wodehouse - mike

8/2/2019 Wodehouse - Mike

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TheProjectGutenbergEBookofMike,byP.G.Wodehouse

ThiseBookisfortheuseofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwithalmostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayorre-useitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergLicenseincludedwiththiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.net

Title:Mike

Author:P.G.Wodehouse

ReleaseDate:June15,2004[EBook#7423]

Language:English

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKMIKE***

ProducedbySuzanneL.Shell,JimTinsley,CharlesFranksandtheOnlineDistributedProofreadingTeam.

WiththankstoAmherstCollegeLibrary.

MIKE

APUBLICSCHOOLSTORY

BYP.G.WODEHOUSE

CONTAININGTWELVEFULL-PAGEILLUSTRATIONSBYT.M.R.WHITWELL

LONDON1909.

[Illustration(Frontispiece):"AREYOUTHEM.JACKSONTHENWHOHADANAVERAGEOFFIFTYONEPOINTNOUGHTTHREELASTYEAR?"]

[Dedication]TO



ALANDURAND

CONTENTS

CHAPTERI.MIKE

II.THEJOURNEYDOWN

III.MIKEFINDSAFRIENDLYNATIVE

IV.ATTHENETS

V.REVELRYBYNIGHT

VI.INWHICHATIGHTCORNERISEVADED

VII.INWHICHMIKEISDISCUSSED

VIII.AROWWITHTHETOWN

IX.BEFORETHESTORM

X.THEGREATPICNIC

XI.THECONCLUSIONOFTHEPICNIC

XII.MIKEGETSHISCHANCE

XIII.THEM.C.C.MATCH

XIV.ASLIGHTIMBROGLIO

XV.MIKECREATESAVACANCY

XVI.ANEXPERTEXAMINATION

XVII.ANOTHERVACANCY

XVIII.BOBHASNEWSTOIMPART

XIX.MIKEGOESTOSLEEPAGAIN

XX.THETEAMISFILLEDUP

XXI.MARJORYTHEFRANK

XXII.WYATTISREMINDEDOFANENGAGEMENT

XXIII.ASURPRISEFORMR.APPLEBY

XXIV.CAUGHT

XXV.MARCHINGORDERS

XXVI.THEAFTERMATH



XXVII.THERIPTONMATCH

XXVIII.MIKEWINSHOME

XXIX.WYATTAGAIN

XXX.MR.JACKSONMAKESUPHISMIND

XXXI.SEDLEIGH

XXXII.PSMITH

XXXIII.STAKINGOUTACLAIM

XXXIV.GUERILLAWARFARE

XXXV.UNPLEASANTNESSINTHESMALLHOURS

XXXVI.ADAIR

XXXVII.MIKEFINDSOCCUPATION

XXXVIII.THEFIREBRIGADEMEETING

XXXIX.ACHILLESLEAVESHISTENT

XL.THEMATCHWITHDOWNING'S

XLI.THESINGULARBEHAVIOUROFJELLICOE

XLII.JELLICOEGOESONTHESICK-LIST

XLIII.MIKERECEIVESACOMMISSION

XLIV.ANDFULFILSIT

XLV.PURSUIT

XLVI.THEDECORATIONOFSAMMY

XLVII.MR.DOWNINGONTHESCENT

XLVIII.THESLEUTH-HOUND

XLIX.ACHECK

L.THEDESTROYEROFEVIDENCE

LI.MAINLYABOUTBOOTS

LII.ONTHETRAILAGAIN

LIII.THEKETTLEMETHOD

LIV.ADAIRHASAWORDWITHMIKE

LV.CLEARINGTHEAIR

LVI.INWHICHPEACEISDECLARED



LVII.MR.DOWNINGMOVES

LVIII.THEARTISTCLAIMSHISWORK

LIX.SEDLEIGH_v._WRYKYN

LISTOFILLUSTRATIONS

BYT.M.R.WHITWELL

"AREYOUTHEM.JACKSON,THEN,WHOHADANAVERAGEOFFIFTY-ONEPOINTNOUGHTTHREELASTYEAR?"

THEDARKWATERSWERELASHEDINTOAMAELSTROM

"DON'T_LAUGH_,YOUGRINNINGAPE"

"DO--YOU--SEE,YOUFRIGHTFULKID?"

"WHAT'SALLTHISABOUTJIMMYWYATT?"MIKEANDTHEBALLARRIVEDALMOSTSIMULTANEOUSLY

"WHATTHEDICKENSAREYOUDOINGHERE?"

PSMITHSEIZEDANDEMPTIEDJELLICOE'SJUGOVERSPILLER

"WHYDIDYOUSAYYOUDIDN'TPLAYCRICKET?"HEASKED

"WHO--"HESHOUTED,"WHOHASDONETHIS?"

"DID--YOU--PUT--THAT--BOOT--THERE,SMITH?"

MIKEDROPPEDTHESOOT-COVEREDOBJECTINTHEFENDER

CHAPTERI

MIKE

ItwasamorninginthemiddleofApril,andtheJacksonfamilywereconsequentlybreakfastingincomparativesilence.Thecricketseason

hadnotbegun,andexceptduringthecricketseasontheywereinthehabitofdevotingtheirpowerfulmindsatbreakfastalmostexclusivelytothetaskofvictuallingagainstthelaboursoftheday.InMay,June,July,andAugustthesilencewasbroken.Thethreegrown-upJacksonsplayedregularlyinfirst-classcricket,andtherewasalwayskeencompetitionamongtheirbrothersandsistersforthecopyofthe _Sportsman_whichwastobefoundonthehalltablewiththeletters.Whoevergotitusuallygloatedoveritinsilencetillurgedwrathfullybythemultitudetoletthemknowwhathadhappened;whenitwouldappearthatJoehadnotchedhisseventhcentury,orthat



Reggiehadbeenrunoutwhenhewasjustgettingset,or,assometimesoccurred,thatthatassFrankhaddroppedFryorHaywardintheslipsbeforehehadscored,withtheresultthatthesparedexperthadmadeacoupleofhundredandwasstillgoingstrong.

Insuchacasethecriticismsofthefamilycircle,particularlyofthesmallerJacksonsisters,weresobreezyandunrestrainedthatMrs.Jacksongenerallyfeltitnecessarytoapplytheclosure.Indeed,MarjoryJackson,agedfourteen,hadonthreeseveraloccasionsbeenfinedpuddingatlunchforhercausticcommentsonthebattingofherbrotherReggieinimportantfixtures.Cricketwasatraditioninthefamily,andtheladies,unabletotheirsorrowtoplaythegamethemselves,wereresolvedthatitshouldnotbetheirfaultifthestandardwasnotkeptup.

Onthisparticularmorningsilencereigned.AdeepgaspfromsomesmallJackson,wrestlingwithbread-and-milk,andanoccasionalremarkfromMr.Jacksononthelettershewasreading,alonebrokeit.

"Mike'slateagain,"saidMrs.Jacksonplaintively,atlast.

"He'sgettingup,"saidMarjory."Iwentintoseewhathewasdoing,andhewasasleep.So,"sheaddedwithasatanicchuckle,"Isqueezedaspongeoverhim.Heswallowedanawfullot,andthenhewokeup,and

triedtocatchme,sohe'scertaintobedownsoon.""Marjory!"

"Well,hewasonhisbackwithhismouthwideopen.Ihadto.Hewassnoringlikeanything."

"Youmighthavechokedhim."

"Idid,"saidMarjorywithsatisfaction."Jam,please,Phyllis,youpig."

Mr.Jacksonlookedup.

"MikewillhavetobemorepunctualwhenhegoestoWrykyn,"hesaid.

"Oh,father,isMikegoingtoWrykyn?"askedMarjory."When?"

"Nextterm,"saidMr.Jackson."I'vejustheardfromMr.Wain,"headdedacrossthetabletoMrs.Jackson."Thehouseisfull,butheisturningasmallroomintoanextradormitory,sohecantakeMikeafterall."

ThefirstcommentonthismomentouspieceofnewscamefromBobJackson.Bobwaseighteen.ThefollowingtermwouldbehislastatWrykyn,and,havingwonthroughsofarwithouttheinflictionofa

smallbrother,hedislikedtheprospectofnotbeingallowedtofinishashehadbegun.

"Isay!"hesaid."What?"

"Heoughttohavegonebefore,"saidMr.Jackson."He'sfifteen.Muchtoooldforthatprivateschool.Hehashaditallhisownwaythere,anditisn'tgoodforhim."

"He'sgotcheekenoughforten,"agreedBob.



"Wrykynwilldohimaworldofgood."

"Wearen'tinthesamehouse.That'sonecomfort."

BobwasinDonaldson's.ItsoftenedtheblowtoacertainextentthatMikeshouldbegoingtoWain's.HehadthesamefeelingforMikethatmostboysofeighteenhavefortheirfifteen-year-oldbrothers.Hewasfondofhimintheabstract,butpreferredhimatadistance.

Marjorygavetongueagain.ShehadrescuedthejamfromPhyllis,whohadshownsignsoffinishingit,andwasnowatlibertytoturnhermindtolesspressingmatters.Mikewasherspecialally,andanythingthataffectedhisfortunesaffectedher.

"Hooray!Mike'sgoingtoWrykyn.Ibethegetsintothefirstelevenhisfirstterm."

"Consideringthereareeightoldcoloursleft,"saidBobloftily,"besidesheapsoflastyear'sseconds,it'shardlylikelythatakidlikeMike'llgetalookin.Hemightgethisthird,ifhesweats."

TheaspersionstungMarjory.

"Ibethegetsinbeforeyou,anyway,"shesaid.Bobdisdainedtoreply.Hewasamongthoseheapsoflastyear'ssecondstowhomhehadreferred.Hewasasoundbat,thoughlackingthebrillianceofhiselderbrothers,andhefanciedthathiscapwasacertaintythisseason.Lastyearhehadbeentriedonceortwice.Thisyearitshouldbeallright.

Mrs.Jacksonintervened.

"Goonwithyourbreakfast,Marjory,"shesaid."Youmustn'tsay'Ibet'somuch."

Marjorybitoffasectionofhersliceofbread-and-jam.

"Anyhow,Ibethedoes,"shemutteredtruculentlythroughit.

Therewasasoundoffootstepsinthepassageoutside.Thedooropened,andthemissingmemberofthefamilyappeared.MikeJacksonwastallforhisage.Hisfigurewasthinandwiry.Hisarmsandlegslookedashadetoolongforhisbody.Hewasevidentlygoingtobeverytallsomeday.Inface,hewascuriouslylikehisbrotherJoe,whoseappearanceisfamiliartoeveryonewhotakesaninterestinfirst-classcricket.Theresemblancewasevenmoremarkedonthecricketfield.MikehadJoe'sbattingstyletothelastdetail.Hewasapocketeditionofhiscentury-makingbrother."Hullo,"hesaid,

"sorryI'mlate."

Thiswasmerestereo.Hehadmadethesameremarknearlyeverymorningsincethebeginningoftheholidays.

"Allright,Marjory,youlittlebeast,"washisreferencetothespongeincident.

Histhirdremarkwasofapracticalnature.



"Isay,what'sunderthatdish?"

"Mike,"beganMr.Jackson--thisagainwasstereo--"youreallymustlearntobemorepunctual----"

Hewasinterruptedbyachorus.

"Mike,you'regoingtoWrykynnextterm,"shoutedMarjory.

"Mike,father'sjusthadalettertosayyou'regoingtoWrykynnextterm."FromPhyllis.

"Mike,you'regoingtoWrykyn."FromElla.

GladysMaudEvangeline,agedthree,obligedwithasoloofherowncomposition,insix-eighttime,asfollows:"MikeWryky.MikeWryky.MikeWrykeWrykeWrykeMikeWrykeWrykeMikeWrykeMikeWryke."

"Oh,putagreenbaizeclothoverthatkid,somebody,"groanedBob.

WhereatGladysMaud,havingfixedhimwithachillystareforsomeseconds,suddenlydrewalongbreath,andsquealeddeafeninglyformoremilk.

Mikelookedroundthetable.Itwasagreatmoment.Herosetoitwiththeutmostdignity.

"Good,"hesaid."Isay,what'sunderthatdish?"

*****

Afterbreakfast,MikeandMarjorywentofftogethertothemeadowattheendofthegarden.Saunders,theprofessional,assistedbythegardener'sboy,wasengagedinputtingupthenet.Mr.Jacksonbelievedinprivatecoaching;andeveryspringsinceJoe,theeldestofthefamily,hadbeenabletouseabatamanhadcomedownfromtheOvaltoteachhimthebestwaytodoso.Eachoftheboysinturnhad

passedfromspectatorstoactiveparticipantsinthenetpracticeinthemeadow.ForseveralyearsnowSaundershadbeenthechosenman,andhisattitudetowardstheJacksonswasthatoftheFaithfulOldRetainerinmelodrama.Mikewashisspecialfavourite.Hefeltthatinhimhehadmaterialofthefinestordertoworkupon.TherewasnothingthematterwithBob.InBobhewouldturnoutagood,soundarticle.BobwouldbeaBlueinhisthirdorfourthyear,andprobablyacreditableperformeramongtherankandfileofacountyteamlateron.Buthewasnotacricketgenius,likeMike.SaunderswouldlieawakeatnightsometimesthinkingofthepossibilitiesthatwereinMike.Thestrengthcouldonlycomewithyears,butthestylewastherealready.Joe'sstyle,withimprovements.

Mikeputonhispads;andMarjorywalkedwiththeprofessionaltothebowlingcrease.

"Mike'sgoingtoWrykynnextterm,Saunders,"shesaid."Alltheboyswerethere,youknow.Sowasfather,agesago."

"Ishe,miss?Iwasthinkinghewouldbesoon."

"Doyouthinkhe'llgetintotheschoolteam?"



"Schoolteam,miss!MasterMikegetintoaschoolteam!He'llbeplayingforEnglandinanothereightyears.That'swhathe'llbeplayingfor."

"Yes,butImeantnextterm.Itwouldbearecordifhedid.EvenJoeonlygotinafterhe'dbeenatschooltwoyears.Don'tyouthinkhemight,Saunders?He'sawfullygood,isn'the?He'sbetterthanBob,isn'the?AndBob'salmostcertaintogetinthisterm."

Saunderslookedalittledoubtful.

"Nextterm!"hesaid."Well,yousee,miss,it'sthisway.It'sallthere,inamannerofspeaking,withMasterMike.He'sgotasmuchstyleasMr.Joe'sgot,everybit.Thewholethingis,yousee,miss,yougettheseyounggentlemenofeighteen,andnineteenperhaps,anditstandstoreasonthey'restronger.There'sayounggentleman,perhaps,doesn'tknowasmuchaboutwhatIcallrealplayingasMasterMike'sforgotten;butthenhecanhit'emharderwhenhedoeshit'em,andthat'swheretherunscomein.Theyaren'tgoingtoplayMasterMikebecausehe'llbeintheEnglandteamwhenheleavesschool.They'llgivethecaptosomebodythatcanmakeafewthenandthere."

"ButMike'sjollystrong."

"Ah,I'mnotsayingitmightn'tbe,miss.Iwasonlysayingdon'tcountonit,soyouwon'tbedisappointedifitdoesn'thappen.It'squitelikelythatitwill,onlyallIsayisdon'tcountonit.Ionlyhopethattheywon'tknockallthestyleoutofhimbeforethey'redonewithhim.Youknowtheseschoolprofessionals,miss."

"No,Idon't,Saunders.Whataretheylike?"

"Well,there'stoomuchofthecome-right-out-at-everythingabout'emformytaste.Seemtothinkplayingforwardthealphaandomuggerofbatting.They'llmakehimpatballsbacktothebowlerwhichhe'dcutfortwosandthreesifhewaslefttohimself.Still,we'llhopeforthebest,miss.Ready,MasterMike?Play."

AsSaundershadsaid,itwasallthere.OfMike'sstyletherecouldbenodoubt.To-day,too,hewasplayingmorestronglythanusual.Marjoryhadtoruntotheendofthemeadowtofetchonestraightdrive."Hehitthathardenough,didn'the,Saunders?"sheasked,asshereturnedtheball.

"Ifhecouldkeepondoingoneslikethat,miss,"saidtheprofessional,"they'dhavehimintheteambeforeyoucouldsayknife."

Marjorysatdownagainbesidethenet,andwatchedmorehopefully.

CHAPTERII

THEJOURNEYDOWN

TheseeingoffofMikeonthelastdayoftheholidayswasanimposingspectacle,asortofpageant.Goingtoapublicschool,especiallyat



thebeginningofthesummerterm,isnogreathardship,moreparticularlywhenthedepartingherohasabrotheronthevergeoftheschoolelevenandthreeotherbrothersplayingforcounties;andMikeseemedinnowaydisturbedbytheprospect.Mothers,however,totheendoftimewillfosterasecretfearthattheirsonswillbebulliedatabigschool,andMrs.Jackson'sanxiouslooklentafinesolemnitytotheproceedings.

AndasMarjory,Phyllis,andEllainvariablybrokedownwhenthetimeofseparationarrived,andmadenoexceptiontotheirruleonthepresentoccasion,asuitablegloomwasthekeynoteofthegathering.Mr.Jacksonseemedtobearthepartingwithfortitude,asdidMike'sUncleJohn(providentiallyropedinattheeleventhhouronhiswaytoScotland,intimetocomedownwithahandsometip).Totheircoarse-fibredmindstherewasnothingpatheticortragicabouttheaffairatall.(AttheverymomentwhenthetrainbegantoglideoutofthestationUncleJohnwasheardtoremarkthat,inhisopinion,theseBocksweren'tapatchontheoldshapedLarranaga.)AmongotherspresentmighthavebeennoticedSaunders,practisinglatecutsrathercoylywithawalking-stickinthebackground;thevillageidiot,whohadrolleduponthechanceofadole;GladysMaudEvangeline'snurse,smilingvaguely;andGladysMaudEvangelineherself,franklyboredwiththewholebusiness.

Thetraingatheredspeed.Theairwasfulloflastmessages.UncleJohnsaidonsecondthoughtshewasn'tsuretheseBocksweren'thalfabadsmokeafterall.GladysMaudcried,becauseshehadtakenasuddendisliketothevillageidiot;andMikesettledhimselfinthecornerandopenedamagazine.

Hewasaloneinthecarriage.Bob,whohadbeenspendingthelastweekoftheholidayswithanauntfurtherdowntheline,wastoboardthetrainatEastWobsley,andthebrothersweretomakeastateentryintoWrykyntogether.Meanwhile,Mikewaslefttohismilkchocolate,hismagazines,andhisreflections.

Thelatterwerenotnumerous,norprofound.Hewasexcited.Hehad

beenpetitioningthehomeauthoritiesforthepastyeartobeallowedtoleavehisprivateschoolandgotoWrykyn,andnowthethinghadcomeabout.HewonderedwhatsortofahouseWain'swas,andwhethertheyhadanychanceofthecricketcup.AccordingtoBobtheyhadnoearthly;butthenBobonlyrecognisedonehouse,Donaldson's.HewonderedifBobwouldgethisfirstelevencapthisyear,andifhehimselfwerelikelytodoanythingatcricket.MarjoryhadfaithfullyreportedeverywordSaundershadsaidonthesubject,butBobhadbeensocarefultopointouthisinsignificancewhencomparedwiththehumblestWrykynianthattheprofessional'sglowingprophecieshadnothadmucheffect.ItmightbetruethatsomedayhewouldplayforEngland,butjustatpresenthefelthewouldexchangehisplaceintheteamforoneintheWrykynthirdeleven.Asortofmistenveloped

everythingWrykynian.Itseemedalmosthopelesstotryandcompetewiththeseunknownexperts.Ontheotherhand,therewasBob.Bob,byallaccounts,wasonthevergeofthefirsteleven,andhewasnothingspecial.

Whilehewasengagedonthesereflections,thetraindrewupatasmallstation.OppositethedoorofMike'scompartmentwasstandingaboyofaboutMike'ssize,thoughevidentlysomeyearsolder.Hehadasharpface,withratheraprominentnose;andapairofpince-nezgavehimasuperciliouslook.Heworeabowlerhat,andcarriedasmall



portmanteau.

Heopenedthedoor,andtooktheseatoppositetoMike,whomhescrutinisedforamomentratherafterthefashionofanaturalistexaminingsomenewandunpleasantvarietyofbeetle.Heseemedabouttomakesomeremark,but,instead,gotupandlookedthroughtheopenwindow.

"Where'sthatporter?"Mikeheardhimsay.

Theportercameskimmingdowntheplatformatthatmoment.

"Porter."

"Sir?"

"Arethosefrightfulboxesofmineinallright?"

"Yes,sir."

"Because,youknow,there'llbeafrightfulrowifanyofthemgetlost."

"Nochanceofthat,sir."

"Hereyouare,then."

"Thankyou,sir."

Theyouthdrewhisheadandshouldersin,staredatMikeagain,andfinallysatdown.Mikenoticedthathehadnothingtoread,andwonderedifhewantedanything;buthedidnotfeelequaltoofferinghimoneofhismagazines.Hedidnotlikethelooksofhimparticularly.Judgingbyappearances,heseemedtocarryenoughsideforthree.Ifhewantedamagazine,thoughtMike,lethimaskforit.

