It was therefore impossible to back out, and highly desirable, as they _were_ in for it, to do it in good style.
As the clock pointed to the fatal hour, Dig sharply rattled his spoon against the side of his empty cup.

At the expected signal, about a dozen boys, the contributors to the testimonial, rose to their feet, and turned their eyes on Arthur.

Railsford, at the head of the table, mistook the demonstration for a lapse of good manners, and was about to reprimand the offenders, when by a concerted movement the deputation stepped over their forms and advanced on the master in a compact phalanx.

Arthur and Dig, both a little pale and dry about the lips, marched at their head.

"What is all this ?" inquired Railsford.