out Beamish's. He
hardly liked not to go now, although he knew it would be hard to avoid
letting out the wretched secret which he had promised Gilks and Silk to
keep.

Besides, uneasy as he was about this, he could not help feeling excited
about what Cusack had just told him of the boat-race affair. And most
likely, when he came to consider, Riddell would be so full of that that
he might perhaps not say any more about Beamish's. So Wyndham decided
to go, and in due time presented himself with his books at the captain's
study.

He could see at once that Riddell was in one of his serious moods, and
his heart sank, for he had no doubt what was coming, and felt that,
unless he were to break his promise, matters were sure to be made worse.

"I'm glad you've come," said Riddell; "you went off so suddenly the
other evening."

"Yes," said Wyndham; "the lock-up bell rang, and I was bound to be in my
house before it stopped."

"You know what I want to see you about now, Wyndham?" said the captain,
nervously.

"Yes," replied the boy, doggedly; "I suppose I do."

There was a long, uncomfortable pause, at the end of which Riddell said,
"Surely, Wyndham, you are not going to leave it to me to clear up this
matter?"

"What do you mean?" asked the boy, burying his face in his hands, and
utterly unnerved by the tones of his friend's voice.

"I mean this," said Riddell, as firmly as he could, "that there are only
two courses open. Either you must confess what you have done, of your
own accord, or it will be my duty to do it for you."

"I don't see how it's your duty to tell everybody," said the boy. "I
should get expelled to a dead certainty!"

"It must either be one or the other," said the captain.

"Oh, Riddell!" exclaimed the boy, springing to his feet, "don't say
that! I know I've been a cad, and let myself be led into it; but surely
it's not so bad as all that! You've always been a brick to me, I know,
and I've not been half grateful enough. But do let us off this time!
please do! I can't tell you anything; I would gladly, only I've
promised. You wouldn't have me break my promise? If you tell of me I
shall be expelled I know I shall! Do help me out this time!"

"Poor fellow!" said Riddell, who was not proof against this sort of
appeal from any one, least of all from one he loved.

The boy was quick in the energy of his despair to follow up his
advantage.

"I'd make it good any other way--any way you l