Seeing he was quite determined, Annie, though loath to leave him, and in terror of what was implied in the threats he uttered against the master and might be involved in the execution of them, obeyed him and walked leisurely home, avoiding the quarters in which there was a chance of meeting her gaoler. She found that no one had observed her former visit; the only remarks made being some _goody_ ones about the disgrace of being kept in. When Mr Malison returned to the school about four o'clock, he found all quiet as death. The boys appeared totally absorbed in _committing_ the Shorter Catechism, as if the Shorter Catechism was a sin, which perhaps it was not. But, to his surprise, which he pretended to be considerably greater than it really was, the girl was absent. "Where is Ann Anderson?" were the first words he condescended to utter. "Gane hame," cried two of the little prisoners. "Gone home!" echoed the master in a tone of savage incredulity; although not only was it plain that she was gone, but he must have known well enough, from former experience, how her escape had been effected. "Yes," said Forbes; "it was me made her go. I put her out at the window. And I broke the window," he added, knowing that it must soon be found out, "but I'll get it mended on Monday." Malison turned as white as a sheet with venomous rage. Indeed, the hopelessness of the situation had made Alec speak with too much nonchalance. Anxious to curry favour, the third youngster now called out, "Sandy Forbes gart her gang an' fess a loaf o' white breid." Of this bread, the wretched informer had still some of the crumbs sticking to his jacket--so vitiating is the influence of a reign of terror. The bread was eaten, and the giver might be betrayed in the hope of gaining a little favour with the tyrant. "Alexander Forbes, come up." Beyond this point I will not here prosecute the narrative. Alec bore his punishment with great firmness, although there were few beholders, and none of them worth considering. After he had spent his wrath, the master allowed them all to depart without further reference to the Shorter Catechism. CHAPTER XIII.