Theothermadenoovertures,andatthenextstopgotout.That

explainedhismagazinelesscondition.Hewasonlytravellingashortway.

"Goodbusiness,"saidMiketohimself.HehadalltheEnglishman'sloveofacarriagetohimself.

Thetrainwasjustmovingoutofthestationwhenhiseyewassuddenlycaughtbythestranger'sbag,lyingsnuglyintherack.

Andhere,Iregrettosay,Mikeactedfromthebestmotives,whichisalwaysfatal.

Herealisedinaninstantwhathadhappened.Thefellowhadforgotten

hisbag.

Mikehadnotbeengreatlyfascinatedbythestranger'slooks;but,afterall,themostsuperciliouspersononearthhasarighttohisownproperty.Besides,hemighthavebeenquiteanicefellowwhenyougottoknowhim.Anyhow,thebaghadbetterbereturnedatonce.Thetrainwasalreadymovingquitefast,andMike'scompartmentwasnearingtheendoftheplatform.

Hesnatchedthebagfromtherackandhurleditoutofthewindow.



(PorterRobinson,whohappenedtobeinthelineoffire,escapedwithafleshwound.)Thenhesatdownagainwiththeinwardglowofsatisfactionwhichcomestoonewhenonehasrisensuccessfullytoasuddenemergency.

*****

Theglowlastedtillthenextstoppage,whichdidnotoccurforagoodmanymiles.Thenitceasedabruptly,forthetrainhadscarcelycometoastandstillwhentheopeningabovethedoorwasdarkenedbyaheadandshoulders.Theheadwassurmountedbyabowler,andapairofpince-nezgleamedfromtheshadow.

"Hullo,Isay,"saidthestranger."Haveyouchangedcarriages,orwhat?"

"No,"saidMike.

"Then,dashit,where'smyfrightfulbag?"

Lifeteemswithembarrassingsituations.Thiswasoneofthem.

"Thefactis,"saidMike,"Ichuckeditout."

"Chuckeditout!whatdoyoumean?When?""Atthelaststation."

Theguardblewhiswhistle,andtheotherjumpedintothecarriage.

"Ithoughtyou'dgotoutthereforgood,"explainedMike."I'mawfullysorry."

"Where_is_thebag?"

"Ontheplatformatthelaststation.Ithitaporter."

Againsthiswill,forhewishedtotreatthematterwithfittingsolemnity,Mikegrinnedattherecollection.ThelookonPorterRobinson'sfaceasthebagtookhiminthesmallofthebackhadbeenfunny,thoughnotintentionallyso.

Thebereavedownerdisapprovedofthislevity;andsaidasmuch.

"Don't_grin_,youlittlebeast,"heshouted."There'snothingtolaughat.Yougochuckingbagsthatdon'tbelongtoyououtofthewindow,andthenyouhavethefrightfulcheektogrinaboutit."

"Itwasn'tthat,"saidMikehurriedly."Onlytheporterlookedawfullyfunnywhenithithim."

"Dashtheporter!What'sgoingtohappenaboutmybag?Ican'tgetoutforhalfasecondtobuyamagazinewithoutyourflingingmythingsabouttheplatform.Whatyouwantisafrightfulkicking."

Thesituationwasbecomingdifficult.Butfortunatelyatthismomentthetrainstoppedonceagain;and,lookingoutofthewindow,MikesawaboardwithEastWobsleyuponitinlargeletters.AmomentlaterBob'sheadappearedinthedoorway.



"Hullo,thereyouare,"saidBob.

HiseyefelluponMike'scompanion.

"Hullo,Gazeka!"heexclaimed."Wheredidyouspringfrom?Doyouknowmybrother?He'scomingtoWrykynthisterm.Bytheway,ratherluckyyou'vemet.He'sinyourhouse.Firby-Smith'sheadofWain's,Mike."

MikegatheredthatGazekaandFirby-Smithwereoneandthesameperson.Hegrinnedagain.Firby-Smithcontinuedtolookruffled,thoughnotaggressive.

"Oh,areyouinWain's?"hesaid.

"Isay,Bob,"saidMike,"I'vemaderatheranassofmyself."

"Naturally."

"Imean,whathappenedwasthis.IchuckedFirby-Smith'sportmanteauoutofthewindow,thinkinghe'dgotout,onlyhehadn'treally,andit'satastationmilesback."

"You'reabitofarotter,aren'tyou?Haditgotyournameandaddressonit,Gazeka?"

"Yes."

"Oh,thenit'scertaintobeallright.It'sboundtoturnupsometime.They'llsenditonbythenexttrain,andyou'llgetiteitherto-nightorto-morrow."

"Frightfulnuisance,allthesame.LotsofthingsinitIwanted."

"Oh,nevermind,it'sallright.Isay,whathaveyoubeendoingintheholidays?Ididn'tknowyoulivedonthislineatall."

FromthispointonwardsMikewasoutoftheconversationaltogether.

BobandFirby-SmithtalkedofWrykyn,discussingeventsoftheprevioustermofwhichMikehadneverheard.Namescameintotheirconversationwhichwereentirelynewtohim.Herealisedthatschoolpoliticswerebeingtalked,andthatcontributionsfromhimtothedialoguewerenotrequired.Hetookuphismagazineagain,listeningthewhile.TheywerediscussingWain'snow.ThenameWyattcroppedupwithsomefrequency.Wyattwasapparentlysomethingofacharacter.Mentionwasmadeofrowsinwhichhehadplayedapartinthepast.

"Itmustbeprettyrottenforhim,"saidBob."HeandWainnevergetonverywell,andyettheyhavetobetogether,holidaysaswellasterm.Prettybadhavingastep-fatheratall--Ishouldn'tcareto--andwhenyourhouse-masterandyourstep-fatherarethesameman,it'sa

bitthick."

"Frightful,"agreedFirby-Smith.

"Iswear,ifIwereinWyatt'splace,Ishouldrotaboutlikeanything.Itisn'tasifhe'danythingtolookforwardtowhenheleaves.HetoldmelasttermthatWainhadgotanominationforhiminsomebeastlybank,andthathewasgoingintoitdirectlyaftertheendofthisterm.RatherroughonachaplikeWyatt.Goodcricketerandfootballer,Imean,andallthatsortofthing.It'sjustthesort



oflifehe'llhatemost.Hullo,hereweare."

Mikelookedoutofthewindow.ItwasWrykynatlast.

CHAPTERIII

MIKEFINDSAFRIENDLYNATIVE

Mikewassurprisedtofind,onalighting,thattheplatformwasentirelyfreefromWrykynians.Inallthestorieshehadreadthewholeschoolcamebackbythesametrain,and,havingsmashedinoneanother'shatsandchaffedtheporters,madetheirwaytotheschoolbuildingsinasolidcolumn.Butheretheywerealone.

AremarkofBob'stoFirby-Smithexplainedthis."Can'tmakeoutwhynoneofthefellowscamebackbythistrain,"hesaid."Heapsofthemmustcomebythisline,andit'stheonlyChristiantraintheyrun,"

"Don'twanttogetherebeforethelastminutetheycanpossiblymanage.Sillyidea.Isupposetheythinkthere'dbenothingtodo."

"Whatshall_we_do?"saidBob."ComeandhavesometeaatCook's?"

"Allright."

BoblookedatMike.Therewasnodisguisingthefactthathewouldbeintheway;buthowconveythisfactdelicatelytohim?

"Lookhere,Mike,"hesaid,withahappyinspiration,"Firby-SmithandIarejustgoingtogetsometea.Ithinkyou'dbetternipuptotheschool.ProbablyWainwillwanttoseeyou,andtellyouallaboutthings,whichisyourdorm.andsoon.Seeyoulater,"heconcluded

airily."Anyone'lltellyouthewaytotheschool.Gostraighton.They'llsendyourluggageonlater.Solong."Andhissolepropinthisworldofstrangersdeparted,leavinghimtofindhiswayforhimself.

Thereisnosubjectonwhichopinionsdiffersowidelyasthismatteroffindingthewaytoaplace.Tothemanwhoknows,itissimplicityitself.Probablyhereallydoesimaginethathegoesstraighton,ignoringthefactthatforhimthechoiceofthreeroads,allmoreorlessstraight,hasnoperplexities.Themanwhodoesnotknowfeelsasifhewereinamaze.

Mikestartedoutboldly,andlosthisway.Goinwhichdirectionhe

would,healwaysseemedtoarriveatasquarewithafountainandanequestrianstatueinitscentre.Onthefourthrepetitionofthisfeathestoppedinadisheartenedway,andlookedabouthim.HewasbeginningtofeelbittertowardsBob.Themanmightatleasthaveshownhimwheretogetsometea.

Atthismomentarayofhopeshonethroughthegloom.Crossingthesquarewasashort,thick-setfigurecladingreyflanneltrousers,ablueblazer,andastrawhatwithacolouredband.PlainlyaWrykynian.Mikemadeforhim.



"Canyoutellmethewaytotheschool,please,"hesaid.

"Oh,you'regoingtotheschool,"saidtheother.Hehadapleasant,square-jawedface,reminiscentofagood-temperedbull-dog,andapairofverydeep-setgreyeyeswhichsomehowputMikeathisease.Therewassomethingsingularlycoolandgenialaboutthem.Hefeltthattheysawthehumourinthings,andthattheirownerwasapersonwholikedmostpeopleandwhommostpeopleliked.

"Youlookratherlost,"saidthestranger."Beenhuntingforitlong?"

"Yes,"saidMike.

"Whichhousedoyouwant?"

"Wain's."

"Wain's?Thenyou'vecometotherightmanthistime.WhatIdon'tknowaboutWain'sisn'tworthknowing."

"Areyouthere,too?"

"AmInot!Term_and_holidays.There'snocloseseasonforme."

"Oh,areyouWyatt,then?"askedMike.

"Hullo,thisisfame.Howdidyouknowmyname,astheassinthedetectivestoryalwayssaystothedetective,who'sseenitintheliningofhishat?Who'sbeentalkingaboutme?"

"Iheardmybrothersayingsomethingaboutyouinthetrain."

"Who'syourbrother?"

"Jackson.He'sinDonaldson's."

"Iknow.Astoutfellow.Soyou'rethenewestmakeofJackson,latestmodel,withallthemodernimprovements?Arethereanymoreofyou?"

"Notbrothers,"saidMike.

"Pity.Youcan'tquiteraiseateam,then?AreyouasortofyoungTyldesley,too?"

"Iplayedabitatmylastschool.Onlyaprivateschool,youknow,"addedMikemodestly.

"Makeanyruns?Whatwasyourbestscore?"

"Hundredandtwenty-three,"saidMikeawkwardly."Itwasonlyagainstkids,youknow."Hewasinterrorlestheshouldseemtobebragging.

"That'sprettyuseful.Anymorecenturies?"

"Yes,"saidMike,shuffling.

"Howmany?"

"Sevenaltogether.Youknow,itwasreallyawfullyrottenbowling.And



Iwasagoodbitbiggerthanmostofthechapsthere.Andmypateralwayshasapro.downintheEasterholidays,whichgavemeabitofanadvantage."

"Allthesame,sevencenturiesisn'tsodustyagainstanybowling.Weshallwantsomebattinginthehousethisterm.Lookhere,Iwasjustgoingtohavesometea.Youcomealong,too."

"Oh,thanksawfully,"saidMike."MybrotherandFirby-SmithhavegonetoaplacecalledCook's."

"TheoldGazeka?Ididn'tknowhelivedinyourpartoftheworld.He'sheadofWain's."

"Yes,Iknow,"saidMike."WhyishecalledGazeka?"heaskedafterapause.

"Don'tyouthinkhelookslikeone?Whatdidyouthinkofhim?"

"Ididn'tspeaktohimmuch,"saidMikecautiously.Itisalwaysdelicateworkansweringaquestionlikethisunlessonehassomesortofaninklingastotheviewsofthequestioner.

"He'sallright,"saidWyatt,answeringforhimself."He'sgotahabit

oftalkingtooneasifhewereaprinceoftheblooddroppingagraciouswordtooneofthethreeSmall-HeadsattheHippodrome,butthat'shismisfortune.Weallhaveourtroubles.That'shis.Let'sgoinhere.It'stoofartosweattoCook's."

Itwasaboutamilefromthetea-shoptotheschool.Mike'sfirstimpressiononarrivingattheschoolgroundswasofhissmallnessandinsignificance.Everythinglookedsobig--thebuildings,thegrounds,everything.Hefeltoutofthepicture.HewasgladthathehadmetWyatt.Tomakehisentranceintothisstrangelandalonewouldhavebeenmoreofanordealthanhewouldhavecaredtoface.

"That'sWain's,"saidWyatt,pointingtooneofhalfadozenlarge

houseswhichlinedtheroadonthesouthsideofthecricketfield.Mikefollowedhisfinger,andtookinthesizeofhisnewhome.

"Isay,it'sjollybig,"hesaid."Howmanyfellowsarethereinit?"

"Thirty-onethisterm,Ibelieve."

"That'smorethantherewereatKing-Hall's."

"What'sKing-Hall's?"

"TheprivateschoolIwasat.AtEmsworth."

Emsworthseemedveryremoteandunrealtohimashespoke.

Theyskirtedthecricketfield,walkingalongthepaththatdividedthetwoterraces.TheWrykynplaying-fieldswereformedofaseriesofhugesteps,cutoutofthehill.Atthetopofthehillcametheschool.Onthefirstterracewasasortofinformalpracticeground,where,thoughnogameswereplayedonit,therewasagooddealofpuntinganddrop-kickinginthewinterandfielding-practiceinthesummer.Thenextterracewasthebiggestofall,andformedthefirstelevencricketground,abeautifulpieceofturf,ashadetoonarrow



foritslength,boundedontheterracesidebyasharplyslopingbank,somefifteenfeetdeep,andontheotherbytheprecipiceleadingtothenextterrace.Atthefarendofthegroundstoodthepavilion,andbesideitalittleivy-coveredrabbit-hutchforthescorers.OldWrykyniansalwaysclaimedthatitwastheprettiestschoolgroundinEngland.Itcertainlyhadthefinestview.Fromtheverandahofthepavilionyoucouldlookoverthreecounties.

Wain'shouseworeanemptyanddesolateappearance.Thereweresignsofactivity,however,inside;andasmellofsoapandwarmwatertoldofpreparationsrecentlycompleted.

WyatttookMikeintothematron'sroom,asmallroomopeningoutofthemainpassage.

"ThisisJackson,"hesaid."Whichdormitoryishein,MissPayne?"

Thematronconsultedapaper.

"He'sinyours,Wyatt."

"Goodbusiness.Who'sintheotherbed?Therearegoingtobethreeofus,aren'tthere?"

"Fereirawastohavesleptthere,butwehavejustheardthatheisnotcomingbackthisterm.Hehashadtogoonasea-voyageforhishealth."

"SeemsqueeranyoneactuallytakingthetroubletokeepFereiraintheworld,"saidWyatt."I'veoftenthoughtofgivinghimRoughOnRatsmyself.Comealong,Jackson,andI'llshowyoutheroom."

Theywentalongthepassage,andupaflightofstairs.

"Hereyouare,"saidWyatt.

Itwasafair-sizedroom.Thewindow,heavilybarred,lookedoutover

alargegarden.

"Iusedtosleepherealonelastterm,"saidWyatt,"butthehouseissofullnowthey'veturneditintoadormitory."

"Isay,Iwishthesebarsweren'there.Itwouldberatheraragtogetoutofthewindowontothatwallatnight,andhopdownintothegardenandexplore,"saidMike.

Wyattlookedathimcuriously,andmovedtothewindow.

"I'mnotgoingtoletyoudoit,ofcourse,"hesaid,"becauseyou'dgogettingcaught,anddroppedon,whichisn'tgoodforoneinone's

firstterm;butjusttoamuseyou----"

Hejerkedatthemiddlebar,andthenextmomenthewasstandingwithitinhishand,andthewaytothegardenwasclear.

"ByJove!"saidMike.

"That'ssimplyanobject-lesson,youknow,"saidWyatt,replacingthebar,andpushingthescrewsbackintotheirputty."IgetoutatnightmyselfbecauseIthinkmyhealthneedsit.Besides,it'smylastterm,



anyhow,soitdoesn'tmatterwhatIdo.ButifIfindyoutryingtocutoutinthesmallhours,there'llbetrouble.See?"

"Allright,"saidMike,reluctantly."ButIwishyou'dletme."

"NotifIknowit.Promiseyouwon'ttryiton."

"Allright.But,Isay,whatdoyoudooutthere?"

"Ishootatcatswithanair-pistol,thebeautyofwhichisthatevenifyouhitthemitdoesn'thurt--simplykeepsthembrightandinterestedinlife;andifyoumissyou'vehadallthefunanyhow.Haveyouevershotatarocketingcat?Finestmarkyoucanhave.Society'slatestcraze.Buyapistolandseelife."

"Iwishyou'dletmecome."

"Idaresayyoudo.Notmuch,however.Now,ifyoulike,I'lltakeyouovertherestoftheschool.You'llhavetoseeitsoonerorlater,soyoumayaswellgetitoveratonce."

CHAPTERIVATTHENETS

Therearefewbetterthingsinlifethanapublicschoolsummerterm.Thewintertermisgood,especiallytowardstheend,andtherearepoints,thoughnotmany,abouttheEasterterm:butitisinthesummerthatonereallyappreciatespublicschoollife.Thefreedomofit,aftertherestrictionsofeventhemosteasy-goingprivateschool,isintoxicating.Thechangeisalmostasgreatasthatfrompublicschoolto'Varsity.

ForMikethepathwasmadeparticularlyeasy.Theonlydrawbacktogoingtoabigschoolforthefirsttimeisthefactthatoneismadetofeelsoverysmallandinconspicuous.Newboyswhohavebeenleadinglightsattheirprivateschoolsfeelitacutelyforthefirstweek.Atonetimeitwasthecustom,ifwemaybelievewritersofagenerationorsoback,forboystotakequiteanembarrassinginterestinthenewcomer.Hewasaskedarainofquestions,andwas,generally,intheverycentreofthestage.Nowadaysanabsolutelackofinterestisthefashion.Anewboyarrives,andthereheis,oneofacrowd.

Mikewassavedthissalutarytreatmenttoalargeextent,atfirstbyvirtueofthegreatnessofhisfamily,and,later,byhisownperformancesonthecricketfield.Histhreeelderbrotherswere

objectsofvenerationtomostWrykynians,andMikegotacertainamountofreflectedgloryfromthem.Thebrotheroffirst-classcricketershasadignityofhisown.ThenBobwasahelp.Hewasonthevergeofthecricketteamandhadbeentheschoolfull-backfortwoseasons.Mikefoundthatpeoplecameupandspoketohim,anxioustoknowifhewereJackson'sbrother;andbecamefriendlywhenherepliedintheaffirmative.Influentialrelationsareahelpineverystageoflife.

ItwasWyattwhogavehimhisfirstchanceatcricket.Therewerenets



onthefirstafternoonoftermforalloldcoloursofthethreeteamsandadozenorsoofthosemostlikelytofillthevacantplaces.Wyattwasthere,ofcourse.Hehadgothisfirstelevencapinthepreviousseasonasamightyhitterandafairslowbowler.Mikemethimcrossingthefieldwithhiscricketbag.

"Hullo,whereareyouoffto?"askedWyatt."Comingtowatchthenets?"

Mikehadnoparticularprogrammefortheafternoon.Juniorcrickethadnotbegun,anditwasalittledifficulttoknowhowtofillinthetime.

"Itellyouwhat,"saidWyatt,"nipintothehouseandshoveonsomethings,andI'lltryandgetBurgesstoletyouhaveaknocklateron."

ThissuitedMikeadmirably.Aquarterofanhourlaterhewassittingatthebackofthefirstelevennet,watchingthepractice.

Burgess,thecaptainoftheWrykynteam,madenopretenceofbeingabat.Hewastheschoolfastbowlerandconcentratedhisenergiesonthatdepartmentofthegame.Hesometimestooktenminutesatthewicketaftereverybodyelsehadhadaninnings,butitwastobowl

thathecametothenets.HewasbowlingnowtooneoftheoldcolourswhosenameMikedidnotknow.Wyattandoneoftheprofessionalsweretheothertwobowlers.TwonetsawayFirby-Smith,whohadchangedhispince-nezforapairofhugespectacles,wasperformingratherineffectivelyagainstsomeverybadbowling.Mikefixedhisattentiononthefirstelevenman.

Hewasevidentlyagoodbat.Therewasstyleandpowerinhisbatting.HehadawayofglidingBurgess'sfastesttolegwhichMikeadmiredgreatly.Hewassucceededattheendofaquarterofanhourbyanotherelevenman,andthenBobappeared.

