ctor was not told of what had occurred till the medical man had
arrived and examined Ernest's wound. He had him at once put to bed, and
washed and dressed the wound, and then he gave him some cooling
medicine, but he said that he must see him again before he would
pronounce on the matter. He might not materially suffer, but it might
prove to be a very dangerous wound. This report got about the school.
Buttar, Bouldon, and poor Ellis, and many other boys, were deeply
grieved when they heard it. During the evening there was much anxiety
and excitement in the school.

It was generally reported that Blackall had endeavoured to kill Ernest;
then that the wound had assumed a very dangerous aspect, that the
surgeon was very anxious about him, and that there was very little hope
of his recovery.

When the Doctor appeared in school in the evening his countenance was
very grave, and he seemed grieved and anxious. He spoke very little,
and it was observed that while he was reading prayers his voice
faltered.

There were many sorrowful young hearts in the school that night; for
another sadder report than the first got about, and it was believed that
Ernest Bracebridge--the clever, the brave, the spirited one, whom all
then acknowledged to be without a rival in the school--was dead.

Naturally, the late attempt to introduce fagging was discussed, and the
part Bracebridge had taken in suppressing it was openly spoken of.
Thus, not only did all the boys in the school learn all about it, but it
came to the ears of the masters, and, finally, to those of the Doctor
himself. Monsieur Malin had heard of it before, but he had judged it
best to let things take their course. The Doctor, having gathered all
the information he thought necessary, collected several witnesses, among
whom were Buttar, Bouldon, and Ellis, and summoned Blackall into his
presence.

Blackall appeared, led in by two of the masters. He heard all that had
to be said against him, and a full account of his barbarous treatment of
Bouldon and Gregson, and the flogging which followed.

"I do not excuse Buttar, nor do I poor Bracebridge, for their conduct on
that occasion. It was their duty to come and complain to me, and not to
take the law into their own hands; but I am fully willing to believe
that they acted under mistaken notions. However, I do not wish at
present to say anything more against them; but there stands one whose
whole conduct I so severely con