Five pounds! The idea haunted him. How could he ever get them? To
write home again was out of the question. The Trevors, though liberal,
were not rich, and after just sending him so large a sum, it was
impossible, he thought, that they should send him five pounds more at
his mere request. Besides, how could he be sure that Billy would not
play upon his fears to extort further sums? And to explain the matter
to them fully was more than he could endure. He remembered now how
easily his want of caution might have put Billy in possession of the
secret, and he knew enough of the fellow's character to feel quite sure
of the use he would be inclined to make of it. Oh, how he cursed that
hour of folly!

Five pounds! He began to think of what money he could procure. He
thought again and again, but it was no use; only one thing was clear--he
_had_ not the money and could not get it. Miserable boy! It was too
late then? for him repentance was to be made impossible; every time he
attempted it he was to be thwarted by some fresh discovery. And,
leaning his head on his open palms, poor Eric sobbed like a child.

Five pounds! And all this misery was to come upon him for the want of
five pounds! Expulsion was _certain_, was _inevitable_ now, and perhaps
for Wildney too as well as for himself. After all his fine promises in
his letters home,--yes, that reminded him of Vernon. The grave had not
closed for a month over one brother, and the other would be _expe