ItwassoonmadeevidentthatthiswasnotBob'sday.Nobodyisathisbestonthefirstdayofterm;butBobwasworsethanhehadanyrighttobe.Hescratchedforwardatnearlyeverything,andwhenBurgess,whohadbeenresting,tookuptheballagain,hehadeachstumpuprootedinaregularseriesinsevenballs.OnceheskiedoneofWyatt'sslowsoverthenetbehindthewicket;andMike,jumpingup,caughthimneatly.

"Thanks,"saidBobausterely,asMikereturnedtheballtohim.Heseemeddepressed.

Towardstheendoftheafternoon,WyattwentuptoBurgess.

"Burgess,"hesaid,"seethatkidsittingbehindthenet?"

"Withthenakedeye,"saidBurgess."Why?"

"He'sjustcometoWain's.He'sBobJackson'sbrother,andI'veasortofideathathe'sabitofabat.ItoldhimI'daskyouifhecouldhaveaknock.Whynotsendhiminattheendnet?There'snobodytherenow."

Burgess'samiabilityoffthefieldequalledhisruthlessnesswhen



betweenthelines.

"Thanksawfully,"saidMike,referringtothesquaremannerinwhichthecaptainhadbehavedinlettinghimbat.

"Whatschoolwereyouatbeforeyoucamehere?"askedBurgess.

"AprivateschoolinHampshire,"saidMike."King-Hall's.AtaplacecalledEmsworth."

"Getmuchcricketthere?"

"Yes,agoodlot.Oneofthemasters,achapcalledWestbrook,wasanawfullygoodslowbowler."

Burgessnodded.

"Youdon'trunaway,whichissomething,"hesaid.

Miketurnedpurplewithpleasureatthisstatelycompliment.Then,havingwaitedforfurtherremarks,butgatheringfromthecaptain'ssilencethattheaudiencewasatanend,heproceededtounbucklehispads.Wyattovertookhimonhiswaytothehouse.

"Wellplayed,"hesaid."I'dnoideayouweresuchhotstuff.You'rearegularpro."

"Isay,"saidMikegratefully,"itwasmostawfullydecentofyougettingBurgesstoletmegoin.Itwassimplyrippingofyou."

"Oh,that'sallright.Ifyoudon'tgetpushedabithereyoustayforagesinthehundredthgamewiththecripplesandthekids.Nowyou'veshownthemwhatyoucandoyououghttogetintotheUnderSixteenteamstraightaway.Probablyintothethird,too."

"ByJove,thatwouldbeallright."

"IaskedBurgessafterwardswhathethoughtofyourbatting,andhesaid,'Notbad.'Buthesaysthatabouteverything.It'shishighestformofpraise.Hesaysitwhenhewantstolethimselfgoandsimplybutterupathing.IfyoutookhimtoseeN.A.Knoxbowl,he'dsayhewasn'tbad.Whathemeantwasthathewasjollystruckwithyourbatting,andisgoingtoplayyoufortheUnderSixteen."

"Ihopeso,"saidMike.

Theprophecywasfulfilled.OnthefollowingWednesdaytherewasamatchbetweentheUnderSixteenandascratchside.Mike'snamewasamongtheUnderSixteen.AndontheSaturdayhewasplayingforthethirdeleveninatrialgame.

"Thisplaceisripping,"hesaidtohimself,ashesawhisnameonthelist."ThoughtIshouldlikeit."

Andthatnighthewrotealettertohisfather,notifyinghimofthefact.



CHAPTERV

REVELRYBYNIGHT

AsuccessionofeventscombinedtoupsetMikeduringhisfirstfortnightatschool.Hewasfarmoresuccessfulthanhehadanyrighttobeathisage.Thereisnothingmoreheadythansuccess,andifitcomesbeforewearepreparedforit,itisapttothrowusoffourbalance.Asarule,atschool,yearsofwholesomeobscuritymakeusreadyforanysmalltriumphswemayachieveattheendofourtimethere.Mikehadskippedtheseyears.Hewasolderthantheaveragenewboy,andhisbattingwasundeniable.Heknewquitewellthathewasregardedasafindbythecricketauthorities;andtheknowledgewasnotparticularlygoodforhim.Itdidnotmakehimconceited,forhiswasnotanatureatalladdictedtoconceit.Theeffectithadonhimwastomakehimexcessivelypleasedwithlife.AndwhenMikewaspleasedwithlifehealwaysfoundadifficultyinobeyingAuthorityanditsrules.HisstateofmindwasnotimprovedbyaninterviewwithBob.

SomeevilgeniusputitintoBob'smindthatitwashisdutytobe,ifonlyforoneperformance,theHeavyElderBrothertoMike;togivehimgoodadvice.Itisneverthesmallestuseforanelderbrotherto

attempttodoanythingforthegoodofayoungerbrotheratschool,forthelatterrebelsautomaticallyagainstsuchinterferenceinhisconcerns;butBobdidnotknowthis.Heonlyknewthathehadreceivedaletterfromhome,inwhichhismotherhadassumedwithoutevidencethathewasleadingMikebythehandroundthepitfallsoflifeatWrykyn;andhisconsciencesmotehim.Beyondaskinghimoccasionally,whentheymet,howhewasgettingon(aquestiontowhichMikeinvariablyreplied,"Oh,allright"),hewasnotawareofhavingdoneanythingbrotherlytowardstheyoungster.SoheaskedMiketoteainhisstudyoneafternoonbeforegoingtothenets.

Mikearrived,sidlingintothestudyinthehalf-sheepish,half-defiantmannerpeculiartosmallbrothersinthepresenceoftheirelders,and

staredinsilenceatthephotographsonthewalls.Bobwaschangingintohiscricketthings.Theatmospherewasoneofconstraintandawkwardness.

Thearrivalofteawasthecueforconversation.

"Well,howareyougettingon?"askedBob.

"Oh,allright,"saidMike.

Silence.

"Sugar?"askedBob.

"Thanks,"saidMike.

"Howmanylumps?"

"Two,please."

"Cake?"

"Thanks."



Silence.

Bobpulledhimselftogether.

"LikeWain's?"

"Ripping."

"IaskedFirby-Smithtokeepaneyeonyou,"saidBob.

"What!"saidMike.

ThemereideaofawormliketheGazekabeingtoldtokeepaneyeon _him_wasdegrading.

"Hesaidhe'dlookafteryou,"addedBob,makingthingsworse.

Lookafterhim!Him!!M.Jackson,ofthethirdeleven!!!

Mikehelpedhimselftoanotherchunkofcake,andspokecrushingly.

"Heneedn'ttrouble,"hesaid."Icanlookaftermyselfallright,thanks."

BobsawanopeningfortheentryoftheHeavyElderBrother."Lookhere,Mike,"hesaid,"I'monlysayingitforyourgood----"

IshouldliketostateherethatitwasnotBob'shabittogoabouttheworldtellingpeoplethingssolelyfortheirgood.Hewasonlydoingitnowtoeasehisconscience.

"Yes?"saidMikecoldly.

"It'sonlythis.Youknow,IshouldkeepaneyeonmyselfifIwereyou.There'snothingthatgetsachapsobarredhereasside."

"Whatdoyoumean?"saidMike,outraged.

"Oh,I'mnotsayinganythingagainstyousofar,"saidBob."You'vebeenallrightuptonow.WhatImeantosayis,you'vegotonsowellatcricket,inthethirdandsoon,there'sjustachanceyoumightstarttosideaboutabitsoon,ifyoudon'twatchyourself.I'mnotsayingawordagainstyousofar,ofcourse.OnlyyouseewhatImean."

Mike'sfeelingsweretoodeepforwords.Insombresilencehereachedoutforthejam;whileBob,satisfiedthathehaddeliveredhismessageinapleasantandtactfulmanner,filledhiscup,andcastabouthimforfurtherwordsofwisdom.

"SeenyouaboutwithWyattagooddeal,"hesaidatlength.

"Yes,"saidMike.

"Likehim?"

"Yes,"saidMikecautiously.

"Youknow,"saidBob,"Ishouldn't--Imean,Ishouldtakecarewhat



you'redoingwithWyatt."

"Whatdoyoumean?"

"Well,he'sanawfullygoodchap,ofcourse,butstill----"

"Stillwhat?"

"Well,Imean,he'sthesortofchapwho'llprobablygetintosomethunderingrowbeforeheleaves.Hedoesn'tcareahangwhathedoes.He'sthatsortofchap.He'sneverbeendroppedonyet,butifyougoonbreakingrulesyou'reboundtobesoonerorlater.Thingis,itdoesn'tmattermuchforhim,becausehe'sleavingattheendoftheterm.Butdon'tlethimdragyouintoanything.Notthathewouldtryto.Butyoumightthinkitwasthebloodthingtodotoimitatehim,andthefirstthingyouknewyou'dbedroppedonbyWainorsomebody.SeewhatImean?"

Bobwaswell-intentioned,buttactdidnotentergreatlyintohiscomposition.

"Whatrot!"saidMike.

"Allright.Butdon'tyougodoingit.I'mgoingovertothenets.I

seeBurgesshasshovedyoudownforthem.You'dbetterbegoingandchanging.Stickonhereabit,though,ifyouwantanymoretea.I'vegottobeoffmyself."

Mikechangedfornet-practiceinafermentofspiritualinjury.Itwasmaddeningtobetreatedasaninfantwhohadtobelookedafter.HefeltverysoreagainstBob.

Agoodinningsatthethirdelevennet,followedbysomestrenuousfieldinginthedeep,soothedhisruffledfeelingstoalargeextent;andallmighthavebeenwellbutfortheinterventionofFirby-Smith.

Thatyouth,allspectaclesandfrontteeth,metMikeatthedoorof

Wain's.

"Ah,Iwantedtoseeyou,youngman,"hesaid.(Mikedislikedbeingcalled"youngman.")"Comeuptomystudy."

Mikefollowedhiminsilencetohisstudy,andpreservedhissilencetillFirby-Smith,havingdepositedhiscricket-baginacorneroftheroomandexaminedhimselfcarefullyinalooking-glassthathungoverthemantelpiece,spokeagain.

"I'vebeenhearingallaboutyou,youngman."Mikeshuffled.

"You'reafrightfulcharacterfromallaccounts."Mikecouldnotthink

ofanythingtosaythatwasnotrude,sosaidnothing.

"Yourbrotherhasaskedmetokeepaneyeonyou."

Mike'ssoulbegantotieitselfintoknotsagain.Hewasjustattheagewhenoneismostsensitivetopatronageandmostresentfulofit.

"IpromisedIwould,"saidtheGazeka,turningroundandexamininghimselfinthemirroragain."You'llgetonallrightifyoubehaveyourself.Don'tmakeafrightfulrowinthehouse.Don'tcheekyour



eldersandbetters.Wash.That'sall.Cutalong."

Mikehadavagueideaofsacrificinghiscareertothemomentarypleasureofflingingachairattheheadofthehouse.Overcomingthisfeeling,hewalkedoutoftheroom,anduptohisdormitorytochange.

*****

Inthedormitorythatnightthefeelingofrevolt,ofwantingtodosomethingactivelyillegal,increased.LikeEric,heburned,notwithshameandremorse,butwithrageandallthatsortofthing.Hedroppedofftosleepfullofhalf-formedplansforassertinghimself.HewasawakenedfromadreaminwhichhewasbattingagainstFirby-Smith'sbowling,andhittingitintospaceeverytime,byaslightsound.Heopenedhiseyes,andsawadarkfiguresilhouettedagainstthelightofthewindow.Hesatupinbed.

"Hullo,"hesaid."Isthatyou,Wyatt?"

"Areyouawake?"saidWyatt."SorryifI'vespoiledyourbeautysleep."

"Areyougoingout?"

"Iam,"saidWyatt."Thecatsareparticularlystrongonthewingjustnow.Mustn'tmissachancelikethis.Speciallyasthere'sagoodmoon,too.Ishallbedeadly."

"Isay,can'tIcometoo?"

Amoonlightprowl,withorwithoutanair-pistol,wouldjusthavesuitedMike'smood.

"No,youcan't,"saidWyatt."WhenI'mcaught,asI'mmorallycertaintobesomeday,ornightrather,they'reboundtoaskifyou'veeverbeenoutaswellasme.Thenyou'llbeabletoputyourhandonyourlittleheartanddoabigGeorgeWashingtonact.You'llfindthat

usefulwhenthetimecomes."

"Doyouthinkyouwillbecaught?"

"Shouldn'tbesurprised.Anyhow,youstaywhereyouare.Gotosleepanddreamthatyou'replayingfortheschoolagainstRipton.Solong."

AndWyatt,layingthebarhehadextractedonthewindow-sill,wriggledout.Mikesawhimdisappearingalongthewall.

*****

ItwasallverywellforWyatttotellhimtogotosleep,butitwas

notsoeasytodoit.Theroomwasalmostlight;andMikealwaysfounditdifficulttosleepunlessitwasdark.Heturnedoveronhissideandshuthiseyes,buthehadneverfeltwiderawake.Twiceheheardthequarterschimefromtheschoolclock;andthesecondtimehegaveupthestruggle.Hegotoutofbedandwenttothewindow.Itwasalovelynight,justthesortofnightonwhich,ifhehadbeenathome,hewouldhavebeenoutaftermothswithalantern.

AsharpyowlfromanunseencattoldofWyatt'spresencesomewhereinthebiggarden.Hewouldhavegivenmuchtobewithhim,buthe



realisedthathewasonparole.Hehadpromisednottoleavethehouse,andtherewasanendofit.

Heturnedawayfromthewindowandsatdownonhisbed.Thenabeautiful,consolingthoughtcametohim.Hehadgivenhiswordthathewouldnotgointothegarden,butnothinghadbeensaidaboutexploringinsidethehouse.Itwasquitelatenow.Everybodywouldbeinbed.Itwouldbequitesafe.AndtheremustbeallsortsofthingstointerestthevisitorinWain'spartofthehouse.Food,perhaps.Mikefeltthathecouldjustdowithabiscuit.AndtherewereboundtobebiscuitsonthesideboardinWain'sdining-room.

Hecreptquietlyoutofthedormitory.

Hehadbeenlongenoughinthehousetoknowtheway,inspiteofthefactthatallwasdarkness.Downthestairs,alongthepassagetotheleft,andupafewmorestairsattheendThebeautyofthepositionwasthatthedining-roomhadtwodoors,oneleadingintoWain'spartofthehouse,theotherintotheboys'section.Anyinterruptionthattheremightbewouldcomefromthefurtherdoor.

Tomakehimselfmoresecurehelockedthatdoor;then,turninguptheincandescentlight,heproceededtolookabouthim.

Mr.Wain'sdining-roomrepaidinspection.Thereweretheremainsofsupperonthetable.Mikecuthimselfsomecheeseandtooksomebiscuitsfromthebox,feelingthathewasdoinghimselfwell.ThiswasLife.Therewasalittlesoda-waterinthesyphon.Hefinishedit.Asitswishedintotheglass,itmadeanoisethatseemedtohimlikethreehundredNiagaras;butnobodyelseinthehouseappearedtohavenoticedit.

Hetooksomemorebiscuits,andanapple.

Afterwhich,feelinganewman,heexaminedtheroom.

Andthiswaswherethetroublebegan.

Onatableinonecornerstoodasmallgramophone.AndgramophoneshappenedtobeMike'sparticularcraze.

Allthoughtofrisklefthim.Thesoda-watermayhavegotintohishead,orhemayhavebeeninaparticularlyrecklessmood,asindeedhewas.Thefactremainsthat_he_insertedthefirstrecordthatcametohand,woundthemachineup,andsetitgoing.

Thenextmoment,veryloudandnasal,avoicefromthemachineannouncedthatMr.GodfreyFieldwouldsing"TheQuaintOldBird."And,afterafewpreliminarychords,Mr.Fieldactuallydidso.

_"AuntiewenttoAldershotinaParispom-pomhat."_

Mikestoodanddraineditin.

_"...Goodgracious_(sangMr.Field),_whatwasthat?"_

Itwasarattlingatthehandleofthedoor.Arattlingthatturnedalmostimmediatelyintoaspiritedbanging.Avoiceaccompaniedthebanging."Whoisthere?"inquiredthevoice.MikerecogniseditasMr.Wain's.Hewasnotalarmed.Themanwhoholdstheaceoftrumpshasno



needtobealarmed.Hispositionwasimpregnable.Theenemywasheldincheckbythelockeddoor,whiletheotherdoorofferedanadmirableandinstantaneouswayofescape.

Mikecreptacrosstheroomontip-toeandopenedthewindow.Ithadoccurredtohim,justintime,thatifMr.Wain,onenteringtheroom,foundthattheoccupanthadretiredbywayoftheboys'partofthehouse,hemightpossiblyobtainacluetohisidentity.If,ontheotherhand,heopenedthewindow,suspicionwouldbediverted.Mikehadnotreadhis"Raffles"fornothing.

Thehandle-rattlingwasresumed.Thiswasgood.Solongasthefrontalattackwaskeptup,therewasnochanceofhisbeingtakenintherear--hisonlydanger.

Hestoppedthegramophone,whichhadbeenpeggingawaypatientlyat"TheQuaintOldBird"allthetime,andreflected.Itseemedapitytoevacuatethepositionandringdownthecurtainonwhatwas,todate,themostexcitingepisodeofhislife;buthemustnotoverdothething,andgetcaught.Atanymomentthenoisemightbringreinforcementstothebesiegingforce,thoughitwasnotlikely,forthedining-roomwasalongwayfromthedormitories;anditmightflashupontheirmindsthatthereweretwoentrancestotheroom.OrthesamebrightthoughtmightcometoWainhimself.

"Nowwhat,"ponderedMike,"wouldA.J.Raffleshavedoneinacaselikethis?Supposehe'dbeenaftersomebody'sjewels,andfoundthattheywereafterhim,andhe'dlockedonedoor,andcouldgetawaybytheother."

Theanswerwassimple.

"He'dclearout,"thoughtMike.

Twominuteslaterhewasinbed.

Helaythere,tinglingalloverwiththeconsciousnessofhaving

playedamasterlygame,whensuddenlyagruesomeideacametohim,andhesatup,breathless.SupposeWaintookitintohisheadtomakeatourofthedormitories,toseethatallwaswell!Wyattwasstillinthegardensomewhere,blissfullyunconsciousofwhatwasgoingonindoors.Hewouldbecaughtforacertainty!

CHAPTERVI

INWHICHATIGHTCORNERISEVADED

ForamomentthesituationparalysedMike.Thenhebegantobeequaltoit.Intimesofexcitementonethinksrapidlyandclearly.Themainpoint,thekernelofthewholething,wasthathemustgetintothegardensomehow,andwarnWyatt.Andatthesametime,hemustkeepMr.Wainfromcomingtothedormitory.Hejumpedoutofbed,anddasheddownthedarkstairs.

Hehadtakencaretoclosethedining-roomdoorafterhim.Itwasopennow,andhecouldhearsomebodymovinginsidetheroom.Evidentlyhis



retreathadbeenmadejustintime.

Heknockedatthedoor,andwentin.

Mr.Wainwasstandingatthewindow,lookingout.Hespunroundattheknock,andstaredinastonishmentatMike'spyjama-cladfigure.Mike,inspiteofhisanxiety,couldbarelycheckalaugh.Mr.Wainwasatall,thinman,withaseriousfacepartiallyobscuredbyagrizzledbeard.Heworespectacles,throughwhichhepeeredowlishlyatMike.Hisbodywaswrappedinabrowndressing-gown.Hishairwasruffled.Helookedlikesomeweirdbird.

"Please,sir,IthoughtIheardanoise,"saidMike.

Mr.Waincontinuedtostare.

"Whatareyoudoinghere?"saidheatlast.

"ThoughtIheardanoise,please,sir."

"Anoise?"

"Please,sir,arow."

"Youthoughtyouheard----!"ThethingseemedtobeworryingMr.Wain.

"SoIcamedown,sir,"saidMike.

Thehouse-master'sgiantbrainstillappearedtobesomewhatclouded.Helookedabouthim,and,catchingsightofthegramophone,drewinspirationfromit.

"Didyouturnonthegramophone?"heasked.

"_Me_,sir!"saidMike,withtheairofabishopaccusedof

contributingtothe_PoliceNews_.

"Ofcoursenot,ofcoursenot,"saidMr.Wainhurriedly."Ofcoursenot.Idon'tknowwhyIasked.Allthisisveryunsettling.Whatareyoudoinghere?"

"ThoughtIheardanoise,please,sir."

"Anoise?"

"Arow,sir."

IfitwasMr.Wain'swishthatheshouldspendthenightplayingMassa

TambotohisMassaBones,itwasnotforhimtobaulkthehouse-master'sinnocentpleasure.Hewaspreparedtocontinuethesnappydialoguetillbreakfasttime.

"Ithinktheremusthavebeenaburglarinhere,Jackson."

"Lookslikeit,sir."

"Ifoundthewindowopen."



"He'sprobablyinthegarden,sir."

Mr.Wainlookedoutintothegardenwithanannoyedexpression,asifitsbehaviourinlettingburglarsbeinitstruckhimasunworthyofarespectablegarden.

"Hemightbestillinthehouse,"saidMr.Wain,ruminatively.

"Notlikely,sir."

"Youthinknot?"

"Wouldn'tbesuchafool,sir.Imean,suchanass,sir."

