The World’s Tragedy

X PREFACE. Naturally, one of several boys who might be involved in the same offence would take fright and save his skin by sneaking. The informer was always believed implicitly, as against probability, or even possibility, with complete dis- regard of the testimony of other and independent wit- nesses. For instance, a boy named Glascott, with insane taint, told Mr. Champney that he had visited me (12 years old) at my mother’s house during the holidays — true so far, he had — and found me “ lying drunk at the bottom of the stairs ”. My mother was never asked about this ; nor was I told of it. I was put into “ Coventry ” i.e. nor master nor boy might speak to me, or I to them. I was fed on bread and water ; during playhours I worked in the school- room ; during work-hours I walked solitary round and round the playground. I was expected to “ confess ” the crime of which I was not only innocent, but unaccused. This punishment, which I believe criminal authorities would consider severe on a poisoner, went on for a term and a half. I was, at last, threatened with expulsion for my refusal to “ confess ”, and so dreadful a picture of the horrors of expulsion did they paint me — the guilty wretch, shunned by his fellows, slinks on through life to a dishonoured grave, etc. — that I actually chose to endure my torture, and to thank my oppressor. Physically, I broke down. The strain and the misery affected my kidneys ; and I had to leave school altogether for two years. I should add in fairness that there were other