"On Tuesday last I received the papers done by you on Monday morning.
With those of the Lower Third Form came a note from Mr Prichard, saying
that he had sent with the papers a book--a Delectus translation ('Crib'
as you would call it)--which he had found in Campbell's possession
during the examination. And he requested me, and very properly, too,
to take the necessary steps respecting Campbell's place in his class.
Here, however, Mr Prichard begs me to plainly state the mistake he
made. He did not compare the papers sent in, with the translation of
the book. This would at once have acquitted Campbell. For I at once
emphatically say that, even if the book were his, he never used it
during the examination. His work was correct, but boyish in style.
The rendering of the book is the work of a man. So much, then, is
clear, that of the charge of using the book during the examination,
Campbell is perfectly innocent; and I only wish he were here to hear me
say so."
At these words all reverence for masters was thrown aside, and the
vehement clapping of hands soon showed that Harry's good name was once
more firmly established, and not only established, but that his
clearance gave joy to the school.
"But," resumed Mr Franklyn, when the noise had abated, "to make
assurance doubly sure, I will go a step further, and tell you who _did_
use the book during the examination."
With a sort of presentiment of what was coming, all eyes were turned
upon Egerton; while in the hearts of many a feeling of shame--honest,
good-producing shame--sprang up for the unkind part they had played to
Harry.
"On turning to Egerton's papers," continued Mr Franklyn, "I at once
detected a strong similarity to the translation I had just examined;
and on a close comparison found his translation coincided word for word
with the book found in Campbell's possession, and which he was accused
of using. Whether the book belongs to Egerton or not, I do not know;
but this is evident, that it was he, and not Campbell, who was guilty
of taking unfair advantage of his companions. How the book came into
Campbell's desk I know not. But as Egerton has been, in these two
matters, convicted of telling a wilful untruth, I am ready to believe
him capable of any further deceitful conduct to screen himself. It
rests with Doctor Palmer to conclude this most painful affair."
As Mr Franklyn ended, and resumed his seat, there was a mixed murmur,
partly from pleasure at Harry's innocence, partly from an impulse,
which seemed to take possession of all, of snatching the punishment of
Egerton out of the lawful hands.
The noise, however, instantly ceased when Doctor Palmer rose.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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