"Perhapsyouareright,Jackson."

"Ishouldn'twonderifhewashidingintheshrubbery,sir."

Mr.Wainlookedattheshrubbery,aswhoshouldsay,_"Ettu,Brute!"_

"ByJove!IthinkIseehim,"criedMike.Herantothewindow,andvaultedthroughitontothelawn.AninarticulateprotestfromMr.Wain,renderedspeechlessbythismovejustashehadbeenbeginning

torecoverhisfaculties,andhewasrunningacrossthelawnintotheshrubbery.Hefeltthatallwaswell.Theremightbeabitofarowonhisreturn,buthecouldalwayspleadoverwhelmingexcitement.

Wyattwasroundatthebacksomewhere,andtheproblemwashowtogetbackwithoutbeingseenfromthedining-roomwindow.Fortunatelyabeltofevergreensranalongthepathrightuptothehouse.Mikeworkedhiswaycautiouslythroughthesetillhewasoutofsight,thentorefortheregionsattheback.

Themoonhadgonebehindtheclouds,anditwasnoteasytofindawaythroughthebushes.Twicebranchessprangoutfromnowhere,andhitMikesmartlyovertheshins,elicitingsharphowlsofpain.

Onthesecondoftheseoccasionsalowvoicespokefromsomewhereonhisright.

"Whoonearth'sthat?"itsaid.

Mikestopped.

"Isthatyou,Wyatt?Isay----"

"Jackson!"

Themooncameoutagain,andMikesawWyattclearly.Hiskneeswere

coveredwithmould.Hehadevidentlybeencrouchinginthebushesonallfours.

"Youyoungass,"saidWyatt."Youpromisedmethatyouwouldn'tgetout."

"Yes,Iknow,but----"

"Iheardyoucrashingthroughtheshrubberylikeahundredelephants.Ifyou_must_getoutatnightandchancebeingsacked,youmight



atleasthavethesensetowalkquietly."

"Yes,butyoudon'tunderstand."

AndMikerapidlyexplainedthesituation.

"Buthowthedickensdidhehearyou,ifyouwereinthedining-room?"askedWyatt."It'smilesfromhisbedroom.Youmusttreadlikeapoliceman."

"Itwasn'tthat.Thethingwas,yousee,itwasratherarottenthingtodo,Isuppose,butIturnedonthegramophone."

"You--_what?_"

"Thegramophone.Itstartedplaying'TheQuaintOldBird.'Rippingitwas,tillWaincamealong."

Wyattdoubledupwithnoiselesslaughter.

"You'reagenius,"hesaid."Ineversawsuchaman.Well,what'sthegamenow?What'stheidea?"

"Ithinkyou'dbetternipbackalongthewallandinthroughthe

window,andI'llgobacktothedining-room.Thenit'llbeallrightifWaincomesandlooksintothedorm.Or,ifyoulike,youmightcomedowntoo,asifyou'djustwokeupandthoughtyou'dheardarow."

"That'snotabadidea.Allright.Youdashalongthen.I'llgetback."

Mr.Wainwasstillinthedining-room,drinkinginthebeautiesofthesummernightthroughtheopenwindow.HegibberedslightlywhenMikereappeared.

"Jackson!Whatdoyoumeanbyrunningaboutoutsidethehouseinthisway!Ishallpunishyouveryheavily.Ishallcertainlyreportthe

mattertotheheadmaster.Iwillnothaveboysrushingaboutthegardenintheirpyjamas.Youwillcatchanexceedinglybadcold.Youwilldometwohundredlines,LatinandEnglish.Exceedinglyso.Iwillnothaveit.Didyounothearmecalltoyou?"

"Please,sir,soexcited,"saidMike,standingoutsidewithhishandsonthesill.

"Youhavenobusinesstobeexcited.Iwillnothaveit.Itisexceedinglyimpertinentofyou."

"Please,sir,mayIcomein?"

"Comein!Ofcourse,comein.Haveyounosense,boy?Youarelayingtheseedsofabadcold.Comeinatonce."

Mikeclamberedthroughthewindow.

"Icouldn'tfindhim,sir.Hemusthavegotoutofthegarden."

"Undoubtedly,"saidMr.Wain."Undoubtedlyso.Itwasverywrongofyoutosearchforhim.Youhavebeenseriouslyinjured.Exceedinglyso"



HewasabouttosaymoreonthesubjectwhenWyattstrolledintotheroom.Wyattworetheratherdazedexpressionofonewhohasbeenarousedfromdeepsleep.Heyawnedbeforehespoke.

"IthoughtIheardanoise,sir,"hesaid.

HecalledMr.Wain"father"inprivate,"sir"inpublic.ThepresenceofMikemadethisapublicoccasion.

"Hastherebeenaburglary?"

"Yes,"saidMike,"onlyhehasgotaway."

"ShallIgooutintothegarden,andhavealookround,sir?"askedWyatthelpfully.

ThequestionstungMr.Wainintoactiveeruptiononcemore.

"Undernocircumstanceswhatever,"hesaidexcitedly."Staywhereyouare,James.Iwillnothaveboysrunningaboutmygardenatnight.Itispreposterous.Inordinatelyso.Bothofyougotobedimmediately.Ishallnotspeaktoyouagainonthissubject.Imustbeobeyedinstantly.Youhearme,Jackson?James,youunderstandme?Tobedat

once.And,ifIfindyououtsideyourdormitoryagainto-night,youwillbothbepunishedwithextremeseverity.Iwillnothavethislaxandrecklessbehaviour."

"Buttheburglar,sir?"saidWyatt.

"Wemightcatchhim,sir,"saidMike.

Mr.Wain'smannerchangedtoaslowandstatelysarcasm,inmuchthesamewayasamotor-carchangesfromthetopspeedtoitsfirst.

"Iwasundertheimpression,"hesaid,intheheavywayalmostinvariablyaffectedbyweakmastersintheirdealingswiththe

obstreperous,"IwasdistinctlyundertheimpressionthatIhadorderedyoutoretireimmediatelytoyourdormitory.Itispossiblethatyoumistookmymeaning.InthatcaseIshallbehappytorepeatwhatIsaid.ItisalsoinmymindthatIthreatenedtopunishyouwiththeutmostseverityifyoudidnotretireatonce.Inthesecircumstances,James--andyou,Jackson--youwilldoubtlessseethenecessityofcomplyingwithmywishes."

Theymadeitso.

CHAPTERVII

INWHICHMIKEISDISCUSSED

TrevorandClowes,ofDonaldson's,weresittingintheirstudyaweekafterthegramophoneincident,preparatorytogoingontheriver.AtleastTrevorwasinthestudy,gettingteaready.Cloweswasonthewindow-sill,onelegintheroom,theotheroutside,hangingoverspace.Helovedtositinthisattitude,watchingsomeoneelsework,



andgivinghisviewsonlifetowhoeverwouldlistentothem.Cloweswastall,andlookedsad,whichhewasnot.Trevorwasshorter,andverymuchinearnestoverallthathedid.Onthepresentoccasionhewasmeasuringoutteawithaconcentrationworthyofageneralplanningacampaign.

"Oneforthepot,"saidClowes.

"Allright,"breathedTrevor."Comeandhelp,youslacker."

"Toobusy."

"Youaren'tdoingastroke."

"Mylad,I'mthinkingofLife.That'sathingyoucouldn'tdo.Ioftensaytopeople,'Goodchap,Trevor,butcan'tthinkofLife.Givehimatea-potandhalfapoundofbuttertomessaboutwith,'Isay,'andhe'sallright.Butwhenitcomestodeepthought,whereishe?Amongthealso-rans.'That'swhatIsay."

"Sillyass,"saidTrevor,slicingbread."Whatparticularrotwereyouthinkingaboutjustthen?Whatfunitwassittingbackandwatchingotherfellowswork,Ishouldthink."

"Mymindatthemoment,"saidClowes,"wastenselyoccupiedwiththeproblemofbrothersatschool.Haveyougotanybrothers,Trevor?"

"One.Coupleofyearsyoungerthanme.Isay,weshallwantsomemorejamto-morrow.Betterorderitto-day."

"Seeitdone,Tigellinus,asouroldpalNerousedtoremark.Whereishe?Yourbrother,Imean."

"Marlborough."

"Thatshowsyoursense.Ihavealwayshadahighopinionofyoursense,Trevor.Ifyou'dbeenasillyass,you'dhaveletyourpeople

sendhimhere."

"Whynot?Shouldn'thaveminded."

"IwithdrawwhatIsaidaboutyoursense.Consideritunsaid.Ihaveabrothermyself.Agedfifteen.Notabadchapinhisway.Liketheheroesoftheschoolstories.'Bigblueeyesliterallybubblingoverwithfun.'Atleast,Isupposeit'sfuntohim.Cheek'swhatIcallit.Mypeoplewantedtosendhimhere.Ilodgedaprotest.Isaid,'OneClowesisampleforanypublicschool.'"

"Youwererightthere,"saidTrevor.

"Isaid,'OneClowesisluxury,twoexcess.'IpointedoutthatIwasjustonthevergeofbecomingratherabloodatWrykyn,andthatIdidn'twanttheworkofyearsspoiledbyabrotherwhowouldthinkitaragtotellfellowswhorespectedandadmiredme----"

"Suchaswho?"

"----Anecdotesofachequeredinfancy.Therearestoriesaboutmewhichonlymybrotherknows.DidIwantthemspreadabouttheschool?No,laddie,Ididnot.Hence,weseemybrothertwotermsago,packing



uphislittlebox,andtoolingofftoRugby.AndhereamIatWrykyn,withanunstainedreputation,lovedbyallwhoknowme,reveredbyallwhodon't;courtedbyboys,fawneduponbymasters.People'sfacesbrightenwhenIthrowthemanod.IfIfrown----"

"Oh,comeon,"saidTrevor.

BreadandjamandcakemonopolisedClowes'sattentionforthenextquarterofanhour.Attheendofthatperiod,however,hereturnedtohissubject.

"Aftertheseriousbusinessofthemealwasconcluded,andasimplehymnhadbeensungbythosepresent,"hesaid,"Mr.Clowesresumedhisveryinterestingremarks.Wewereonthesubjectofbrothersatschool.Now,takethemelancholycaseofJacksonBrothers.MyheartbleedsforBob."

"Jackson'sallright.What'swrongwithhim?Besides,naturally,youngJacksoncametoWrykynwhenallhisbrothershadbeenhere."

"Whatarottenargument.It'sjusttheoneusedbychaps'people,too.Theythinkhowniceitwillbeforallthesonstohavebeenatthesameschool.Itmaybeallrightafterthey'releft,butwhilethey'rethere,it'sthelimit.YousayJackson'sallright.Atpresent,

perhaps,heis.Buttheterm'shardlystartedyet.""Well?"

"Lookhere,what'satthebottomofthissendingyoungbrotherstothesameschoolaselderbrothers?"

"Elderbrothercankeepaneyeonhim,Isuppose."

"That'sjustit.Foronceinyourlifeyou'vetouchedthespot.Inotherwords,BobJacksonispracticallyresponsibleforthekid.That'swherethewholerottentroublestarts."

"Why?"

"Well,whathappens?Heeitherletsthekidrip,inwhichcasehemayfindhimselfanymorninginthepleasantpositionofhavingtoexplaintohispeopleexactlywhyitisthatlittleWilliehasjustreceivedtheboot,andwhyhedidn'tlookafterhimbetter:orhespendsallhissparetimeshadowinghimtoseethathedoesn'tgetintotrouble.Hefeelsthathisreputationhangsonthekid'sconduct,sohebroodsoverhimlikeapoliceman,whichisprettyrottenforhimandmaddensthekid,wholooksonhimasnosportsman.Bobseemstobetryingthefirstway,whichiswhatIshoulddomyself.It'sallright,sofar,but,asIsaid,theterm'sonlyjuststarted."

"YoungJacksonseemsallright.What'swrongwithhim?Hedoesn'tstickonsideanyway,whichhemighteasilydo,consideringhiscricket."

"There'snothingwrongwithhiminthatway.I'vetalkedtohimseveraltimesatthenets,andhe'sverydecent.Buthisgettingintotroublehasn'tanythingtodowithus.It'sthemastersyou'vegottoconsider."

"What'sup?Doesherag?"



"FromwhatIgatherfromfellowsinhisformhe'sgotageniusforragging.Thinksofthingsthatdon'toccurtoanybodyelse,anddoesthem,too."

"Heneverseemstobeinextra.Onealwaysseeshimaboutonhalf-holidays."

"That'salwaysthewaywiththatsortofchap.Hekeepsonwrigglingoutofsmallrowstillhethinkshecandoanythinghelikeswithoutbeingdroppedon,andthenallofasuddenhefindshimselfuptotheeyebrowsinarecordsmash.Idon'tsayyoungJacksonwilllandhimselflikethat.AllIsayisthathe'sjustthesortwhodoes.He'saskingfortrouble.Besides,whodoyouseehimaboutwithallthetime?"

"He'sgenerallywithWyattwhenImeethim."

"Yes.Well,then!"

"What'swrongwithWyatt?He'soneofthedecentestmenintheschool."

"Iknow.Buthe'sworkingupforatremendousrowoneofthesedays,

unlessheleavesbeforeitcomesoff.Theoddsare,ifJackson'ssothickwithhim,thathe'llberopedintoittoo.Wyattwouldn'tlandhimifhecouldhelpit,butheprobablywouldn'trealisewhathewaslettingthekidinfor.Forinstance,IhappentoknowthatWyattbreaksoutofhisdorm.everyothernight.Idon'tknowifhetakesJacksonwithhim.Ishouldn'tthinkso.Butthere'snothingtopreventJacksonfollowinghimonhisown.Andifyou'recaughtatthatgame,it'sthebooteverytime."

Trevorlookeddisturbed.

"SomebodyoughttospeaktoBob."

"What'sthegood?Whyworryhim?Bobcouldn'tdoanything.You'donlymakehimdothepolicemanbusiness,whichhehasn'ttimefor,andwhichisboundtomakerowsbetweenthem.Betterleavehimalone."

"Idon'tknow.ItwouldbeabeastlythingforBobifthekiddidgetintoareallybadrow."

"Ifyoumusttellanybody,telltheGazeka.He'sheadofWain's,andhasgotfarmorechanceofkeepinganeyeonJacksonthanBobhas."

"TheGazekaisafool."

"Allfrontteethandside.Still,he'sonthespot.Butwhat'sthe

goodofworrying.It'snothingtodowithus,anyhow.Let'sstaggerout,shallwe?"

*****

Trevor'sconscientiousnature,however,madeitimpossibleforhimtodropthematter.ItdisturbedhimallthetimethatheandCloweswereontheriver;and,walkingbacktothehouse,heresolvedtoseeBobaboutitduringpreparation.



Hefoundhiminhisstudy,oilingabat.

"Isay,Bob,"hesaid,"lookhere.Areyoubusy?"

"No.Why?"

"It'sthisway.ClowesandIweretalking----"

"IfCloweswastherehewasprobablytalking.Well?"

"Aboutyourbrother."

"Oh,byJove,"saidBob,sittingup."Thatremindsme.Iforgottogettheeveningpaper.Didhegethiscenturyallright?"

"Who?"askedTrevor,bewildered.

"Mybrother,J.W.He'dmadesixty-threenotoutagainstKentinthismorning'spaper.Whathappened?"

"Ididn'tgetapapereither.Ididn'tmeanthatbrother.Imeanttheonehere."

"Oh,Mike?What'sMikebeenupto?"

"Nothingasyet,thatIknowof;but,Isay,youknow,heseemsagreatpalofWyatt's."

"Iknow.Ispoketohimaboutit."

"Oh,youdid?That'sallright,then."

"Notthatthere'sanythingwrongwithWyatt."

"Notabit.Onlyheisrathermuckingaboutthisterm,Ihear.It'shislast,soIsupposehewantstohavearag."

"Don'tblamehim."

"NordoI.Ratherrot,though,ifheluggedyourbrotherintoarowbyaccident."

"Ishouldgetblamed.IthinkI'llspeaktohimagain."

"Ishould,Ithink."

"Ihopeheisn'tidiotenoughtogooutatnightwithWyatt.IfWyattlikestoriskit,allright.That'shislookout.Butitwon'tdoforMiketogoplayingthegoattoo."

"ClowessuggestedputtingFirby-Smithontohim.He'dhavemorechance,beinginthesamehouse,ofseeingthathedidn'tcomeamuckerthanyouwould."

"I'vedonethat.Smithsaidhe'dspeaktohim."

"That'sallrightthen.Isthatanewbat?"

"Gotitto-day.Smashedmyotheryesterday--againsttheschoolhouse."



Donaldson'shadplayedafriendlywiththeschoolhouseduringthelasttwodays,andhadbeatenthem.

"IthoughtIhearditgo.Youwereratherinform."

"Betterthanatthebeginningoftheterm,anyhow.Isimplycouldn'tdoathingthen.Butmylastthreeinningshavebeen33notout,18,and51.

"Ishouldthinkyou'reboundtogetyourfirstallright."

"Hopeso.IseeMike'splayingforthesecondagainsttheO.W.s."

"Yes.Prettygoodforhisfirstterm.Youhaveapro.tocoachyouintheholidays,don'tyou?"

"Yes.Ididn'tgotohimmuchthislasttime.Iwasawayalot.ButMikefairlylivedinsidethenet."

"Well,it'snotbeenchuckedaway.Isupposehe'llgethisfirstnextyear.There'llbeabigclearing-outofcoloursattheendofthisterm.Nearlyallthefirstareleaving.Henfrey'llbecaptain,Iexpect."

"Saunders,thepro.athome,alwayssaysthatMike'sgoingtobethestarcricketerofthefamily.BetterthanJ.W.even,hethinks.Iaskedhimwhathethoughtofme,andhesaid,'You'llbemakingalotofrunssomeday,Mr.Bob.'There'sasubtledifference,isn'tthere?IshallhaveMikecuttingmeoutbeforeIleaveschoolifI'mnotcareful."

"Sortofinfantprodigy,"saidTrevor."Don'tthinkhe'squiteuptoityet,though."

Hewentbacktohisstudy,andBob,havingfinishedhisoilingandwashedhishands,startedonhisThucydides.And,inthestressofwrestlingwiththespeechofanapparentlydeliriousAtheniangeneral,

whoseremarksseemedtocontainnothingevenremotelyresemblingsenseandcoherence,heallowedthequestionofMike'swelfaretofadefromhismindlikeadissolvingview.

CHAPTERVIII

AROWWITHTHETOWN

Thebeginningofabigrow,oneofthoserowswhichturnaschool

upsidedownlikeavolcaniceruptionandprovideoldboyswithsomethingtotalkabout,whentheymeet,foryears,isnotunlikethebeginningofathunderstorm.

Youarewalkingalongoneseeminglyfineday,whensuddenlythereisahush,andtherefallsonyoufromspaceonebigdrop.Thenextmomentthethinghasbegun,andyouarestandinginashower-bath.Itisjustthesamewitharow.Sometrivialepisodeoccurs,andinaninstanttheplaceisinaferment.ItwassowiththegreatpicnicatWrykyn.



ThebareoutlinesofthebeginningofthisaffairareincludedinaletterwhichMikewrotetohisfatherontheSundayfollowingtheOldWrykynianmatches.

Thiswastheletter:

"DEARFATHER,--Thanksawfullyforyourletter.Ihopeyouarequitewell.Ihavebeengettingonallrightatcricketlately.MyscoressinceIwrotelasthavebeen0inascratchgame(thesungotinmyeyesjustasIplayed,andIgotbowled);15forthethirdagainstanelevenofmasters(withoutG.B.Jones,theSurreyman,andSpence);28notoutintheUnderSixteengame;and30inaformmatch.Ratherdecent.YesterdayoneofthemenputdownforthesecondagainsttheO.W.'ssecondcouldn'tplaybecausehisfatherwasveryill,soIplayed.Wasn'titluck?It'sthefirsttimeI'veplayedforthesecond.Ididn'tdomuch,becauseIdidn'tgetaninnings.TheystopthecricketonO.W.matchesdaybecausetheyhavealotofrottenGreekplaysandthingswhichtakeupafrightfultime,andhalfthechapsareacting,sowestopfromlunchtofour.RotIcallit.SoIdidn'tgoin,becausetheywonthetossandmade215,andbythetimewe'dmade140for6itwascloseofplay.They'dstuckmeineighthwicket.Ratherrot.Still,Imaygetanothershot.AndImaderatheradecentcatchatmid-on.Lowdown.Ihadtodiveforit.Bobplayedforthefirst,butdidn'tdomuch.Hewasrunoutafterhe'dgotten.I

believehe'srathersickaboutit."Ratherarummythinghappenedafterlock-up.Iwasn'tinit,butafellowcalledWyatt(awfullydecentchap.He'sWain'sstep-son,onlytheybaroneanother)toldmeaboutit.Hewasinitallright.There'sadinnerafterthematchesonO.W.day,andsomeofthechapsweregoingbacktotheirhousesafteritwhentheygotintoarowwithalotofbrickiesfromthetown,andtherewasratherarow.Therewasapolicemanmixedupinitsomehow,onlyIdon'tquiteknowwherehecomesin.I'llfindoutandtellyounexttimeIwrite.Lovetoeverybody.TellMarjoryI'llwritetoherinadayortwo.

