Vernon-Smith now plans to take further action against Prout. He makes his way to the Headmaster's study, intending to leave it in a parlous state. But, as he enters, he finds Loder, trying to force his way into a locked drawer in Prout's desk. A ghastly pallor sweeps over Loder's face, and for a moment he seems as if he is going to faint – but he swiftly recovers and inflicts a savage beating on Vernon-Smith. On his return to his study, Smithy confides to Redwing his suspicion that Loder was attempting to steal Mauleverer's banknote. Redwing, shocked, says the suggestion is impossible.
