By the way, of course, you didn't mention the other fellows' names ?" he added.
The manner in which he said this made Riddell feel doubly glad that the doctor had not insisted on his telling.
"No--I didn't," he said.
And off went Wyndham, dismally, to the doctor's study.
It was an anxious morning for the captain.

Wyndham had not returned before first school was over, and Riddell felt he could not rest till he knew his fate.
He told Bloomfield of his morning's proceedings, but even this new friend's encouragement failed to shake off the suspense that weighed upon him.
Presently when he could wait patiently no longer, it occurred to him Wyndham might possibly have gone back to his study unobserved, and be waiting there for him.

So he went across to the schoolhouse to find out.
But nearly all the studies in the schoolhouse, Wyndham's included, were empty, as they almost always were at this hour of the day during summer; and the captain was about to return, more uncomfortable than ever, to the Big, when a door at the end of the passage opened, and some one called his name.
It was Gilks, who, as he was dressed, had evidently recovered from his indisposition earlier than was expected.
He beckoned as the captain looked round; and Riddell, inwardly wondering when his work as a police-officer would cease, and he would be able to retire again into private life, turned and entered his study.
Gilks shut the door carefully behind him.

He had a haggard look about him which may have been the result of his ailment, or may have been caused by mental trouble, but which certainly was not the expression to which the captain had been used.
"I'm to go to the doctor at four ?" he asked.
"Yes.

He put it off, as you were reported on the sick-list." "Of course he thinks I was shamming ?" "I don't know." "I was--and I wasn't.