red cent in the world, and I shan't have till journey money's given out."
We wandered back to the house pondering over the coming calamity and our helplessness to avert it; but on reaching the schoolroom another matter was forced on our attention, which for the time being caused us to forget our own trouble.
As we entered, the other boarders were scattered about the room, but all with their faces turned toward "Gentle Spring," who stood in front of his desk, with the little idol in his hand, evidently addressing the assembly.
"It's been done some time this afternoon," he was saying. "I'm sure of that, because I looked at it just before dinner, and it was all right."
"Well, don't you say it was me or Simpson," growled Bowclen. "It was all right when I gave it back to you this morning."
"I don't say it was any one here," answered Spring. "It may have been one of the day boys. All I know is it's gone."
"What's gone?" asked Fraser.
Spring turned.
"Hallo!" he said; "here's Fraser. He can tell you it was all right this morning."
