“’The curse has come upon me, cried
     The Lady of Shallott.’”

“Hush, Eric, nonsense,” whispered Wildney; “you’re not going away,” he continued aloud, as Eric turned towards the school.  “Why, there are only two more to go in!”

“Yes, thank you, I must go.”

“Oh, then, I’ll come too.”

Wildney at once joined his friend.  “There’s nothing more the matter, is there?” he asked anxiously, when they were out of hearing of the rest.

“God only knows.”

“Well, let’s change the subject.  You’ve being playing brilliantly, old fellow.”

“Have I?”

“I should just think so, only you got out in rather a stupid way.”

“Ah well! it matters very little.”

Just at this moment one of the servants handed Eric a kind note from Mrs. Rowlands, with whom he was a very great favorite, asking him to tea that night.  He was not very surprised, for he had been several times lately, and the sweet womanly kindness which she always showed him caused him the greatest pleasure.  Besides, she had known his mother.

“Upon my word, honors are being showered on you!” said Wildney.  “First to get the score of the season at cricket, and bowl out about half the other side, and then go to tea with the head-master.  Upon my word!  Why any of us poor wretches would give our two ears for such distinctions.  Talk of curse indeed!  Fiddlestick end!”

But Eric’s sorrow lay too deep for chaff, and only answering with a sigh, he went to dress for tea.

Just before tea-time Duncan, and Montagu strolled in together.  “How splendidly Eric played,” said Duncan.

“Yes, indeed.  I’m so glad.  By the bye, I must see about getting a new bat.  I don’t know exactly how much money we’ve got, but I know there’s plenty.  Let’s come and see.”

They entered his study, and he looked about everywhere for the key.  “Hallo,” he said, “I’m nearly sure I left it in the corner of this drawer, under some other things; but it isn’t there now.  What can have become of it?”

“Where’s the box?” said Duncan; “let’s see if any of my keys will fit it.  Hallo! why you’re a nice treasurer, Monty! here’s the key in the box!”

“No, is it though?” asked Montagu, looking serious.  “Here, give it me; I hope nobody’s been meddling with it.”

He opened it quickly, and stood in dumb and blank amazement to see it empty.

“Phew-w-w-w!” Montagu gave a long whistle.

“By Jove!” was Duncan’s only comment.

The boys looked at each other, but neither dared to express what was in his thoughts.

“A bad, bad business! what’s to be done, Monty?”

“I’ll rush straight down to tea, and ask the fellows about it.  Would you mind requesting Rose not to come in for five minutes?  Tell him there’s a row.”

He ran down stairs hastily and entered the tea-room, where the boys were talking in high spirits about the match, and liberally praising Eric’s play.