"Yourlovingson,

"MIKE.

"P.S.--Isay,Isupposeyoucouldn'tsendmefivebob,couldyou?I'mratherbroke.

"P.P.S.--Half-a-crownwoulddo,onlyI'dratheritwasfivebob."

And,onthebackoftheenvelope,thesewords:"Orabobwouldbebetterthannothing."

*****

TheoutlineofthecasewasasMikehadstated.Buttherewerecertaindetailsofsomeimportancewhichhadnotcometohisnoticewhenhesenttheletter.OntheMondaytheywerepublicproperty.

Thethinghadhappenedafterthisfashion.Attheconclusionoftheday'scricket,allthosewhohadbeenplayinginthefourelevenswhichtheschoolputintothefieldagainsttheoldboys,togetherwiththeschoolchoir,wereentertainedbytheheadmastertosupperintheGreatHall.Thebanquet,lengthenedbyspeeches,songs,andrecitationswhichtherecitersimaginedtobesongs,lasted,asa



rule,tillaboutteno'clock,whentherevellersweresupposedtogobacktotheirhousesbythenearestroute,andturnin.Thiswastheofficialprogramme.Theschoolusuallyperformeditwithcertainmodificationsandimprovements.

AboutmidwaybetweenWrykyn,theschool,andWrykyn,thetown,therestandsonanislandinthecentreoftheroadasolitarylamp-post.Itwasthecustom,andhadbeenthecustomforgenerationsback,forthedinerstotrudgeofftothislamp-post,dancerounditforsomeminutessingingtheschoolsongorwhateverhappenedtobethepopularsongofthemoment,andthenracebacktotheirhouses.Antiquityhadgiventhecustomasortofsanctity,andtheauthorities,iftheyknew--whichtheymusthavedone--neverinterfered.

Buttherewereothers.

Wrykyn,thetown,waspeculiarlyrichin"gangsofyouths."Likethevastmajorityoftheinhabitantsoftheplace,theyseemedtohavenoworkofanykindwhatsoevertooccupytheirtime,whichtheyused,accordingly,tospendprowlingaboutandindulginginamild,brainless,ruraltypeofhooliganism.Theyseldomproceededtopracticalrowdyismandneverexceptwiththeschool.Asarule,theyamusedthemselvesbyshoutingrudechaff.Theschoolregardedthemwithaloftycontempt,muchasanOxfordmanregardsthetownee.The

schoolwasalwaysanxiousforarow,butitwastheunwrittenlawthatonlyinspecialcircumstancesshouldtheyproceedtoactivemeasures.Acuriousdislikeforschool-and-townrowsandmostmisplacedseverityindealingwiththeoffenderswhentheytookplace,wereamongthefewflawsintheotherwiseadmirablecharacteroftheheadmasterofWrykyn.Itwasunderstoodthatonescraggedbargeesatone'sownrisk,and,asarule,itwasnotconsideredworthit.

Butafteranexcellentsupperandmuchsingingandjoviality,one'sviewsareapttoalter.Riskswhichbeforesupperseemedgreat,showatendencytodwindle.

When,therefore,thetwentyorsoWrykynianswhoweredancinground

thelamp-postwereaware,inthemidstoftheirfestivities,thattheywerebeingobservedandcriticisedbyanequalnumberoftownees,andthatthecriticismswere,asusual,essentiallycandidandpersonal,theyfoundthemselvesforgettingtheheadmaster'sprejudicesandfeelingonlythattheseoutsidersmustbeputtotheswordasspeedilyaspossible,forthehonouroftheschool.

Possibly,ifthetownbrigadehadstucktoapurelyverbalformofattack,allmightyethavebeenpeace.Wordscanbeoverlooked.

Buttomatoescannot.

Nomanofspiritcanbeartobepeltedwithover-ripetomatoesforany

lengthoftimewithoutfeelingthatifthethinggoesonmuchlongerhewillbereluctantlycompelledtotakesteps.

Inthepresentcrisis,thefirsttomatowasenoughtosetmattersmoving.

Asthetwoarmiesstoodfacingeachotherinsilenceunderthedimandmysteriousraysofthelamp,itsuddenlywhizzedoutfromtheenemy'sranks,andhitWyattontherightear.



Therewasamomentofsuspense.Wyatttookouthishandkerchiefandwipedhisface,overwhichthesucculentvegetablehadspreaditself.

"Idon'tknowhowyoufellowsaregoingtopasstheevening,"hesaidquietly."Myideaofagoodafter-dinnergameistotryandfindthechapwhothrewthat.Anybodycoming?"

Forthefirstfiveminutesitwasasevenafightasonecouldhavewishedtosee.Itragedupanddowntheroadwithoutapause,nowinasolidmass,nowsplittingupintolittlegroups.Thesciencewasonthesideoftheschool.MostWrykyniansknewhowtoboxtoacertainextent.But,atanyrateatfirst,itwasnotimeforscience.Tobescientificonemusthaveanopponentwhoobservesatleastthemoreimportantrulesofthering.Itisimpossibletodothelatestducksandhookstaughtyoubytheinstructorifyourantagonistbuttsyouinthechest,andthenkicksyourshins,whilesomedearfriendofhis,ofwhosepresenceyouhadnoidea,hitsyouatthesametimeonthebackofthehead.Thegreatestexpertwouldlosehisscienceinsuchcircumstances.

Probablywhatgavetheschoolthevictoryintheendwastherighteousnessoftheircause.Theyweresmartingunderasenseofinjury,andthereisnothingthataddsaforcetoone'sblowsandarecklessnesstoone'sstyleofdeliveringthemmorethanasenseof

injury.Wyatt,onesideofhisfacestillshowingtracesofthetomato,ledtheschoolwithavigourthatcouldnotberesisted.Heveryseldomlosthistemper,buthediddrawthelineatbadtomatoes.

Presentlytheschoolnoticedthattheenemywerevanishinglittlebylittleintothedarknesswhichconcealedthetown.Barelyadozenremained.Andtheirlonelyconditionseemedtobeborneinuponthesebyasimultaneousbrain-wave,fortheysuddenlygavethefightup,andstampededasoneman.

Theleaderswerebeyondrecall,buttworemained,tackledlowbyWyatt

andClowesafterthefashionofthefootball-field.

*****

Theschoolgatheredrounditsprisoners,panting.Thesceneoftheconflicthadshiftedlittlebylittletoaspotsomefiftyyardsfromwhereithadstarted.Bythesideoftheroadatthispointwasagreen,depressedlookingpond.Gloomyinthedaytime,itlookedunspeakableatnight.ItstruckWyatt,whosefinerfeelingshadbeenentirelyblottedoutbytomato,asanidealplaceinwhichtobestowthecaptives.

"Let'schuck'eminthere,"hesaid.

Theideawaswelcomedgladlybyall,excepttheprisoners.Amovewasmadetowardsthepond,andtheprocessionhadhaltedonthebrink,whenanewvoicemadeitselfheard.

"Nowthen,"itsaid,"what'sallthis?"

Astoutfigureinpoliceman'suniformwasstandingsurveyingthemwiththeaidofasmallbull's-eyelantern.



"What'sallthis?"

"It'sallright,"saidWyatt.

"Allright,isit?What'son?"

Oneoftheprisonersspoke.

"Make'emleaveholdofus,Mr.Butt.They'rea-goingtochuckusinthepond."

"Ho!"saidthepoliceman,withachangeinhisvoice."Ho,arethey?Comenow,younggentleman,alark'salark,butyououghttoknowwheretostop."

"It'sanythingbutalark,"saidWyattinthecreamyvoiceheusedwhenfeelingparticularlysavage."We'retheStrongRightArmofJustice.That'swhatweare.Thisisn'talark,it'sanexecution."

"Idon'twantnoneofyourlip,whoeveryouare,"saidMr.Butt,understandingbutdimly,andsuspectingimpudencebyinstinct.

"Thisisquiteaprivatematter,"saidWyatt."Yourunalongonyourbeat.Youcan'tdoanythinghere."

"Ho!"

"Shove'emin,youchaps."

"Stop!"FromMr.Butt.

"Oo-er!"Fromprisonernumberone.

Therewasasoundingsplashaswillinghandsurgedthefirstofthecaptivesintothedepths.Heploughedhiswaytothebank,scrambledout,andvanished.

Wyattturnedtotheotherprisoner.

"You'llhavetheworstofit,goinginsecond.He'llhavechurnedupthemudabit.Don'tswallowmorethanyoucanhelp,oryou'llgogettingtyphoid.Iexpectthereareleechesandthingsthere,butifyounipoutquicktheymaynotgetontoyou.Carryon,youchaps."

Itwasherethattheregrettableincidentoccurred.Justasthesecondprisonerwasbeinglaunched,ConstableButt,determinedtoasserthimselfevenattheeleventhhour,sprangforward,andseizedthecaptivebythearm.Adrowningmanwillclutchatastraw.Amanabouttobehurledintoanexcessivelydirtypondwillclutchatastoutpoliceman.Theprisonerdid.

ConstableButtrepresentedhisonelinkwithdryland.Ashecamewithinreachheattachedhimselftohistunicwiththevigourandconcentrationofalimpet.

Atthesamemomenttheexecutionersgavetheirmanthefinalheave.Thepolicemanrealisedhisperiltoolate.Amedleyofnoisesmadethepeacefulnighthideous.Ahowlfromthetownee,ayellfromthepoliceman,acheerfromthelaunchingparty,afrightenedsquawkfromsomebirdsinaneighbouringtree,andasplashcomparedwithwhich



thefirsthadbeenasnothing,andallwasover.

Thedarkwaterswerelashedintoamaelstrom;andthentwostreamingfiguressquelchedupthefurtherbank.

[Illustration:THEDARKWATERSWERELASHEDINTOAMAELSTROM]

Theschoolstoodinsilentconsternation.Itwasnooccasionforlightapologies.

"Doyouknow,"saidWyatt,ashewatchedtheLawshakingthewaterfromitselfontheothersideofthepond,"I'mnothalfsurethatwehadn'tbetterbemoving!"

CHAPTERIX

BEFORETHESTORM

Yourreal,devastatingrowhasmanypointsofresemblancewithaprairiefire.Amanonaprairielightshispipe,andthrowsawaythe

match.Theflamecatchesabunchofdrygrass,and,beforeanyonecanrealisewhatishappening,sheetsoffireareracingoverthecountry;andtheinterestedneighboursarefollowingtheirexample.(Ihavealreadycomparedarowwithathunderstorm;butbothcomparisonsmaystand.Indealingwithsovastamatterasarowtheremustbenostint.)

ThetomatowhichhitWyattinthefacewasthethrown-awaymatch.Butfortheunerringaimofthetownmarksmangreateventswouldneverhavehappened.Atomatoisatrivialthing(thoughitispossiblethatthemanwhomithitsmaynotthinkso),butinthepresentcase,itwasthedirectcauseofepoch-makingtrouble.

ThetomatohitWyatt.Wyatt,withothers,wenttolookforthethrower.Theremnantsofthethrower'sfriendswereplacedinthepond,and"withthem,"astheysayinthecourtsoflaw,PoliceConstableAlfredButt.

Followingthechainofevents,wefindMr.Butt,havingprudentlychangedhisclothes,callingupontheheadmaster.

Theheadmasterwasgraveandsympathetic;Mr.Buttfierceandrevengeful.

Theimaginationoftheforceisproverbial.Nurturedonmotor-carsandfedwithstop-watches,ithasbecomeworld-famous.Mr.Buttgavefree

reintoit.

"Threwmein,theydid,sir.Yes,sir."

"Threwyouin!"

"Yes,sir._Plop_!"saidMr.Butt,withacertainsadrelish.

"Really,really!"saidtheheadmaster."Indeed!Thisis--dearme!Ishallcertainly--Theythrewyouin!--Yes,Ishall--certainly----"



Encouragedbythisappreciativereceptionofhisstory,Mr.Buttstarteditagain,rightfromthebeginning.

"Iwasonmybeat,sir,andIthoughtIheardadisturbance.Isaystomyself,''Allo,'Isays,'afrakkus.Lotsofthemallgatheredtogether,andfighting.'Isays,beginningtosuspectsomething,'Wot'sthisallabout,Iwonder?'Isays.'BlowmeifIdon'tthinkit'safrakkus.'And,"concludedMr.Butt,withtheairofoneconfidingasecret,"andit_was_afrakkus!"

"Andtheseboysactuallythrewyouintothepond?"

"_Plop_,sir!Mrs.Buttisdryingmyuniformathomeatthisverymomentaswesittalkinghere,sir.Shesaystome,'Why,whatever _'ave_youbeena-doing?You'reallwet.'And,"headded,againwiththeconfidentialair,"I_was_wet,too.Wringin'wet."

Theheadmaster'sfrowndeepened.

"Andyouarecertainthatyourassailantswereboysfromtheschool?"

"SureasIamthatI'msittinghere,sir.Theyall'adtheircapsontheirheads,sir."

"Ihaveneverheardofsuchathing.Icanhardlybelievethatitispossible.Theyactuallyseizedyou,andthrewyouintothewater----"

"_Splish_,sir!"saidthepoliceman,withavividnessofimagerybothsurprisingandgratifying.

Theheadmastertappedrestlesslyonthefloorwithhisfoot.

"Howmanyboyswerethere?"heasked.

"Coupleof'undred,sir,"saidMr.Buttpromptly.

"Twohundred!"

"Itwasdark,sir,andIcouldn'tseenottosayproperly;butifyouaskmemyfrankandprivateopinionIshouldsaycoupleof'undred."

"H'm--Well,Iwilllookintothematteratonce.Theyshallbepunished."

"Yes,sir."

"Ye-e-s--H'm--Yes--Mostseverely."

"Yes,sir."

"Yes--Thankyou,constable.Good-night."

"Good-night,sir."

TheheadmasterofWrykynwasnotamotorist.Owingtothisdisadvantagehemadeamistake.Hadhebeenamotorist,hewouldhaveknownthatstatementsbythepoliceinthematteroffiguresmustbedividedbyanynumberfromtwototen,accordingtodiscretion.Asitwas,heacceptedConstableButt'sreportalmostasitstood.He



thoughtthathemightpossiblyhavebeenmistakenastotheexactnumbersofthoseconcernedinhisimmersion;butheacceptedthestatementinsofarasitindicatedthatthethinghadbeentheworkofaconsiderablesectionoftheschool,andnotofonlyoneortwoindividuals.Andthismadeallthedifferencetohismethodofdealingwiththeaffair.HadheknownhowfewwerethenumbersofthoseresponsibleforthecoldintheheadwhichsubsequentlyattackedConstableButt,hewouldhaveaskedfortheirnames,andanextralessonwouldhavesettledtheentirematter.

Asitwas,however,hegottheimpressionthattheschool,asawhole,wasculpable,andheproceededtopunishtheschoolasawhole.

Ithappenedthat,aboutaweekbeforethepondepisode,acertainmemberoftheRoyalFamilyhadrecoveredfromadangerousillness,whichatonetimehadlookedlikebeingfatal.Noofficialholidayhadbeengiventotheschoolsinhonouroftherecovery,butEtonandHarrowhadsettheexample,whichwasfollowedthroughoutthekingdom,andWrykynhadcomeintolinewiththerest.OnlytwodaysbeforetheO.W.'smatchestheheadmasterhadgivenoutanoticeinthehallthatthefollowingFridaywouldbeawholeholiday;andtheschool,alwaysreadytostopwork,hadapprovedoftheannouncementexceedingly.

ThestepwhichtheheadmasterdecidedtotakebywayofavengingMr.

Butt'swrongswastostopthisholiday.HegaveoutanoticetothateffectontheMonday.

Theschoolwasthunderstruck.Itcouldnotunderstandit.Thepondaffairhad,ofcourse,becomepublicproperty;andthosewhohadhadnothingtodowithithadbeenmuchamused."There'llbeafrightfulrowaboutit,"theyhadsaid,thrilledwiththepleasantexcitementofthosewhoseetroubleapproachingandthemselveslookingonfromacomfortabledistancewithoutriskoruneasiness.Theywerenotmalicious.Theydidnotwanttoseetheirfriendsindifficulties.Butthereisnodenyingthatarowdoesbreakthemonotonyofaschoolterm.Thethrillingfeelingthatsomethingisgoingtohappenisthe

saltoflife....

Andheretheywere,rightinitafterall.Theblowhadfallen,andcrushedguiltyandinnocentalike.

*****

Theschool'sattitudecanbesummedupinthreewords.Itwasonevast,blank,astounded"Here,Isay!"

Everybodywassayingit,thoughnotalwaysinthosewords.Whencondensed,everybody'scommentonthesituationcametothat.

*****

Thereissomethingratherpatheticintheindignationofaschool.Itmustalways,ornearlyalways,expenditselfinwords,andinprivateatthat.Eventheconsolationofgettingontoplatformsandshoutingatitselfisdeniedtoit.ApublicschoolhasnoHydePark.

Thereiseveryprobability--infact,itiscertain--that,butforonemalcontent,theschool'sindignationwouldhavebeenallowedtosimmerdownintheusualway,andfinallybecomeamerevaguememory.



ThemalcontentwasWyatt.Hehadbeenresponsibleforthestartingofthematter,andheproceedednowtocarryitontillitblazedupintothebiggestthingofitskindeverknownatWrykyn--theGreatPicnic.

*****

Anyonewhoknowsthepublicschools,theirironboundconservatism,and,asawhole,intenserespectfororderandauthority,willappreciatethemagnitudeofhisfeat,eventhoughhemaynotapproveofit.Leadersofmenarerare.Leadersofboysarealmostunknown.Itrequiresgeniustoswayaschool.

Itwouldbeanabsorbingtaskforapsychologisttotracethevariousstagesbywhichanimpossibilitywaschangedintoareality.Wyatt'scoolnessandmatter-of-factdeterminationwerehischiefweapons.Hispopularityandreputationforlawlessnesshelpedhim.AconversationwhichhehadwithNeville-Smith,aday-boy,istypicalofthewayinwhichheforcedhispointofviewontheschool.

Neville-SmithwasthoroughlyrepresentativeoftheaverageWrykynian.Hecouldplayhispartinanyminor"rag"whichinterestedhim,andprobablyconsideredhimself,onthewhole,adaringsortofperson.Butathearthehadanenormousrespectforauthority.Beforehecame

toWyatt,hewouldnothavedreamedofproceedingbeyondwordsinhisrevolt.Wyattactedonhimlikesomedrug.

Neville-SmithcameuponWyattonhiswaytothenets.Thenoticeconcerningtheholidayhadonlybeengivenoutthatmorning,andhewasfullofit.Heexpressedhisopinionoftheheadmasterfreelyandinwell-chosenwords.Hesaiditwasaswindle,thatitwasallrot,andthatitwasabeastlyshame.Headdedthatsomethingoughttobedoneaboutit.

"Whatareyougoingtodo?"askedWyatt.

"Well,"saidNeville-Smithalittleawkwardly,guiltilyconsciousthat

hehadbeenfrothing,andscentingsarcasm,"Idon'tsupposeonecanactually_do_anything."

"Whynot?"saidWyatt.

"Whatdoyoumean?"

"Whydon'tyoutaketheholiday?"

"What?NotturnuponFriday!"

"Yes.I'mnotgoingto."

Neville-Smithstoppedandstared.Wyattwasunmoved.

"You'rewhat?"

"Isimplysha'n'tgotoschool."

"You'rerotting."

"Allright."



"No,but,Isay,raggingbarred.Areyoujustgoingtocutoff,thoughtheholiday'sbeenstopped?"

"That'stheidea."

"You'llgetsacked."

"Isupposeso.ButonlybecauseIshallbetheonlyonetodoit.IfthewholeschooltookFridayoff,theycouldn'tdomuch.Theycouldn'tsackthewholeschool."

"ByJove,norcouldthey!Isay!"

Theywalkedon,Neville-Smith'smindinawhirl,Wyattwhistling.

"Isay,"saidNeville-Smithafterapause."Itwouldbeabitofarag."

"Notbad."

"Doyouthinkthechapswoulddoit?"

"Iftheyunderstoodtheywouldn'tbealone."

Anotherpause."ShallIasksomeofthem?"saidNeville-Smith.

"Do."

"Icouldgetquitealot,Ibelieve."

"Thatwouldbeastart,wouldn'tit?IcouldgetacoupleofdozenfromWain's.Weshouldbefortyorfiftystrongtostartwith."

"Isay,whatascore,wouldn'titbe?"

"Yes."

"I'llspeaktothechapsto-night,andletyouknow."

"Allright,"saidWyatt."TellthemthatIshallbegoinganyhow.Ishouldbegladofalittlecompany."

*****

TheschoolturnedinontheThursdaynightinarestless,excitedway.Thereweremysteriouswhisperingsandgigglings.Groupskeptformingincornersapart,todispersecasuallyandinnocentlyontheapproachofsomepersoninauthority.

