"Look at how the Director called us and admonished us. We even thought he was on our
side. The next thing we saw was that he called us into the large room where they were and began to batter us', said another.
"Then, after all said and done, what is the conclusion?"I curiously inquired.
"Wel..." said Hector. They called us in groups. We were the first batch. They didn't tell us anything concerning expulsion. They simply gave us a mass torture and at the end we were
released and asked to go. But, we became afraid and worried again when the batch after us came out and said that they were told to watch and see what would happen to their friends" he elaborated.

"And we were the people they were referring to", said another person, a passer-by who was in the group.
"So, you don't know your fate for now?", I asked.

"Exactly", said Antonio Samson. "It is not the expulsion that I fear most, but my father who l know has heard this".
"please Thomas, we are counting on you to help us in this matter" said Jerry, one of the miscreants.
"So these boys still love the school like this, yet they kept misbehaving? That's ridiculous", l said to myself.
There was a lot of talk about the incident that night. Students, especally the seniors,clustered around sime of tne prominent corners like Daniel Rufus' and that of the Dining Hall perfect, Goodluck. I had summoned him during the day and cautioned him seriously about his acts of betrayal to the school authorities.
"This is a mission school and not a place where someone does whatever he likes and gets away with it", I had said. Goodluck stood still, watching me. My deputy, Francis, was with me.
"It is unfortunate that you guys have decided to collaborate with the non-prefects to work against the school that selected you out of many and had entrusted you with some responsibilities".
I spoke to Goodluck for quite a long time until he became remorseful as I could see on his
face. I had never talked to him in that manner before.

There were discussion here and there in the hostel until those interested in film shows left
for the refectory to entertain themselves. This left the hostel deserted and only a few people
who wanted to sleep, including Daniel, were there.

Daniel seemed to be the most stricken by this misfortune that had befallen them. In fact, if he had known that the outcome would be so
drastic, he wouldn't have indulged in such act, l felt sure of this. He became bed-ridden and
nost times lost his appette because of the weight of the incident on his mind, He was no longer himself and anyone who saw him during those days would pity him.
I came to understand Daniel's situation on the moning after the drama night. Before that morning,I had been very much oftended with him for his involvement in such misconduct. It was that beloved friend of mine who, for his lack of wisdom had alied himself with the miscreants, who told me what Daniel had been passing
through.
"Forget that they still make noise or try to show off, it is all sheer bravado. If you hear the
kind of things they say as a result of their predicament, you will feel like crying for them", his friend said to me that morning. "Especially Daniel, he is hopeless now. He had told us his fate according to his agreement with his father prior to his admission into this school".
Well, I can see what you are saying concerning him. I don't doubt it. I really feel for him and if it were in my power to help him, l would have done so. However, I will still make effort and see what God will do in his favour". I sent for Daniel that same hour and he came to my corner I gave him seat on my bed and sat close to him, holding his hands.I know how you feel, I said to him as he listened with humility, "I didn't mean to hurt you; rather we were passing a message, only you and others misunderstood
Our motives". I was referring to the drama of that previous night". However, that's a bygone. I want you to believe that there is nothing too hard for
God to do, Don't lose hope yet because even at the dying minute, God can still do what pleases him. I observed that despite all your past bragging, many of you still want to continue in this school, no doubt about that. That is why we keep telling you to refrain from everything that could implicate you at anytime. Let's still trust in
God and keep praying that there will be a good outcome. Cheer up and stop being downcast. At
least, God has seen your heart and how remorseful you are and I am glad you acknowledge your offences. It is at a point like this that God can look upon an individual and have mercy on him. But for those that are still
being foolish, they will eventually leave the school as God wants to sanitize the system, I consoled Daniel and I counselled him at the same time.

That Wednesday night, I was in my corner thinking of how to help these fellows. Most of the students were watching a film show at the refectory while a very few were in the hostel fast asleep.

I began to perceive some kind inspirations within me. l had Been praying for these young folks, for God to touch their hearts said to myself as I thought deeply. They seemed extremely worldly and proud. They talked about girls most of the time and discussed immoral affairs. Also, they sang worldly songs which was prohibited in our school. It was as if they delighted in breaking the rules and regulations of the school.

Looking at the above situation, I saw that my regime as senior prefect was at stake. I came to discover that it was not a fight that could be Won with power.