"He came in and lit the gas; if he'd been in it, he'd have skedaddled with the rest." "Um--would he ?" returned Diggory, nodding his head in a sagacious manner; "I'm rather inclined to think he came in on purpose." By the end of supper a fresh rumour spread which caused the affair to assume a still graver and more important aspect.

Lucas had reported the whole thing to the head-master, and the latter had expressed his intention of inquiring into it on the following day.

The truth of these tidings was proved beyond all possibility of doubt when, next morning at breakfast, an announcement was made that the school would assemble immediately after the boys left the hall, instead of gathering, as usual, at nine o'clock.
Every one knew what this meant.

The subject had been discussed for hours in most of the dormitories on the previous evening, and when Dr.Denson ascended his throne there was no necessity for him to strike the small hand-bell--the usual signal for silence; an expectant hush pervaded the whole of the big room, showing clearly the interest which every one felt in the business on hand.
"I need hardly say," began the doctor, in his clear, decisive manner, "that my object in calling you together is to inquire into a disgraceful piece of disorder which took place in the reading-room last night.
I am astonished that such outrageous behaviour should be possible in what, up to the present time, I have always been proud to regard as a community of gentlemen.

Such an offence against law and order cannot be allowed to pass unpunished.