Curiously enough, Terence expressed exactly the same opinion when that sheet of paper was handed to him a few hours later. He added, however, a brief proviso. “Naturally,” said he, “a fellow who wants to write an anonymous letter doesn’t use his own handwriting.” Rouse had moved to his side and was reading it through again with solemn eyes. At last he spoke. “Do you think that’s true? Whoever he is, do you think he’s right?” “I think he’s off his nut.” Rouse laid the paper upon the table and carefully smoothed it out. Then he sat down and began to read it through all over again. It was quite a short note. It had no proper beginning and no ending. It purported to be a mere statement of fact. “There is a general feeling in the school,” it read, “that as you have had your ambition and led the school team on the footer field you ought to give way now. The fellows think that if it’s a question of sacrificing either you or Mr Nicholson, it ought not to be Mr Nicholson who must suffer for what was your idea. Some of us have decided to let you know this.” For a little while Rouse sat with his head propped in his hands staring at it fixedly, and eventually he sat back. “Whoever it was,” said he, “he read my thoughts very well indeed. What he’s written down is exactly what I’ve been thinking all day. The only thing I’m afraid of is this. Supposing I go to the Head and give in. Supposing I promise to play under Roe and get the school to recognise him as captain. What will the Head do? Will he play the game? I’ve got a horrible fear at the back of my head that he won’t. I can picture the way he’ll smile. He’ll say that he’s very glad to hear it. And then if I say: ‘Now, will you let Mr Nicholson stay?’ he’ll open his eyes at me and say: ‘Good gracious, boy, I’m not here to make bargains. My decision of last night was not a threat; it was a punishment.’ And then I shall have humbled the school for nothing.” Terence moved towards him again and gripped him by the shoulders. “Look here. Don’t you do anything confoundedly idiotic. Leave the Head absolutely alone. We’re not going to let a man win a fight by hitting below the belt. Toby can look after himself. As he says, it’s nearly the end of term already. We’ll see it out. This rotten note is a lie from start to finish. There’s no such feeling in the school at all. Don’t you be guyed by a thing like this.” “Well, who’s written it?” demanded Rouse. “Tell me that. The thing was left lying on this table. Somebody must have put it there.” Terence took it up once more. “Let’s have another look,” said he. Next moment there came a gentle tap at the door, and the one who in all the school Rouse would have least wanted to see that note came in, and he sprang up quickly. It was Toby. Rouse looked at Terence with quick meaning, but Terence ignored him. “Here, Toby,” said he, “you’re just the chap we want. Have a look at this.” Rouse sprang towards it.