Anairofexpectancypermeatedeachofthehouses.

CHAPTERX

THEGREATPICNIC



MorningschoolatWrykynstartedatnineo'clock.Atthathourtherewasacall-overineachoftheform-rooms.Aftercall-overtheformsproceededtotheGreatHallforprayers.

Astrangelydesolatefeelingwasintheairatnineo'clockontheFridaymorning.Sitinthegroundsofapublicschoolanyafternooninthesummerholidays,andyouwillgetexactlythesamesensationofbeingaloneintheworldascametothedozenorsoday-boyswhobicycledthroughthegatesthatmorning.Wrykynwasaboarding-schoolforthemostpart,butithaditsleavenofday-boys.Themajorityoftheselivedinthetown,andwalkedtoschool.Afew,however,whosehomeswerefartheraway,cameonbicycles.Oneplutocratdidthejourneyinamotor-car,rathertothescandaloftheauthorities,who,thoughunabletointerfere,lookedaskancewhencompelledbythewarningtootofthehorntoskipfromroadtopavement.Aform-masterhasthestrongestobjectiontobeingmadetoskiplikeayoungrambyaboytowhomhehasonlythedaybeforegivenahundredlinesforshufflinghisfeetinform.

Itseemedcurioustothesecycliststhatthereshouldbenobodyabout.Punctualityisthepolitenessofprinces,butitwasnotaleadingcharacteristicoftheschool;andatthreeminutestonine,asageneralrule,youmightseethegravelinfrontofthebuildings

freelydottedwithsprinters,tryingtogetinintimetoanswertheirnames.

Itwascuriousthatthereshouldbenobodyaboutto-day.Awaveofreformcouldscarcelyhavesweptthroughthehousesduringthenight.

Andyet--wherewaseverybody?

Timeonlydeepenedthemystery.Theform-rooms,likethegravel,wereempty.

Thecyclistslookedatoneanotherinastonishment.Whatcoulditmean?

Itwasanoccasiononwhichsanepeoplewonderiftheirbrainsarenotplayingthemsomeunaccountabletrick.

"Isay,"saidWilloughby,oftheLowerFifth,toBrown,theonlyotheroccupantoftheform-room,"theoldman_did_stoptheholidayto-day,didn'the?"

"JustwhatIwasgoingtoaskyou,"saidBrown."It'sjollyrum.IdistinctlyrememberhimgivingitoutinhallthatitwasgoingtobestoppedbecauseoftheO.W.'sdayrow."

"SodoI.Ican'tmakeitout.Where_is_everybody?"

"Theycan't_all_belate."

"Somebodywouldhaveturnedupbynow.Why,it'sjuststriking."

"Perhapshesentanothernoticeroundthehouseslatelastnight,sayingitwasonagainallright.Isay,whataswindleifhedid.Someonemighthaveletusknow.Ishouldhavegotupanhourlater."

"SoshouldI."



"Hullo,here_is_somebody."

ItwasthemasteroftheLowerFifth,Mr.Spence.Hewalkedbrisklyintotheroom,aswashishabit.Seeingtheobviousvoid,hestoppedinhisstride,andlookedpuzzled.

"Willoughby.Brown.Areyoutheonlytwohere?Whereiseverybody?"

"Please,sir,wedon'tknow.Wewerejustwondering."

"Haveyouseennobody?"

"No,sir."

"Wewerejustwondering,sir,iftheholidayhadbeenputonagain,afterall."

"I'veheardnothingaboutit.Ishouldhavereceivedsomesortofintimationifithadbeen."

"Yes,sir."

"Doyoumeantosaythatyouhaveseen_nobody_,Brown?"

"Onlyaboutadozenfellows,sir.Theusuallotwhocomeonbikes,sir."

"Noneoftheboarders?"

"No,sir.Notasingleone."

"Thisisextraordinary."

Mr.Spencepondered.

"Well,"hesaid,"youtwofellowshadbettergoalonguptoHall.I

shallgototheCommonRoomandmakeinquiries.Perhaps,asyousay,thereisaholidayto-day,andthenoticewasnotbroughttome."

Mr.Spencetoldhimself,ashewalkedtotheCommonRoom,thatthismightbeapossiblesolutionofthedifficulty.Hewasnotahouse-master,andlivedbyhimselfinroomsinthetown.Itwasjustconceivablethattheymighthaveforgottentotellhimofthechangeinthearrangements.

ButintheCommonRoomthesameperplexityreigned.Halfadozenmasterswereseatedroundtheroom,andafewmorewerestanding.Andtheywereallverypuzzled.

Abriskconversationwasgoingon.SeveralvoiceshailedMr.Spenceasheentered.

"Hullo,Spence.Areyoualoneintheworldtoo?"

"Anyofyourboysturnedup,Spence?"

"Youinthesameconditionasweare,Spence?"

Mr.Spenceseatedhimselfonthetable.



"Haven'tanyofyourfellowsturnedup,either?"hesaid.

"WhenIacceptedthehonourablepostofLowerFourthmasterinthisabodeofsin,"saidMr.Seymour,"itwasonthedistinctunderstandingthattherewasgoingtobeaLowerFourth.YetIgointomyform-roomthismorning,andwhatdoIfind?SimplyEmptiness,andPickersgillII.whistling'TheChurchParade,'allflat.IconsiderIhavebeenhardlytreated."

"IhavenocomplainttomakeagainstBrownandWilloughby,asindividuals,"saidMr.Spence;"but,consideredasaform,Icallthemshortmeasure."

"IconfessthatIamentirelyataloss,"saidMr.Shieldsprecisely."IhaveneverbeenconfrontedwithasituationlikethissinceIbecameaschoolmaster."

"Itismostmysterious,"agreedMr.Wain,pluckingathisbeard."Exceedinglyso."

Theyoungermasters,notablyMr.SpenceandMr.Seymour,hadbeguntolookonthethingasahugejest.

"Wehadbetterteachourselves,"saidMr.Seymour."Spence,doahundredlinesforlaughinginform."

Thedoorburstopen.

"Hullo,here'sanotherscholasticLittleBo-Peep,"saidMr.Seymour."Well,Appleby,haveyoulostyoursheep,too?"

"Youdon'tmeantotellme----"beganMr.Appleby.

"Ido,"saidMr.Seymour."Hereweare,fifteenofus,allgoodmenandtrue,graduatesofourUniversities,and,asfarasIcansee,ifwedivideuptheboyswhohavecometoschoolthismorningonfair

share-and-share-alikelines,itwillworkoutatabouttwo-thirdsofaboyeach.Spence,willyoutakeathirdofPickersgillII.?"

"Iwantnoneofyourcharity,"saidMr.Spenceloftily."Youdon'tseemtorealisethatI'mthebestoffofyouall.I'vegottwoinmyform.It'snogoodofferingmeyourPickersgills.Isimplyhaven'troomforthem."

"Whatdoesitallmean?"exclaimedMr.Appleby.

"Ifyouaskme,"saidMr.Seymour,"Ishouldsaythatitmeantthattheschool,holdingthesensibleviewthatfirstthoughtsarebest,haveignoredthehead'schangeofmind,andaretakingtheirholiday

asperoriginalprogramme."

"Theysurelycannot----!"

"Well,wherearetheythen?"

"Doyouseriouslymeanthattheentireschoolhas--has _rebelled_?"

"'Nay,sire,'"quotedMr.Spence,"'arevolution!'"



"Ineverheardofsuchathing!"

"We'remakinghistory,"saidMr.Seymour.

"Itwillberatherinteresting,"saidMr.Spence,"toseehowtheheadwilldealwithasituationlikethis.Onecanrelyonhimtodothestatesman-likething,butI'mboundtosayIshouldn'tcaretobeinhisplace.Itseemstometheseboysholdallthecards.Youcan'texpelawholeschool.There'ssafetyinnumbers.Thethingiscolossal."

"Itisdeplorable,"saidMr.Wain,withausterity."Exceedinglyso."

"Itrytothinkso,"saidMr.Spence,"butit'sastruggle.There'saNapoleonictouchaboutthebusinessthatappealstoone.Disorderonasmallscaleisbad,butthisisimmense.I'veneverheardofanythinglikeitatanypublicschool.WhenIwasatWinchester,mylastyearthere,therewasprettynearlyarevolutionbecausethecaptainofcricketwasexpelledontheeveoftheEtonmatch.Iremembermakinginflammatoryspeechesmyselfonthatoccasion.Butwestoppedontherightsideoftheline.Weweresatisfiedwithgrowling.Butthis----!"

Mr.Seymourgotup.

"It'sanillwind,"hesaid."Withanyluckweoughttogetthedayoff,andit'sidealweatherforaholiday.Theheadcanhardlyaskustositindoors,teachingnobody.IfIhavetostewinmyform-roomallday,instructingPickersgillII.,Ishallmakethingsexceedinglysultryforthatyouth.HewillwishthatthePickersgillprogenyhadstoppedshortathiselderbrother.Hewillnotvaluelife.Inthemeantime,asit'salreadytenpast,hadn'twebetterbegoinguptoHalltoseewhattheordersoftheday_are_?"

"LookatShields,"saidMr.Spence."Hemightbeposingforastatuetobecalled'Despair!'HeremindsmeofMacduff._Macbeth_,Activ.,somewhereneartheend.'What,allmyprettychickens,atone

fellswoop?'That'swhatShieldsissayingtohimself."

"It'sallverywelltomakeajokeofit,Spence,"saidMr.Shieldsquerulously,"butitismostdisturbing.Most."

"Exceedingly,"agreedMr.Wain.

ThebereavedcompanyofmasterswalkedonupthestairsthatledtotheGreatHall.

CHAPTERXI

THECONCLUSIONOFTHEPICNIC

Iftheform-roomshadbeenlonely,theGreatHallwasdoubly,trebly,so.Itwasavastroom,stretchingfromsidetosideofthemiddleblock,anditsceilingsoaredupintoadistantdome.Atoneendwasadaisandanorgan,andatintervalsdowntheroomstoodlongtables.ThepanelswerecoveredwiththenamesofWrykynianswhohadwon



scholarshipsatOxfordandCambridge,andofOldWrykynianswhohadtakenfirstinModsorGreats,orachievedanyotherrecognisedsuccess,suchasaplaceintheIndianCivilServicelist.Asilenttestimony,thesepanels,totheworktheschoolhaddoneintheworld.

NobodyknewexactlyhowmanytheHallcouldhold,whenpackedtoitsfullestcapacity.Thesixhundredoddboysattheschoolseemedtoleavelargegapsunfilled.

Thismorningtherewasamerehandful,andtheplacelookedworsethanempty.

TheSixthFormwerethere,andtheschoolprefects.TheGreatPicnichadnotaffectedtheirnumbers.TheSixthstoodbytheirtableinasolidgroup.Theothertableswereoccupiedbyonesandtwos.Abuzzofconversationwasgoingon,whichdidnotceasewhenthemastersfiledintotheroomandtooktheirplaces.EveryonerealisedbythistimethatthebiggestrowinWrykynhistorywaswellunderway;andthethinghadtobediscussed.

IntheMasters'libraryMr.WainandMr.Shields,thespokesmenoftheCommonRoom,werebreakingthenewstotheheadmaster.

Theheadmasterwasamanwhorarelybetrayedemotioninhispublic

capacity.HeheardMr.Shields'sramblingremarks,punctuatedbyMr.Wain's"Exceedinglys,"toanend.Thenhegathereduphiscapandgown.

"Yousaythatthewholeschoolisabsent?"heremarkedquietly.

Mr.Shields,inalong-windedflowofwords,repliedthatthatwaswhathedidsay.

"Ah!"saidtheheadmaster.

Therewasasilence.

"'M!"saidtheheadmaster.

Therewasanothersilence.

"Ye--e--s!"saidtheheadmaster.

HethenledthewayintotheHall.

Conversationceasedabruptlyasheentered.Theschool,likeanaudienceatatheatrewhentheherohasjustappearedonthestage,feltthattheseriousinterestofthedramahadbegun.Therewasadeadsilenceateverytableashestrodeuptheroomandontothedais.

TherewassomethingTitanicinhiscalmness.EveryeyewasonhisfaceashepasseduptheHall,butnotasignofperturbationcouldtheschoolread.Tojudgefromhisexpression,hemighthavebeenunawareoftheemptinessaroundhim.

Themasterwholookedafterthemusicoftheschool,andincidentallyaccompaniedthehymnwithwhichprayersatWrykynopened,waswaiting,puzzled,atthefootofthedais.Itseemedimprobablethatthingswouldgoonasusual,andhedidnotknowwhetherhewasexpectedto



beattheorgan,ornot.Theheadmaster'splacidfacereassuredhim.Hewenttohispost.

Thehymnbegan.Itwasalonghymn,andonewhichtheschoollikedforitsswingandnoise.Asarule,whenitwassung,theHallre-echoed.To-day,thethinsoundofthevoiceshadquiteanuncannyeffect.Theorganboomedthroughthedesertedroom.

Theschool,ortheremnantsofit,waitedimpatientlywhiletheprefectwhoseturnitwastoreadstammerednervouslythroughthelesson.TheywereanxioustogetontowhattheHeadwasgoingtosayattheendofprayers.Atlastitwasover.Theschoolwaited,allears.

TheheadmasterbentdownfromthedaisandcalledtoFirby-Smith,whowasstandinginhisplacewiththeSixth.

TheGazeka,blushingwarmly,steppedforward.

"Bringmeaschoollist,Firby-Smith,"saidtheheadmaster.

TheGazekawaswearingapairofverysqueakybootsthatmorning.Theysoundeddeafeningashewalkedoutoftheroom.

Theschoolwaited.Presentlyadistantsqueakingwasheard,andFirby-Smithreturned,bearingalargesheetofpaper.

Theheadmasterthankedhim,andspreaditoutonthereading-desk.

Then,calmly,asifitwereanoccurrenceofeveryday,hebegantocalltheroll.

"Abney."

Noanswer.

"Adams."

Noanswer.

"Allenby."

"Here,sir,"fromatableattheendoftheroom.Allenbywasaprefect,intheScienceSixth.

Theheadmastermadeamarkagainsthisnamewithapencil.

"Arkwright."

Noanswer.

Hebegantocallthenamesmorerapidly.

"Arlington.Arthur.Ashe.Aston."

"Here,sir,"inashrilltreblefromtheriderinmotorcars.

Theheadmastermadeanothertick.



Thelistcametoanendafterwhatseemedtotheschoolanunconscionabletime,andherolledupthepaperagain,andsteppedtotheedgeofthedais.

"AllboysnotintheSixthForm,"hesaid,"willgototheirform-roomsandgettheirbooksandwriting-materials,andreturntotheHall."

("Goodwork,"murmuredMr.Seymourtohimself."Looksasifweshouldgetthatholidayafterall.")

"TheSixthFormwillgototheirform-roomasusual.Ishouldliketospeaktothemastersforamoment."

Henoddeddismissaltotheschool.

ThemasterscollectedonthedaÃ‾s.

"IfindthatIshallnotrequireyourservicesto-day,"saidtheheadmaster."Ifyouwillkindlysettheboysinyourformssomeworkthatwillkeepthemoccupied,Iwilllookafterthemhere.Itisalovelyday,"headded,withasmile,"andIamsureyouwillallenjoyyourselvesagreatdealmoreintheopenair."

"That,"saidMr.SeymourtoMr.Spence,astheywentdownstairs,"iswhatIcallagenuinesportsman."

"Myopinionneatlyexpressed,"saidMr.Spence."Comeontheriver.Orshallweputupanet,andhaveaknock?"

"River,Ithink.Meetyouattheboat-house."

"Allright.Don'tbelong."

"Ifeverydaywererunontheselines,school-masteringwouldn'tbesuchabadprofession.Iwonderifonecouldpersuadeone'sformto

runamuckasaregularthing."

"Pityonecan't.Itseemstometheidealstateofthings.Ensuresthegreatesthappinessofthegreatestnumber."

"Isay!Supposetheschoolhasgoneuptheriver,too,andwemeetthem!Whatshallwedo?"

"Thankthem,"saidMr.Spence,"mostkindly.They'vedoneuswell."

Theschoolhadnotgoneuptheriver.Theyhadmarchedinasolidbody,withtheschoolbandattheirheadplayingSousa,inthedirectionofWorfield,amarkettownofsomeimportance,distantabout

fivemiles.Ofwhattheydidandwhatthenativesthoughtofitall,noverydistinctrecordsremain.Thethingisatraditiononthecountrysidenow,aneventcolossalandheroic,tobetalkedaboutinthetap-roomofthevillageinnduringthelongwinterevenings.Thepapersgotholdofit,butwerecuriouslymisledastothenatureofthedemonstration.Thiswasthefaultofthereporteronthestaffofthe_WorfieldIntelligencerandFarmers'Guide_,whosawinthethingalegitimate"march-out,"and,questioningastragglerastothereasonfortheexpeditionandgatheringfoggilythattherestorationtohealthoftheEminentPersonwasatthebottomofit,saidsoin



hispaper.Andtwodayslater,ataboutthetimewhenRetributionhadgotseriouslytowork,the_DailyMail_reprintedtheaccount,withcommentsandelaborations,andheadedit"LoyalSchoolboys."ThewritersaidthatgreatcreditwasduetotheheadmasterofWrykynforhisingenuityindevisingandorganisingsonovelathanksgivingcelebration.Andtherewastheusualconversationbetween"arosy-cheekedladofsomesixteensummers"and"ourrepresentative,"inwhichtherosy-cheekedonespokemostkindlyofthehead-master,whoseemedtobeawarmpersonalfriendofhis.

TheremarkablethingabouttheGreatPicnicwasitsorderliness.Consideringthatfivehundredandfiftyboyswererangingthecountryinacompactmass,therewaswonderfullylittledamagedonetoproperty.Wyatt'sgeniusdidnotstopshortatorganisingthemarch.Inaddition,hearrangedasystemofofficerswhicheffectuallycontrolledtheanimalspiritsoftherankandfile.Thepromptanddecisivewayinwhichriotersweredealtwithduringtheearlierstagesofthebusinessprovedawholesomelessontootherswhowouldhavewishedtohavegoneanddonelikewise.AspiritofmartiallawreignedovertheGreatPicnic.Andtowardstheendofthedayfatiguekepttherowdy-mindedquiet.

AtWorfieldtheexpeditionlunched.Itwasnotamarket-day,fortunately,ortheconfusioninthenarrowstreetswouldhavebeen

hopeless.OnordinarydaysWorfieldwasmoreorlessdeserted.Itisastonishingthattheresourcesofthelittletownwereequaltosatisfyingtheneedsofthepicnickers.Theydescendedontheplacelikeanarmyoflocusts.

Wyatt,asgeneralissimooftheexpedition,walkedintothe"GrasshopperandAnt,"theleadinginnofthetown.

"AnythingIcandoforyou,sir?"inquiredthelandlordpolitely.

"Yes,please,"saidWyatt,"Iwantlunchforfivehundredandfifty."

Thatwasthesuprememomentinminehost'slife.Itwashisbig

subjectofconversationeverafterwards.Healwaystoldthatashisbeststory,andhealwaysendedwiththewords,"Youcouldha'knockedmedownwithafeather!"

Thefirstshockover,thestaffofthe"GrasshopperandAnt"bustledabout.Otherinnswerecalleduponforhelp.Privatecitizensralliedroundwithbread,jam,andapples.Andthearmylunchedsumptuously.

Intheearlyafternoontheyrested,andaseveningbegantofall,themarchhomewasstarted.

*****

Attheschool,netpracticewasjustcomingtoanendwhen,faintly,asthegarrisonofLucknowheardthefirstskirlofthepipesoftherelievingforce,thoseonthegroundsheardthestrainsoftheschoolbandandamurmurofmanyvoices.Presentlythesoundsgrewmoredistinct,anduptheWrykynroadcamemarchingthevanguardofthecolumn,singingtheschoolsong.Theylookedwearybutcheerful.

Asthearmydrewneartotheschool,itmeltedawaylittlebylittle,eachhouseclaimingitsrepresentatives.Attheschoolgatesonlyahandfulwereleft.



BobJackson,walkingbacktoDonaldson's,metWyattatthegate,andgazedathim,speechless.

"Hullo,"saidWyatt,"beentothenets?Iwonderifthere'stimeforaginger-beerbeforetheshopshuts."

CHAPTERXII

MIKEGETSHISCHANCE

Theheadmasterwasquiteblandandbusiness-likeaboutitall.Therewerenoimpassionedaddressesfromthedais.Hedidnottelltheschoolthatitoughttobeashamedofitself.Nordidhesaythatheshouldneverhavethoughtitofthem.PrayersontheSaturdaymorningweremarkedbynounusualfeatures.Therewas,indeed,astirofexcitementwhenhecametotheedgeofthedais,andclearedhisthroatasapreliminarytomakinganannouncement.Nowforit,thoughttheschool.

Thiswastheannouncement."Therehasbeenanoutbreakofchicken-poxinthetown.AllstreetsexcepttheHighStreetwillinconsequencebeoutofboundstillfurthernotice."

Hethengavethenodofdismissal.

