"You haven't mentioned that young Evson says he _saw_ him take it." "Why, Charlie, what _have_ you been doing?" said Walter, looking at his brother's bruised and smeared face in surprise. "Only a fight," said Charlie; "I couldn't help it, Walter; Wilton struck me because I charged Penn with taking the bottle." "Are you absolutely certain that you saw him, Charlie?" "Yes; I couldn't possibly be mistaken." "Well, then, clearly Penn must be searched," said Walter. "But stop," said Power; "aren't we beginning at the wrong end? Penn, no doubt, if we ask him quietly, will empty his pockets for our satisfaction?" "No I won't," said Penn, who was now dogged and sullen. "Well, Kenrick has taken your part, will you let him or me search you privately?" "No!" "Then search him, Henderson." Instantly a rapid movement took place among the boys as though to prevent this; but before anything could be done, Henderson had seized Penn by both wrists and Whalley, diving a hand into his right pocket, drew out and held up a little ornamental scent-bottle! This decisive proof produced for a moment a dead silence among the loud voices raised in altercation; and then Power said-- "Penn, you are convicted of lying and theft. What is Saint Winifred's coming too, when fellows can act like this? How am I to punish him?" he asked, turning to some of the monitors. "Here and now, red-handed, _flagrante delicto_," said Walter. "Some of these lower fellows need an example." "I think you are right. Symes, fetch me a cane." "You shan't touch him," said Kenrick; "you'd no right to search him, in the first place." "I mean to cane him, Kenrick. Who will prevent me?" "We will," said several voices; among which Harpour's and Mackworth's were prominent. "You mean to try and prevent it by force?" "Yes." "And, Kenrick, you abet this?" "I do," said Kenrick, who had lost all self-control. "I shall do it, nevertheless; it is my plain duty." "And I recommend you all not to interfere," said Walter; "for it must and shall be done." "Harpour," said Franklin, "remember, if you try force, I for one am against you the moment you stir." "And I," said Bliss, stepping in front of Power; "and I," said Eden, Cradock, Anthony, and others--among whom was Tracy--taking their places by the monitors, and forming a firm front together.