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