Theschoolstreameddownstairs,marvelling.

Thelessastuteofthepicnickers,unmindfulofthehomelyproverbabouthallooingbeforeleavingthewood,wereopenlyexulting.Itseemedplaintothemthattheheadmaster,baffledbythemagnitudeof

thething,hadresolvedtopursuethesafecourseofignoringitaltogether.Tolielowisalwaysashrewdpieceoftactics,andthereseemednoreasonwhytheHeadshouldnothavedecidedonitinthepresentinstance.

Neville-Smithwasamongtheseprematurerejoicers.

"Isay,"hechuckled,overtakingWyattinthecloisters,"thisisallright,isn'tit!He'sfunkedit.Ithoughthewould.Findsthejobtoobigtotackle."

Wyattwasdamping.

"Mydearchap,"hesaid,"it'snotoveryetbyalongchalk.Ithasn'tstartedyet."

"Whatdoyoumean?Whydidn'thesayanythingaboutitinHall,then?"

"Whyshouldhe?Haveyoueverhadtickatashop?"

"OfcourseIhave.Whatdoyoumean?Why?"

"Well,theydidn'tsendinthebillrightaway.Butitcameall



right."

"Doyouthinkhe'sgoingtodosomething,then?"

"Rather.Youwait."

Wyattwasright.

BetweentenandelevenonWednesdaysandSaturdaysoldBates,theschoolsergeant,usedtocopyoutthenamesofthosewhowereinextralesson,andpostthemoutsidetheschoolshop.Theschoolinspectedthelistduringthequartertoeleveninterval.

To-day,rushingtotheshopforitsmiddaybun,theschoolwasawareofavastsheetofpaperwhereusuallytherewasbutasmallone.Theysurgedroundit.Bunswereforgotten.Whatwasit?

Thenthemeaningofthenoticeflasheduponthem.Theheadmasterhadacted.Thisbloateddocumentwastheextralessonlist,swollenwithnamesasastreamswellswithrain.Itwasacomprehensivedocument.Itleftoutlittle.

"ThefollowingboyswillgointoextralessonthisafternoonandnextWednesday,"itbegan.And"thefollowingboys"numberedfourhundred.

"Batesmusthavegotwriter'scramp,"saidClowes,ashereadthehugescroll.

*****

WyattmetMikeafterschool,astheywentbacktothehouse.

"Seenthe'extra'list?"heremarked."Noneofthekidsareinit,Inotice.Onlythebiggerfellows.Ratheragoodthing.I'mgladyougotoff."

"Thanks,"saidMike,whowaswalkingalittlestiffly."Idon'tknow

whatyoucallgettingoff.Itseemstomeyou'rethechapswhogotoff."

"Howdoyoumean?"

"Wegottanned,"saidMikeruefully.

"What!"

"Yes.EverybodybelowtheUpperFourth."

Wyattroaredwithlaughter.

"ByGad,"hesaid,"heisanoldsportsman.Ineversawsuchaman.Helowersallrecords."

"Gladyouthinkitfunny.Youwouldn'thaveifyou'dbeenme.Iwasoneofthefirsttogetit.Hewasquitefresh."

"Sting?"

"Shouldthinkitdid."



"Well,buckup.Don'tbreakdown."

"I'mnotbreakingdown,"saidMikeindignantly.

"Allright,Ithoughtyouweren't.Anyhow,you'rebetteroffthanIam."

"Anextra'snothingmuch,"saidMike.

"ItiswhenithappenstocomeonthesamedayastheM.C.C.match."

"Oh,byJove!Iforgot.That'snextWednesday,isn'tit?Youwon'tbeabletoplay!"

"No."

"Isay,whatrot!"

"Itis,rather.Still,nobodycansayIdidn'taskforit.Ifonegoesoutofone'swaytobegandbeseechtheOldMantoputoneinextra,itwouldbealittleroughonhimtocursehimwhenhedoesit."

"Ishouldbeawfullysick,ifitwereme."

"Well,itisn'tyou,soyou'reallright.You'llprobablygetmyplaceintheteam."

Mikesmileddutifullyatwhathesupposedtobeahumoroussally.

"Or,rather,oneoftheplaces,"continuedWyatt,whoseemedtobesufficientlyinearnest."They'llputabowlerininsteadofme.ProbablyDruce.Butthere'llbeseveralvacancies.Let'ssee.Me.Adams.Ashe.Anymore?No,that'sthelot.Ishouldthinkthey'dgiveyouachance."

"Youneedn'trot,"saidMikeuncomfortably.Hehadhisday-dreams,likeeverybodyelse,andtheyalwaystooktheformofplayingforthe

firsteleven(and,incidentally,makingacenturyinrecordtime).Tohavetolistenwhilethesubjectwastalkedaboutlightlymadehimhotandpricklyallover.

"I'mnotrotting,"saidWyattseriously,"I'llsuggestittoBurgessto-night."

"Youdon'tthinkthere'sanychanceofit,really,doyou?"saidMikeawkwardly.

"Idon'tseewhynot?Buckupinthescratchgamethisafternoon.Fieldingespecially.Burgessissimplymadonfielding.Idon'tblamehimeither,especiallyashe'sabowlerhimself.He'dshoveamaninto

theteamlikeashot,whateverhisbattingwaslike,ifhisfieldingwassomethingextraspecial.Soyoufieldlikeademonthisafternoon,andI'llcarryonthegoodworkintheevening."

"Isay,"saidMike,overcome,"it'sawfullydecentofyou,Wyatt."

*****

BillyBurgess,captainofWrykyncricket,wasagenialgiant,whoseldomallowedhimselftoberuffled.Thepresentwasoneoftherare



occasionsonwhichhepermittedhimselfthatluxury.Wyattfoundhiminhisstudy,shortlybeforelock-up,fullofstrangeoaths,likethesoldierinShakespeare.

"Yourotter!Yourotter!You_worm_!"heobservedcrisply,asWyattappeared.

"DearoldBilly!"saidWyatt."Comeon,givemeakiss,andlet'sbefriends."

"You----!"

"William!William!"

"Ifitwasn'tillegal,I'dliketotieyouandAsheandthatblackguardAdamsupinabigsack,anddropyouintotheriver.AndI'djumponthesackfirst.Whatdoyoumeanbylettingtheteamdownlikethis?Iknowyouwereatthebottomofitall."

Hestruggledintohisshirt--hewaschangingafterabath--andhisfacepoppedwrathfullyoutattheotherend.

"I'mawfullysorry,Bill,"saidWyatt."Thefactis,intheexcitementofthemomenttheM.C.C.matchwentcleanoutofmymind."

"Youhaven'tgotamind,"grumbledBurgess."You'vegotacheapbrownpapersubstitute.That'syourtrouble."

Wyattturnedtheconversationtactfully.

"Howmanywicketsdidyougetto-day?"heasked.

"Eight.Forahundredandthree.Iwasonthespot.YoungJacksoncaughtahotoneoffmeatthirdman.Thatkid'sgood."

"Whydon'tyouplayhimagainsttheM.C.C.onWednesday?"saidWyatt,jumpingathisopportunity.

"What?Areyousittingonmyleftshoe?"

"No.Thereitisinthecorner."

"Rightho!...Whatwereyousaying?"

"WhynotplayyoungJacksonforthefirst?"

"Toosmall."

"Rot.Whatdoessizematter?Cricketisn'tfooter.Besides,heisn'tsmall.He'sastallasIam."

"Isupposeheis.Dash,I'vedroppedmystud."

Wyattwaitedpatientlytillhehadretrievedit.Thenhereturnedtotheattack.

"He'sasgoodabatashisbrother,andabetterfield."

"OldBobcan'tfieldfortoffee.Iwillsaythatforhim.Droppedasitteroffmeto-day.Whythedeucefellowscan'tholdcatcheswhen



theydropslowlyintotheirmouthsI'mhangedifIcansee."

"Youplayhim,"saidWyatt."Justgivehimatrial.Thatkid'sageniusatcricket.He'sgoingtobebetterthananyofhisbrothers,evenJoe.Givehimashot."

Burgesshesitated.

"Youknow,it'sabitrisky,"hesaid."Withyouthreelunaticsoutoftheteamwecan'taffordtotrymanyexperiments.Bettersticktothemenatthetopofthesecond."

Wyattgotup,andkickedthewallasaventforhisfeelings.

"Yourotter,"hesaid."Can'tyou_see_whenyou'vegotagoodman?Here'sthiskidwaitingforyoureadymadewithastylelikeTrumper's,andyouraveabouttopmeninthesecond,chapswhoplayforwardateverything,andpathalf-volleysbacktothebowler!DoyourealisethatyouronlychanceofbeingknowntoPosterityisasthemanwhogaveM.JacksonhiscoloursatWrykyn?Inafewyearshe'llbeplayingforEngland,andyou'llthinkitafavourifhenodstoyouinthepav.atLord's.Whenyou'reawhite-hairedoldmanyou'llgododderingabout,gassingtoyourgrandchildren,poorkids,howyou'discovered'M.Jackson.It'llbetheonlythingthey'llrespectyou

for."Wyattstoppedforbreath.

"Allright,"saidBurgess,"I'llthinkitover.Frightfulgiftofthegabyou'vegot,Wyatt."

"Good,"saidWyatt."Thinkitover.Anddon'tforgetwhatIsaidaboutthegrandchildren.YouwouldlikelittleWyattBurgessandtheotherlittleBurgessestorespectyouinyouroldage,wouldn'tyou?Verywell,then.Solong.Thebellwentagesago.Ishallbelockedout."

*****

OntheMondaymorningMikepassedthenotice-boardjustasBurgessturnedawayfrompinningupthelistoftheteamtoplaytheM.C.C.Hereadit,andhisheartmissedabeat.For,bottombutone,justabovetheW.B.Burgess,wasanamethatleapedfromthepaperathim.Hisownname.

CHAPTERXIII

THEM.C.C.MATCH

Ifthedayhappenstobefine,thereisacurious,dream-likeatmosphereabouttheopeningstagesofafirstelevenmatch.Everythingseemshushedandexpectant.Therestoftheschoolhavegoneinaftertheintervalateleveno'clock,andyouarealoneonthegroundswithacricket-bag.Theonlysignsoflifeareafewpedestriansontheroadbeyondtherailingsandoneortwoblazerandflannel-cladformsinthepavilion.Thesenseofisolationistryingtothenerves,andaschoolteamusuallybats25percent.better



afterlunch,whenthestrangenesshaswornoff.

MikewalkedacrossfromWain's,wherehehadchanged,feelingquitehollow.Hecouldalmosthavecriedwithpurefright.BobhadshoutedafterhimfromawindowashepassedDonaldson's,towait,sothattheycouldwalkovertogether;butconversationwasthelastthingMikedesiredatthatmoment.

HehadalmostreachedthepavilionwhenoneoftheM.C.C.teamcamedownthesteps,sawhim,andstoppeddead.

"ByJove,Saunders!"criedMike.

"Why,MasterMike!"

Theprofessionalbeamed,andquitesuddenly,thelost,hopelessfeelingleftMike.HefeltascheerfulasifheandSaundershadmetinthemeadowathome,andwerejustgoingtobeginalittlequietnet-practice.

"Why,MasterMike,youdon'tmeantosayyou'replayingfortheschoolalready?"

Mikenoddedhappily.

"Isn'titripping,"hesaid.

Saundersslappedhisleginasortofecstasy.

"Didn'tIalwayssayit,sir,"hechuckled."Wasn'tIright?Iusedtosaytomyselfit'udbeaprettygoodschoolteamthat'udleaveyouout."

"Ofcourse,I'monlyplayingasasub.,youknow.Threechapsareinextra,andIgotoneoftheplaces."

"Well,you'llmakeahundredto-day,MasterMike,andthenthey'll

havetoputyouin."

"WishIcould!"

"MasterJoe'scomedownwiththeClub,"saidSaunders.

"Joe!Hashereally?Howripping!Hullo,hereheis.Hullo,Joe?"

ThegreatestofalltheJacksonswasdescendingthepavilionstepswiththegravitybefittinganAllEnglandbatsman.Hestoppedshort,asSaundershaddone.

"Mike!Youaren'tplaying!"

"Yes."

"Well,I'mhanged!Youngmarvel,isn'the,Saunders?"

"Heis,sir,"saidSaunders."Gotallthestrokes.Ialwayssaidit,MasterJoe.Onlywantsthestrength."

JoetookMikebytheshoulder,andwalkedhimoffinthedirectionofamaninaZingariblazerwhowasbowlingslowstoanotherofthe



M.C.C.team.Mikerecognisedhimwithaweasoneofthethreebestamateurwicket-keepersinthecountry.

"Whatdoyouthinkofthis?"saidJoe,exhibitingMike,whogrinnedbashfully."Agedtenlastbirthday,andplayingfortheschool.Youareonlyten,aren'tyou,Mike?"

"Brotherofyours?"askedthewicket-keeper.

"Probablytooproudtoowntherelationship,butheis."

"Isn'tthereanyendtoyouJacksons?"demandedthewicket-keeperinanaggrievedtone."Ineversawsuchafamily."

"Thisisourstar.Youwaittillhegetsatusto-day.Saundersisouronlybowler,andMike'sbeenbroughtuponSaunders.You'dbetterwinthetossifyouwantachanceofgettingaknockandliftingyouraverageoutoftheminuses."

"I_have_wonthetoss,"saidtheotherwithdignity."DoyouthinkIdon'tknowtheelementarydutiesofacaptain?"

*****

Theschoolwentouttofieldwithmixedfeelings.Thewicketwashardandtrue,whichwouldhavemadeitpleasanttobegoinginfirst.Ontheotherhand,theywouldfeeldecidedlybetterandfitterforcenturiesafterthegamehadbeeninprogressanhourorso.Burgesswasgladasaprivateindividual,sorryasacaptain.Forhimself,thesoonerhegotholdoftheballandbegantobowlthebetterhelikedit.Asacaptain,herealisedthatasidewithJoeJacksononit,nottomentiontheotherfirst-classmen,wasnotasidetowhichhewouldhavepreferredtogiveawayanadvantage.Mikewasfeelingthatbynopossibilitycouldheholdthesimplestcatch,andhopingthatnothingwouldcomehisway.Bob,consciousofbeinganuncertainfield,wasfeelingjustthesame.

TheM.C.C.openedwithJoeandamaninanOxfordAuthenticcap.Thebeginningofthegamewasquiet.Burgess'syorkerwasnearlytoomuchforthelatterinthefirstover,buthecontrivedtochopitaway,andthepairgraduallysettleddown.Attwenty,Joebegantoopenhisshoulders.Twentybecamefortywithdisturbingswiftness,andBurgesstriedachangeofbowling.

Itseemedforoneinstantasifthemovehadbeenasuccess,forJoe,stilltakingrisks,triedtolate-cutarisingball,andsnickeditstraightintoBob'shandsatsecondslip.Itwastheeasiestofslip-catches,butBobfumbledit,droppedit,almosthelditasecondtime,andfinallyletitfallmiserablytotheground.Itwasamomenttoopainfulforwords.Herolledtheballbacktothebowler

insilence.

Oneofthosewearyperiodsfollowedwhenthebatsman'sdefenceseemstothefieldsmenabsolutelyimpregnable.Therewasasickeninginevitablenessinthewayinwhicheveryballwasplayedwiththeverycentreofthebat.And,asusual,justwhenthingsseemedmosthopeless,reliefcame.TheAuthentic,gettinginfrontofhiswicket,topulloneofthesimplestlong-hopseverseenonacricketfield,missedit,andwasl.b.w.Andthenextballupsetthenewcomer'slegstump.



Theschoolrevived.Bowlersandfieldwereinfusedwithanewlife.Anotherwicket--twostumpsknockedoutofthegroundbyBurgess--helpedthethingon.Whenthebellrangfortheendofmorningschool,fivewicketsweredownforahundredandthirteen.

Butfromtheendofschooltilllunchthingswentverywrongindeed.Joewasstillinatoneend,invincible;andattheotherwasthegreatwicket-keeper.Andthepairofthemsuddenlybegantoforcethepacetillthebowlingwasinatangledknot.Fourafterfour,allroundthewicket,withneverachanceoramishittovarythemonotony.Twohundredwentup,andtwohundredandfifty.ThenJoereachedhiscentury,andwasstumpednextball.Thencamelunch.

Therestoftheinningswaslikethegentlerainafterthethunderstorm.Runscamewithfairregularity,butwicketsfellatintervals,andwhenthewicket-keeperwasrunoutatlengthforalivelysixty-three,theendwasverynear.Saunders,cominginlast,hittwoboundaries,andwasthencaughtbyMike.HissecondhithadjustliftedtheM.C.C.totaloverthethreehundred.

*****

Threehundredisascorethattakessomemakingonanyground,buton

afinedayitwasnotanunusualtotalfortheWrykyneleven.Someyearsbefore,againstRipton,theyhadrunupfourhundredandsixteen;andonlylastseasonhadmassacredaveryweakteamofOldWrykynianswithascorethatonlyjustmissedthefourthhundred.

Unfortunately,onthepresentoccasion,therewasscarcelytime,unlessthebowlinghappenedtogetcompletelycollared,tomaketheruns.Itwasaquartertofourwhentheinningsbegan,andstumpsweretobedrawnataquartertoseven.Ahundredanhourisquickwork.

Burgess,however,wasoptimistic,asusual."Betterhaveagoforthem,"hesaidtoBerridgeandMarsh,theschoolfirstpair.

Followingoutthiscourageousadvice,Berridge,afterhittingthreeboundariesinhisfirsttwoovers,wasstumpedhalf-waythroughthethird.

Afterthis,thingssettleddown.Morris,thefirst-wicketman,wasathoroughlysoundbat,alittleontheslowside,butexceedinglyhardtoshift.HeandMarshproceededtoplaythemselvesin,untilitlookedasiftheywerelikelytostaytillthedrawingofstumps.

Acomfortable,rathersomnolentfeelingsettledupontheschool.Alongstandatcricketisasoothingsighttowatch.Therewasanabsenceofhurryaboutthebatsmenwhichharmonisedwellwiththedrowsysummerafternoon.Andyetrunswerecomingatafairpace.The

hundredwentupatfiveo'clock,thehundredandfiftyathalf-past.Bothbatsmenwerecompletelyathome,andtheM.C.C.third-changebowlershadbeenputon.

Thenthegreatwicket-keepertookoffthepadsandgloves,andthefieldsmenretiredtopostsattheextremeedgeoftheground.

"Lobs,"saidBurgess."ByJove,IwishIwasin."

ItseemedtobethegeneralopinionamongthemembersoftheWrykyn



elevenonthepavilionbalconythatMorrisandMarshwereinluck.Theteamdidnotgrudgethemtheirgoodfortune,becausetheyhadearnedit;buttheyweredistinctlyenvious.

Lobsarethemostdangerous,insinuatingthingsintheworld.Everybodyknowsintheorytherightwaytotreatthem.Everybodyknowsthatthemanwhoiscontentnottotrytoscoremorethanasinglecannotgetouttothem.Yetnearlyeverybodydoesgetouttothem.

Itwasthesamestoryto-day.Thefirstoveryieldedsixruns,allthroughgentletapsalongtheground.Inthesecond,Marshhitanover-pitchedonealongthegroundtotheterracebank.Thenextballhesweptroundtothelegboundary.AndthatwastheendofMarsh.Hesawhimselfscoringattherateoftwenty-fouranover.Offthelastballhewasstumpedbyseveralfeet,havingdonehimselfcreditbyscoringseventy.

Thelongstandwasfollowed,asusual,byaseriesofdisasters.Marsh'swickethadfallenatahundredandeighty.Ellerbyleftatahundredandeighty-six.Bythetimethescoring-boardregisteredtwohundred,fivewicketsweredown,threeofthemvictimstothelobs.Morriswasstillinatoneend.Hehadrefusedtobetempted.Hewasjoggingonsteadilytohiscentury.

BobJacksonwentinnext,withinstructionstokeephiseyeonthelob-man.

Foratimethingswentwell.Saunders,whohadgoneontobowlagainafterarest,seemedtogiveMorrisnotrouble,andBobputhimthroughtheslipswithapparentease.Twentyrunswereadded,whenthelob-bowleroncemoregotinhisdeadlywork.Bob,lettingaloneaballwideoftheoff-stumpundertheimpressionthatitwasgoingtobreakaway,wasdisagreeablysurprisedtofinditbreakininstead,andhitthewicket.Thebowlersmiledsadly,asifhehatedtohavetodothesethings.

Mike'sheartjumpedashesawthebailsgo.Itwashisturnnext.

"Twohundredandtwenty-nine,"saidBurgess,"andit'stenpastsix.Nogoodtryingfortherunsnow.Stickin,"headdedtoMike."That'sallyou'vegottodo."

All!...Mikefeltasifhewasbeingstrangled.Hisheartwasracingliketheenginesofamotor.Heknewhisteethwerechattering.Hewishedhecouldstopthem.WhatatimeBobwastakingtogetbacktothepavilion!Hewantedtorushout,andgetthethingover.

