Very few boys in the school still clung to him, and maintained his innocence in spite of appearances, but they were the boys whom he had most loved and valued, and they were most vigorous in his defence.
They were Russell, Montagu, Duncan, Owen, and little Wright.
On the evening of the Saturday, Upton had sought out Eric, and said in a very serious tone, "This is a bad business, Williams.

I cannot forget how you have been abusing Gordon lately, and though I won't believe you guilty, yet you ought to explain." "What?
even _you_, then suspect me ?" said Eric, bursting into proud tears.

"Very well.

I shan't condescend to _deny_ it.

I won't speak to you again till you have repented of mistrusting me;" and he resolutely rejected all further overtures on Upton's part.
He was alone in his misery.