"That means he hasn't replied, I suppose. I have taken care that he shall reply. I have told Forder all about it." "You've told Forder? You cad!" exclaimed Yorke, in a tone which made Dangle thankful he was near the door. "Yes," snarled he. "It may be your interest to shield a thief, but it's not in the interest of Fellsgarth. You won't take the matter up; Forder will. I've told him you know about it, and will give him all the particulars. Hope you'll enjoy it." And he disappeared, only just in time for his own comfort. Yorke's rage was unbounded. Of all the masters, Mr Forder was the one he would least have chosen to take up an affair of this kind. He was harsh, unsympathetic, hasty. And of all persons to prime the master in the circumstances of the case, Dangle was the least to be trusted. His temptation was to go at once to Rollitt, and force the matter to a conclusion before Mr Forder had time to interfere. Things were going from bad to worse. Would they never come right again? Next morning, before he could decide what to do, a message came from Mr Forder, requesting him and his fellow-prefects to come across to the master's room. In no amiable frame of mind they obeyed. As they expected, Clapperton, Brinkman, Dangle, and Fullerton were also present. "This is a most serious case," said Mr Forder. "Yorke, I understand you know more about it than any one. Will you kindly say all you know?" "I know nothing," said the captain, "except that I believe the story is groundless." "That is unsatisfactory. In a matter like this, there must be nothing like sheltering the wrong-doer." "It's because we were afraid of that, sir," said Clapperton, "that we thought it right to tell you about it." "Of course. Fisher major, perhaps you will tell us about the missing money." Fisher major briefly related his loss and the efforts he had made to discover it. "And what are your grounds for suspecting Rollitt?" "I don't suspect him, sir; or rather I should not if it were not for what Dangle has said about him." Thereupon Dangle was called upon to repeat his accusation. "It seems to me," said the master, "we require two important witnesses to make the case clear. I believe Mrs Wisdom is in the house at present. Will you inquire, Fullerton, and if so, tell her to come here? And will you, Fisher major, fetch your brother?" After a painful delay, in which the rival seniors sat glaring at one another, and the master made notes of the evidence so far, the two witnesses were forthcoming. Widow Wisdom had nothing to say except in praise of Master Rollitt, and was glad enough in support of it to relate the incident of the boat, and even produce the receipt, which she carried about like a talisman in her pocket. She had no idea that her glowing testimony was to be used against her favourite, or she would have bitten off her tongue sooner than give it: