at of the charge of using the book during the examination,
Campbell is perfectly innocent; and I only wish he were here to hear me
say so."
At these words all reverence for masters was thrown aside, and the
vehement clapping of hands soon showed that Harry's good name was once
more firmly established, and not only established, but that his
clearance gave joy to the school.
"But," resumed Mr Franklyn, when the noise had abated, "to make
assurance doubly sure, I will go a step further, and tell you who _did_
use the book during the examination."
With a sort of presentiment of what was coming, all eyes were turned
upon Egerton; while in the hearts of many a feeling of shame--honest,
good-producing shame--sprang up for the unkind part they had played to
Harry.
"On turning to Egerton's papers," continued Mr Franklyn, "I at once
detected a strong similarity to the translation I had just examined;
and on a close comparison found his translation coincided word for word
with the book found in Campbell's possession, and which he was accused
of using. Whether the book belongs to Egerton or not, I do not know;
but this is evident, that it was he, and not Campbell, who was guilty
of taking unfair advantage of his companions. How the book came into
Campbell's desk I know not. But as Egerton has been, in these two
matters, convicted of telling a wilful untruth, I am ready to believe
him capable of any further deceitful conduct to screen himself. It
rests with Doctor Palmer to conclude this most painful affair."
As Mr Franklyn ended, and resumed his seat, there was a mixed murmur,
partly from pleasure at Harry's innocence, partly from an impulse,
which seemed to take possession of all, of snatching the punishment of
Egerton out of the lawful hands.
The noise, however, instantly ceased when Doctor Palmer rose.
"None of you can be more glad than I am," he said, "that Campbell's
innocence has been fully proved, and none of you more sorry than I,
that he has been punished unjustly. At the same time, you must clearly
understand that the mistake, which Mr Prichard and I made, does not in
the least degree exonerate Egerton. He has done that for which I
punished Campbell; removing as he thought all traces of his guilt, and
throwing them on another's shoulders. And then, not merely to screen
himself, but to ruin that other, he tells one deliberate lie after
another. Not content even with that, he provokes the innocent boy
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