All the boys clustered around the infirmary steps awaiting the reappearance of the prefect. In about half an hour he came. He told the boys the extent of Stockley's injuries, and said that it was the physician's opinion that none of the wounds were likely to prove fatal.
"Hurrah for Mr. Shalford!" shouted George McLeod.
"McLeod, are you taking leave of your senses? If you don't be quiet I'll send you back to Mr. Silverton to the division yard."
But the boys took up McLeod's lead and gave three cheers for the prefect.
"And what on earth is that for?" he asked.
"Why, sir, don't you know? Smithers said you were killed!"
"Smithers was too excited to know what he was saying."
"But you are not killed--that's the point. Hurrah!" In spite of himself the prefect was again cheered. Do what he would, put his fingers to his lips, point to the infirmary, wave down the noise with his hand, he could not stop the boys giving one more shout for his safety.
When Bracebridge and Beecham were again alone in their room, the former said:
"I am not sure," said Jack, "but I believe there is a rift in the cloud for dear old Roy. Fancy, Brose! suppose this wounded boy should know all about the robbery!"
"And we could make him tell," added Bracebridge.
"I tell you what I think," continued Jack, "it is my conviction that he not only knows all about the thieving, but that he----"
"Oh, don't say that," urged Ambrose. "I know what you think. I believe I think the same, but don't like to give it expression."
"I don't mind doing so if it will lead to the clearing of Henning."
"I wish I knew what he meant--what was on his mind when he mentioned Garrett and his sweater! And what could he mean by repeating frequently, 'letter, letter, Garrett.' It's all a mystery to me as yet. I do wish Roy was here. Maybe he knows what the words mean. Perhaps Roy could get Stockley to tell who the thief was, that is, supposing he really knows."
"It seems clear to me," said Beecham, "that Stockley knows something. But who can say what that something is? Say! Suppose you telegraph for Henning. Give him to-day's score, too. He'll want to know that."
"That's a great idea. I'll do it," said Ambrose.
"All right. Do it at once, so that he may get the message in time to start to-night and be here early to-morrow morning, should he consider the affair important enough."