As for Fisher minor, confused and abashed in the presence of so many seniors, he blundered out his story of the eventful half-holiday, looking in vain towards his brother to ascertain if he was doing well or ill. He blabbed all he knew about Rollitt; the condition of his study, the nature of his solitary walks, the poverty of his possessions-- everything that could possibly confirm the suspicions against him; and forgot to mention anything which might in the least avail on the other side. At the close of the court-martial Mr Forder summed up. "I am afraid it is a very clear case," said he. "It is very painful to think that a Fellsgarth boy should come to such a pass. The matter must be reported to the head-master. But before doing so it would be fair to see Rollitt, and hear what he has to say. We have no right to condemn any one unheard. If he is innocent, it will be easy for him to prove it. Fisher major, will you tell him to come?" Fisher major reluctantly obeyed. It was nearly half an hour before he returned, and then he came alone. "I cannot find Rollitt, sir. He is not in the house. He was absent from morning call-over. And the house-keeper says he was not in his room this morning, and that his bed was not slept in last night." CHAPTER TWENTY ONE. BOLTED! However slowly the rumour of Rollitt's dishonesty had spread through the School, the news of his disappearance spread like wildfire. Mr Forder's desire to keep the matter from being talked about was eminently futile, for Wally and Percy Wheatfield both knew all about it five minutes after Fisher major had discovered the absence of the "suspect." By everybody except a very few infatuated persons, such as Yorke and Fisher minor, Rollitt's flight was taken as conclusive evidence of his guilt. "If he hadn't done it, why shouldn't he stay and face it?" asked Clapperton. "The wonder to me is," sneered Dangle, "that he brazened it out as long as he did." "Suppose you were in his shoes," said Yorke, "suspected by every one, with the evidence black against you, and Dangle in charge of the prosecution, how would you like it?" "If I'm in charge of the prosecution," said Dangle, colouring up, "it's because _you_, whose duty it was to see the matter put right, were doing all you could to shield the scoundrel." "I did nothing because I didn't believe him guilty, and I don't yet," said the captain hotly; "and if you call him scoundrel again in my hearing, I'll knock you down." "Keep your temper," said Dangle, glad, all the same, that there were one or two fellows between him and the captain. "_You_ may not care about the credit of Fellsgarth. We do." "You!" retorted Yorke, with such withering contempt that Dangle half wished he had left the matter alone. "The thing is," said Ranger, "what is to be done!"