“Before school commences, I have a painful duty to perform. Regardless of my express prohibition, certain scholars of the sixth form have ventured to break through the regulations of the school--which do not permit any of the boys to be out at night--and have been to the theatre, taking with them one of the younger boys, who, on their return, was put through a window, and made to unbolt the school-room door, in order to admit them, How they employed their time after they quitted the theatre, I have yet to discover; but they did not return till two o’clock in the morning--one of them in a disgraceful state of intoxication. As the whole school is aware of my orders, and the manner in which they have been disobeyed, I consider it salutary that they should also be witnesses of my method of dealing with the culprits, so as at once to vindicate my authority, and to mark my disapprobation of their rebellious and ungentlemanly conduct.” The Doctor then resumed his seat, and continued--“Let those whose names are mentioned step forward--Biggington!” There was a moment’s breathless silence, and then, with trembling knees, downcast eyes, and guilty, sheepish manner, Stradwick replied, that “Biggington was too ill to leave his bed.” “I am not surprised,” was the reply. “Let Norman, Stradwick, Terry, and the younger Colville stand forward.” With a proud, haughty bearing, Norman advanced, and placed himself immediately in front of the head-master’s desk. Crestfallen and sulky, Stradwick shambled after him. A moment’s delay took place ere Hugh could muster sufficient physical strength to tear himself from his brother’s side: while Percy was near him, he felt some degree of security; but Terry put his arm round him, and whispering, “Cheer up, young’un, flogging’s nothing when you’re used to it, and I dare say the Doctor will let you off easy--never say die!” half led, half carried him to the tribunal of justice. “You are the eldest, Norman,” observed the Doctor, fixing his stern glance upon him; “and I will therefore deal first with you. Whatever faults you may possess, I have never known you tell me an untruth, and therefore I shall, for the satisfaction of myself and of those around me, ask you one or two questions, which you are at liberty to answer or not, as you may prefer. In the first place, do you admit the truth of the accusation brought against you?” “Yes, sir,” was the quiet self-possessed reply, in a tone neither disrespectful nor penitent. “Have you any objection to give me an account of the expedition, especially how you passed the evening after you quitted the theatre?” was the next inquiry.