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Boys in their dormitories sit up in bed and listened to the roar of the wind as it howled round the house. And that silent party in the Doctor's study never once thought of seeking rest. Midnight came; but no Oliver, no Loman and the storm as furious as ever. Presently there came a soft knock at the door, which made every one start suddenly as the door opened. It was Stephen in his night-shirt.
Loman promptly produced this, and Cripps as promptly pocketed it, adding, "Well, I suppose I'll have to give in. How long do you say two months?" "Three," said Loman. "Oh, thanks, Cripps, I really will pay up then." "You'd better, because, mind you, if you don't, I shall walk straight to the governor. Don't make any mistake about that."
Poor Stephen, very unlike himself, appeared to be utterly cowed and terrified, and uttered shriek upon shriek as his persecutors dragged him along. "Oh, don't! Please, Cripps! Don't let them, Loman don't let them drown me!" he shouted. A laugh was the only answer.
"That's Loman's fault, I bet you anything," exclaimed Wraysford. "I'm sure he won't do the kid any good. But Rastle was saying only yesterday how well Stephen was getting on in class." "Was he? It's little thanks to me if he is," said Oliver, gloomily. "And what else have you got to grumble about?" asked his friend. "Why, you know how I'm out with the Fifth over that affair with Loman.
"Very well, then; I shall shy the money when I get it into the nearest fish-pond." "All serene," said Wraysford, laughing; "I hope the fish will relish it." At that moment there was a knock at the door. "Come in," said Oliver. The door opened, and, to the astonishment of the two boys, Loman entered. Was it peace, or war, or what?
He recovered the perpendicular with the help of two soldiers and a few friends, and was about to proceed with his part, when the door suddenly opened and Mr Rastle appeared. He had evidently not come to see the show indeed he hardly seemed aware that a show was going on. His face was grave, and his voice agitated, as he said "Has any one here seen Loman?"
"Oh, but I'm sure to be. I've only got Fifth Form fellows against me, and I'm certain to beat them!" "Well," said Mr Cripps, "I don't so much care about your nightingales and cock-sparrows and scholarships, and all them traps, but I'd like to oblige you." "Oh, thank you!" cried Loman, delighted, and feeling already as if the debt was paid. "And you'll get your friend to wait too, won't you?"
What mattered it to him, then, who won the exhibition? Loman might win it for all he cared, as long as he won back his friend. However, Loman at that moment did not look much like winning anything. If he had been in difficulties in the former examination, he was utterly stranded now.
"Well, no, I thought I would I thought I wouldn't run any risk." Loman was amazed at himself. He had suddenly made up his mind to tell one lie, but here they were following one after another, as if he had told nothing but lies all his life! Alas, there was no drawing back either!
The Doctor paused uncomfortably, and Mr Rastle put in a question. "Are you and Loman great friends?" "No, we are not friends." "Does he often come to your study?" "No, sir. Very rarely." "May I ask, Greenfield," said the Doctor, "why he was in your study last night?" This was getting close quarters for Oliver, who, however, had made up his mind he must, if put to it, say all he knew.
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