THE MYSTERY SOLVED. 237

would much rather take the whole blame
on myself.”

“Well, Seymour, I will not press you
on the point, if you are unwilling to
give me the information. There is, how-
ever, no reason why I should not try to
find out the truth myself. Edward Sharpe,
stand forward |”

Sharpe obeyed. He endeavoured to as-
sume an appearance of surprise; but it sat
awkwardly upon him; and it was evident
to the whole school that he was ill at ease.

‘“‘T wish to ask you, Sharpe, if the two
cherry-stones were placed in the Virgil
and on my table by you?”

Sharpe remained silent for a few mo-
ments, At last, he said, “I do not see,
Sir, what reason you have for suspecting
me more than any one else.”

“Twill tell you, Sharpe. It is but fair