Mr.Rose's lip curled with scorn as he heard the exclamation which his denial caused; but he suffered him to sit down.
When Wright's turn came to be asked, Mr.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.