Mr. Porson
sat with his face half shaded with his hand and without speaking
a single word until the boys had concluded.
"It is a sad business," he said in a low tone, "a very sad business.
It is still possible that you may have come to false conclusions;
but the circumstances you have related are terribly strong. I am
grieved, indeed, over the business, and would rather have lost a
hundred books and pencil cases than it should have happened. You
have done quite right, boys; I am greatly obliged to you both, and
you have acted very well. I know how painful it must be to you both
to have been obliged to bring so grave a matter to my ears. Thank
you; I will consider what is the best course to adopt. If it can
be avoided, I shall so arrange that your names do not appear in
the matter."
For some little time after the boys had left him Mr. Porson remained
in deep thought; then he rose, put on his hat, and went out, first
inquiring of the servant if she knew where the woman who sold cakes
to the boys lived.
"Yes, sir; she lives in a little house in Mill Street; it's not a
regular shop, but there are a few cakes in one of the windows; I
have bought things there for the kitchen, knowing that she dealt
with the young gentlemen."
Mr. Porson made his way to Mill Street and easily found the house
he was in search of. On being questioned the old woman at first
showed some reluctance in answering his questions, but Mr.
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