Theodore Winthrop

“ I had my own troubles to consider.
“Locksley,” I said, seizing him by the arm, “where is Cecil Dreeme?”
My perturbation communicated itself to the janitor.
“Yes,” said he, “I hadn’t given my mind to it; but he did not answer when Dora went up with his breakfast. Then Towner was brought in, and we’ve been so busy with him that I forgot to send her up again.”
“He is not there. He does not answer my knock.”
“Going out in the daytime is as unlikely for him as the sun’s showing at midnight. I mistrust something’s happened.”
“Do not say so, Locksley. Disaster to him is misery to me. ”

“ Come, Mr. Byng.” Locksley led the way up stairs. “Towner isn’t long for this world, you see,” said he. “We thought he’d better die among friends. Mr. Churm will be back this morning to talk to him, and get his facts.”
It was afternoon, and the boys of Chrysalis, the College, were skylarking in the main corridor. Their rumor died away as we climbed the stairs. It was as quiet at Cecil Dreeme’s door as on the night when we first forced entrance, — as quiet without, and, when we knocked, as silent within. ”

“ Densdeth, we suspected, followed us. Dreeme dragged me away in flight. But it would be easy for Densdeth, if he pleased, to watch Chrysalis, see me enter, and identify my companion. I am all in the dark, Churm. Can you help me to any light?”
“Let us hope so! Locksley, is Towner here?”
“Yes sir; and ready to make a clean breast of it.”
“Bring him up to Mr. Byng’s quarters. I have no fire, and the poor creature must be coddled. I may take this liberty, Byng? You are interested. It may touch the question of Dreeme. It does so, I believe.” ”