Rose said--"No! I shall not
even ask you, Wright. I know well that your character is too good to be
involved in such an attempt."
The boy bowed humbly, and sat down. Among the last questioned was
Vernon Williams, and Mr. Rose seemed anxious for his answer.
"No," he said at once,--and seemed to wish to add something.
"Go on," said Mr. Rose, encouragingly.
"Oh, sir! I only wanted to say that I hope you won't think Eric knew of
this. He would have hated it, sir, more even than I do."
"Good," said Mr. Rose; "I am sure of it. And now," turning to the
offenders, "I shall teach you never to dare again to be guilty of such
presumption and wickedness as to-night. I shall punish you according to
my notion of your degrees of guilt. Brigson, bring me a cane from
that desk."
He brought it.
"Hold out your hand."
The cane fell, and instantly split up from top to bottom. Mr. Rose
looked at it, for it was new that morning.
"Hah! I see; more mischief; there is a hair in it."
The boys were too much frightened to smile at the complete success of
the trick.
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