Ralph was sitting alone with Mr. St. Clive; and the latter, having questioned him as to how he had got on during his first week at school, Ralph had told him of his various experiences--of his quarrel with Horace Elgert, and of the strange midnight episode which had taken place--Mr. St. Clive listening with interest, and making the remark that it was very mysterious, as the lad concluded his story. "It is strange, sir," answered Ralph, "and at first Dr. Beverly seemed inclined to doubt my story; while Horace Elgert, instead of taking it seriously, actually said that it was not true, and that I had gone into the Fifth dormitory on purpose to play some trick with him. I think, though," he added, "that he only said that to anger me." "It is very strange," Mr. St. Clive repeated. "And then this other boy----" "Charlton, do you mean, sir?" "Yes. You say that you are sure he was with some man, and that he denied it?" "Yes, sir. I asked him if he had been with any one, and he looked quite frightened." "That may easily be. I know something of his history, or rather, of the family's. His father was accused of some crime, and, strangely enough, Lord Elgert was the prosecutor. A cheque was forged, I believe. Mr. Charlton managed to escape, but he was never able to come back; and it was finally said that he was dead. It is quite possible that he has returned, and that he got into the school to see his son, and went into the wrong dormitory. That is possible, I say, though I do not think it likely. He would hardly run such a risk, in my opinion; and more so, as he could have gone to his wife, and then let her send for the lad." "I did not think of it being his father," acknowledged Ralph. "I was thinking of something else." "Yes?" inquired Mr. St. Clive. "Cannot you guess, sir? My father is gone, and I know nothing of his fate. What if this man was the one who met him in Stow Wood. He might be able to solve the matter." "He might," was the reply, "but it is not likely. Charlton, as I remember him, was a timid, shrinking man; that was proved by the way he took to flight. He would not be likely to do such a thing." "But he might, sir. Some one must have done it," persisted Ralph. "I feel as if I ought to watch Charlton, and find out who it was that he met. I could do it, too! I may not be very clever with books, but I could do that kind of thing." "And then?" came the grave question. And Ralph cried, almost fiercely-- "Can you ask me that, sir? If my father has come to harm, the one who harmed him must be punished."