Atlasthearrived,andMike,fumblingataglove,totteredoutintothesunshine.Heheardmilesandmilesawayasoundofclapping,andathin,shrillnoiseasifsomebodywerescreaminginthedistance.Asa

matteroffact,severalmembersofhisformandofthejuniorday-roomatWain'snearlyburstthemselvesatthatmoment.

Atthewickets,hefeltbetter.Bobhadfallentothelastballoftheover,andMorris,standingreadyforSaunders'sdelivery,lookedsocalmandcertainofhimselfthatitwasimpossibletofeelentirelywithouthopeandself-confidence.MikeknewthatMorrishadmadeninety-eight,andhesupposedthatMorrisknewthathewasverynearhiscentury;yetheseemedtobeabsolutelyundisturbed.Mikedrewcouragefromhisattitude.



Morrispushedthefirstballawaytoleg.Mikewouldhavelikedtohaveruntwo,butshortleghadretrievedtheballashereachedthecrease.

Themomenthadcome,themomentwhichhehadexperiencedonlyindreams.Andinthedreamshewasalwaysfullofconfidence,andinvariablyhitaboundary.Sometimesadrive,sometimesacut,butalwaysaboundary.

"Toleg,sir,"saidtheumpire.

"Don'tbeinafunk,"saidavoice."Playstraight,andyoucan'tgetout."

ItwasJoe,whohadtakenthegloveswhenthewicket-keeperwentontobowl.

Mikegrinned,wrylybutgratefully.

Saunderswasbeginninghisrun.Itwasallsohome-likethatforamomentMikefelthimselfagain.Howoftenhehadseenthosetwolittleskipsandthejump.Itwaslikebeinginthepaddockagain,withMarjoryandthedogswaitingbytherailingstofetchtheballifhe

madeadrive.Saundersrantothecrease,andbowled.

Now,Saunderswasaconscientiousman,and,doubtless,bowledtheverybestballthathepossiblycould.Ontheotherhand,itwasMike'sfirstappearancefortheschool,andSaunders,besidesbeingconscientious,wasundoubtedlykind-hearted.Itisuselesstospeculateastowhetherhewastryingtobowlhisbestthatball.Ifso,hefailedsignally.Itwasahalf-volley,justtherightdistanceawayfromtheoff-stump;thesortofballMikewaswonttosendnearlythroughthenetathome....

Thenextmomentthedreamshadcometrue.Theumpirewassignallingtothescoring-box,theschoolwasshouting,extra-coverwastrottingtotheboundarytofetchtheball,andMikewasblushingandwonderingwhetheritwasbadformtogrin.

Fromthatballonwardsallwasforthebestinthisbestofallpossibleworlds.Saundersbowlednomorehalf-volleys;butMikeplayedeverythingthathedidbowl.Hemetthelobswithabatlikeabarn-door.EventhedepartureofMorris,caughtintheslipsoffSaunders'snextoverforachancelesshundredandfive,didnotdisturbhim.Allnervousnesshadlefthim.Hefeltequaltothesituation.Burgesscamein,andbegantohitoutasifhemeanttoknockofftheruns.Thebowlingbecameashadeloose.Twicehewasgivenfulltosses

toleg,whichhehittotheterracebank.Half-pastsixchimed,andtwohundredandfiftywentuponthetelegraphboard.Burgesscontinuedtohit.Mike'swholesoulwasconcentratedonkeepinguphiswicket.TherewasonlyReevestofollowhim,andReeveswasavictimtothefirststraightball.Burgesshadtohitbecauseitwastheonlygameheknew;buthehimselfmustsimplystayin.

Thehandsoftheclockseemedtohavestopped.Thensuddenlyheheardtheumpiresay"Lastover,"andhesettleddowntokeepthosesixballsoutofhiswicket.



Thelobbowlerhadtakenhimselfoff,andtheOxfordAuthentichadgoneon,fastleft-hand.

Thefirstballwasshortandwideoftheoff-stump.Mikeletitalone.Numbertwo:yorker.Gothim!Three:straighthalf-volley.Mikeplayeditbacktothebowler.Four:beathim,andmissedthewicketbyaninch.Five:anotheryorker.Downonitagainintheoldfamiliarway.

Allwaswell.Thematchwasadrawnowwhateverhappenedtohim.Hehitout,almostataventure,atthelastball,andmid-off,jumping,justfailedtoreachit.Ithummedoverhishead,andranlikeastreakalongtheturfandupthebank,andagreathowlofdelightwentupfromtheschoolastheumpiretookoffthebails.

MikewalkedawayfromthewicketswithJoeandthewicket-keeper.

"I'msorryaboutyournose,Joe,"saidthewicket-keeperintonesofgravesolicitude.

"What'swrongwithit?"

"Atpresent,"saidthewicket-keeper,"nothing.ButinafewyearsI'mafraidit'sgoingtobeputbadlyoutofjoint."

CHAPTERXIV

ASLIGHTIMBROGLIO

MikegothisthirdelevencoloursaftertheM.C.C.match.Ashehadmadetwenty-threenotoutinacrisisinafirstelevenmatch,thismaynotseemanexcessivereward.Butitwasallthatheexpected.OnehadtotaketherungsoftheladdersinglyatWrykyn.Firstonewas

givenone'sthirdelevencap.Thatmeant,"Youareapromisingman,andwehaveoureyeonyou."Thencamethesecondcolours.Theymightmeananythingfrom"Well,hereyouare.Youwon'tgetanyhigher,soyoumayaswellhavethethingnow,"to"Thisisjusttoshowthatwestillhaveoureyeonyou."

Mikewasacertaintynowforthesecond.Butitneededmorethanoneperformancetosecurethefirstcap.

"Itoldyouso,"saidWyatt,naturally,toBurgessafterthematch.

"He'snotbad,"saidBurgess."I'llgivehimanothershot."

ButBurgess,ashasbeenpointedout,wasnotapersonwhoeverbecamegushingwithenthusiasm.

*****

SoWilkins,oftheSchoolHouse,whohadplayedtwiceforthefirsteleven,droppeddownintothesecond,asmanyagoodmanhaddonebeforehim,andMikegothisplaceinthenextmatch,againsttheGentlemenoftheCounty.Unfortunatelyforhim,thevisitingteam,howevergentlemanly,werenotbrilliantcricketers,atanyrateasfar



asbowlingwasconcerned.Theschoolwonthetoss,wentinfirst,andmadethreehundredandsixteenforfivewickets,Morrismakinganotherplacidcentury.TheinningswasdeclaredclosedbeforeMikehadachanceofdistinguishinghimself.Inaninningswhichlastedforoneoverhemadetworuns,notout;andhadtoconsolehimselfforthecuttingshortofhisperformancebythefactthathisaveragefortheschoolwasstillinfinity.Bob,whowasoneofthoseluckyenoughtohaveanunabridgedinnings,didbetterinthismatch,makingtwenty-five.ButwithMorrismakingahundredandseventeen,andBerridge,Ellerby,andMarshallpassingthehalf-century,thisscoredidnotshowupexcessively.

Wenowcometowhatwaspracticallyaturning-pointinMike'scareeratWrykyn.Thereisnodoubtthathismeteor-likeflightsatcrickethadanunsettlingeffectonhim.Hewasenjoyinglifeamazingly,and,asisnotuncommonwiththeprosperous,hewaxedfatandkicked.Fortunatelyforhim--thoughhedidnotlookuponitinthatlightatthetime--hekickedtheonepersonitwasmostimprudenttokick.ThepersonheselectedwasFirby-Smith.Withanybodyelsethethingmighthaveblownover,tothedetrimentofMike'scharacter;butFirby-Smith,havingthemosttenderaffectionforhisdignity,madeafuss.

Ithappenedinthisway.TheimmediatecauseofthedisturbancewasaremarkofMike's,buttheindirectcausewastheunbearably

patronisingmannerwhichtheheadofWain'schosetoadopttowardshim.Thefactthathewasplayingfortheschoolseemedtomakenodifferenceatall.Firby-SmithcontinuedtoaddressMikemerelyasthesmallboy.

Thefollowing,_verbatim_,wasthetactfulspeechwhichheaddressedtohimontheeveningoftheM.C.C.match,havingsummonedhimtohisstudyforthepurpose.

"Well,"hesaid,"youplayedaverydecentinningsthisafternoon,andIsupposeyou'refrightfullypleasedwithyourself,eh?Well,mindyoudon'tgogettingswelledhead.See?That'sall.Runalong."

Mikedeparted,burstingwithfury.

ThenextlinkinthechainwasforgedaweekaftertheGentlemenoftheCountymatch.Housematcheshadbegun,andWain'swereplayingAppleby's.Appleby'smadeahundredandfiftyodd,shapingbadlyforthemostpartagainstWyatt'sslows.ThenWain'sopenedtheirinnings.TheGazeka,asheadofthehouse,wascaptainoftheside,andheandWyattwentinfirst.Wyattmadeafewmightyhits,andwasthencaughtatcover.Mikewentinfirstwicket.

Forsometenminutesallwaspeace.Firby-Smithscratchedawayathisend,gettinghereandthereasingleandnowandthenatwo,andMikesettleddownatoncetoplaywhathefeltwasgoingtobetheinnings

ofalifetime.Appleby'sbowlingwasonthefeebleside,withRaikes,ofthethirdeleven,asthestar,supportedbysomesmallchange.Mikepoundeditvigorously.ToonewhohadbeenbroughtuponSaunders,Raikespossessedfewsubtleties.Hehadmadeseventeen,andwasthoroughlyset,whentheGazeka,whohadthebowling,hitoneinthedirectionofcover-point.Withacertaintypeofbatsmanasingleisathingtotakebigrisksfor.AndtheGazekabadlywantedthatsingle.

"Comeon,"heshouted,prancingdownthepitch.



Mike,whohadremainedinhiscreasewiththeideathatnobodyevenmoderatelysanewouldattemptarunforahitlikethat,movedforwardinastartledandirresolutemanner.Firby-Smitharrived,shouting"Run!"and,coverhavingthrowntheballin,thewicket-keeperremovedthebails.

Thesearesolemnmoments.

Theonlypossiblewayofsmoothingoveranepisodeofthiskindisfortheguiltymantogrovel.

Firby-Smithdidnotgrovel.

"Easyrunthere,youknow,"hesaidreprovingly.

TheworldswambeforeMike'seyes.ThroughtheredmisthecouldseeFirby-Smith'sface.Thesunglintedonhisratherprominentteeth.ToMike'sdistortedvisionitseemedthatthecriminalwasamused.

"Don't_laugh_,yougrinningape!"hecried."Itisn'tfunny."

[Illustration:"DON'T_LAUGH_,YOUGRINNINGAPE"]

Hethenmadeforthetreeswheretherestoftheteamweresitting.

NowFirby-Smithnotonlypossessedratherprominentteeth;hewasalsosensitiveonthesubject.Mike'sshaftsankindeeply.Thefactthatemotioncausedhimtoswipeatastraighthalf-volley,missit,andbebowlednextballmadethewoundrankle.

HeavoidedMikeonhisreturntothetrees.AndMike,feelingnowalittleapprehensive,avoidedhim.

TheGazekabroodedapartfortherestoftheafternoon,chewingtheinsult.AtcloseofplayhesoughtBurgess.

Burgess,besidesbeingcaptainoftheeleven,wasalsoheadofthe

school.Hewasthemanwhoarrangedprefects'meetings.Andonlyaprefects'meeting,thoughtFirby-Smith,couldadequatelyavengehislacerateddignity.

"Iwanttospeaktoyou,Burgess,"hesaid.

"What'sup?"saidBurgess.

"YouknowyoungJacksoninourhouse."

"Whatabouthim?"

"He'sbeenfrightfullyinsolent."

"Cheekedyou?"saidBurgess,amanofsimplespeech.

"Iwantyoutocallaprefects'meeting,andlickhim."

Burgesslookedincredulous.

"Ratheralargeorder,aprefects'meeting,"hesaid."Ithastobeaprettyserioussortofthingforthat."



"Frightfulcheektoaschoolprefectisaseriousthing,"saidFirby-Smith,withtheairofoneutteringanepigram.

"Well,Isuppose--Whatdidhesaytoyou?"

Firby-Smithrelatedthepainfuldetails.

Burgessstartedtolaugh,butturnedthelaughintoacough.

"Yes,"hesaidmeditatively."Ratherthick.Still,Imean--Aprefects'meeting.Ratherlikecrushingathingummywithawhat-d'you-call-it.Besides,he'sadecentkid."

"He'sfrightfullyconceited."

"Oh,well--Well,anyhow,lookhere,I'llthinkitover,andletyouknowto-morrow.It'snotthesortofthingtorushthroughwithoutthinkingaboutit."

Andthematterwaslefttemporarilyatthat.

CHAPTERXVMIKECREATESAVACANCY

Burgesswalkedoffthegroundfeelingthatfatewasnotusinghimwell.

Herewashe,awell-meaningyouthwhowantedtobeongoodtermswithalltheworld,beingjockeyedintoslaughteringakidwhosebattingheadmiredandwhompersonallyheliked.AndtheworstofitwasthathesympathisedwithMike.Heknewwhatitfeltliketoberunoutjustwhenonehadgotset,andheknewexactlyhowmaddeningtheGazeka's

mannerwouldbeonsuchanoccasion.Ontheotherhand,officiallyhewasboundtosupporttheheadofWain's.Prefectsmuststandtogetherorchaoswillcome.

Hethoughthewouldtalkitoverwithsomebody.Boboccurredtohim.ItwasonlyfairthatBobshouldbetold,asthenearestofkin.

Andherewasanothergrievanceagainstfate.Bobwasapersonhedidnotparticularlywishtoseejustthen.ForthatmorninghehadpostedupthelistoftheteamtoplayfortheschoolagainstGeddington,oneofthefourschoolswhichWrykynmetatcricket;andBob'snamedidnotappearonthatlist.Severalthingshadcontributedtothatmelancholyomission.Inthefirstplace,Geddington,tojudgefromthe

weeklyreportsinthe_Sportsman_and_Field_,werestrongthisyearatbatting.Inthesecondplace,theresultsofthelastfewmatches,andparticularlytheM.C.C.match,hadgivenBurgesstheideathatWrykynwasweakatbowling.Itbecamenecessary,therefore,todropabatsmanoutoftheteaminfavourofabowler.AndeitherMikeorBobmustbetheman.

Burgesswasasrigidlyconscientiousasthecaptainofaschoolelevenshouldbe.Bobwasoneofhisbestfriends,andhewouldhavegivenmuchtobeabletoputhimintheteam;buthethoughtthethingover,



andputthetemptationsturdilybehindhim.Atbattingtherewasnotmuchtochoosebetweenthetwo,butinfieldingtherewasagreatdeal.Mikewasgood.Bobwasbad.SooutBobhadgone,andNeville-Smith,afairfastbowleratalltimesandonhisdaydangerous,tookhisplace.

Theseclashingsofpublicdutywithprivateinclinationarethedrawbackstothedespoticpositionofcaptainofcricketatapublicschool.Itisawkwardhavingtomeetyourbestfriendafteryouhavedroppedhimfromtheteam,anditisdifficulttotalktohimasifnothinghadhappened.

Burgessfeltveryself-consciousasheenteredBob'sstudy,andwasrathergladthathehadatopicofconversationreadytohand.

"Busy,Bob?"heasked.

"Hullo,"saidBob,withacheerfulnessratherover-doneinhisanxietytoshowBurgess,theman,thathedidnotholdhimresponsibleinanywayforthedistressingactsofBurgess,thecaptain."Takeapew.Don'tthesestudiesgetbeastlyhotthisweather.There'ssomeginger-beerinthecupboard.Havesome?"

"No,thanks.Isay,Bob,lookhere,Iwanttoseeyou."

"Well,youcan,can'tyou?Thisisme,sittingoverhere.Thetall,dark,handsomechap."

"It'sawfullyawkward,youknow,"continuedBurgessgloomily;"thatassofayoungbrotherofyours--Sorry,buthe_is_anass,thoughhe'syourbrother----"

"Thanksforthe'though,'Billy.Youknowhowtoputathingnicely.What'sMikebeenupto?"

"It'sthatoldfooltheGazeka.Hecametomefrothingwithrage,andwantedmetocallaprefects'meetingandtouchyoungMikeup."

Bobdisplayedinterestandexcitementforthefirsttime.

"Prefects'meeting!Whatthedickensisup?What'shebeendoing?Smithmustbedrunk.What'salltherowabout?"

BurgessrepeatedthemainfactsofthecaseashehadthemfromFirby-Smith.

"Personally,Isympathisewiththekid,"headded,"Still,theGazeka _is_aprefect----"

Bobgnawedapen-holdermorosely.

"Sillyyoungidiot,"hesaid.

"Sickeningthingbeingrunout,"suggestedBurgess.

"Still----"

"Iknow.It'sratherhardtoseewhattodo.IsupposeiftheGazekainsists,one'sboundtosupporthim."

"Isupposeso."



"Awfulrot.Prefects'lickingsaren'tmeantforthatsortofthing.They'resupposedtobeforkidswhostealbunsattheshopormuckaboutgenerally.Notforachapwhocursesafellowwhorunshimout.Itellyouwhat,there'sjustachanceFirby-Smithwon'tpressthething.Hehadn'thadtimetogetoveritwhenhesawme.Bynowhe'llhavesimmereddownabit.Lookhere,you'reapalofhis,aren'tyou?Well,goandaskhimtodropthebusiness.Sayyou'llcurseyourbrotherandmakehimapologise,andthatI'llkickhimoutoftheteamfortheGeddingtonmatch."

ItwasadifficultmomentforBob.Onecannothelpone'sthoughts,andforaninstanttheideaofgoingtoGeddingtonwiththeteam,ashewouldcertainlydoifMikedidnotplay,madehimwaver.Butherecoveredhimself.

"Don'tdothat,"hesaid."Idon'tseethere'saneedforanythingofthatsort.Youmustplaythebestsideyou'vegot.IcaneasilytalktheoldGazekaover.Hegetsallrightinasecondifhe'streatedtherightway.I'llgoanddoitnow."

Burgesslookedmiserable.

"Isay,Bob,"hesaid.

"Yes?"

"Oh,nothing--Imean,you'renotabadsort."Withwhichglowingeulogyhedashedoutoftheroom,thankinghisstarsthathehadwonthroughaconfoundedlyawkwardbusiness.

BobwentacrosstoWain'stointerviewandsootheFirby-Smith.

HefoundthatoutragedherosittingmoodilyinhisstudylikeAchillesinhistent.

SeeingBob,hebecameallanimation.

"Lookhere,"hesaid,"Iwantedtoseeyou.Youknow,thatfrightfulyoungbrotherofyours----"

"Iknow,Iknow,"saidBob."Burgesswastellingme.Hewantskicking."

"Hewantsafrightfullickingfromtheprefects,"emendedtheaggrievedparty.

"Well,Idon'tknow,youknow.Notmuchgoodluggingtheprefectsintoit,isthere?Imean,apartfromeverythingelse,notmuchofacatchforme,woulditbe,havingtositthereandlookon.I'maprefect,

too,youknow."

Firby-Smithlookedalittleblankatthis.HehadagreatadmirationforBob.

"Ididn'tthinkofyou,"hesaid.

"Ithoughtyouhadn't,"saidBob."Youseeitnow,though,don'tyou?"

Firby-Smithreturnedtotheoriginalgrievance.



"Well,youknow,itwasfrightfulcheek."

"Ofcourseitwas.Still,IthinkifIsawhimandcursedhim,andsenthimuptoyoutoapologise--Howwouldthatdo?"

"Allright.Afterall,Ididrunhimout."

"Yes,there'sthat,ofcourse.Mike'sallright,really.Itisn'tasifhedidthatsortofthingasahabit."

"No.Allrightthen."

"Thanks,"saidBob,andwenttofindMike.

*****

ThelectureondeportmentwhichhereadthatfutureAll-Englandbatsmaninasecludedpassagenearthejuniorday-roomleftthelatterratherlimpandexceedinglymeek.Forthemomentallthejauntinessandexuberancehadbeendrainedoutofhim.Hewasapuncturedballoon.Reflection,andthedistinctlydiscouragingrepliesofthoseexpertsinschoollawtowhomhehadputthequestion,"Whatd'youthinkhe'lldo?"hadinducedaverychastenedframeofmind.

Heperceivedthathehadwalkedverynearlyintoahornets'nest,andtherealisationofhisescapemadehimagreereadilytoalltheconditionsimposed.TheapologytotheGazekawasmadewithoutreserve,andtheoffensivelyforgiving,say-no-more-about-it-but-takecare-in-futureairoftheheadofthehouserousednosparkofresentmentinhim,sosubduedwashisfightingspirit.Allhewantedwastogetthethingdonewith.Hewasnotinclinedtobecritical.

And,mostofall,hefeltgratefultoBob.Firby-Smith,inthecourseofhisaddress,hadnotomittedtolaystressontheimportanceofBob'sintervention.ButforBob,hegavehimtounderstand,he,Mike,wouldhavebeenprosecutedwiththeutmostrigourofthelaw.Mike

cameawaywithaconfusedpictureinhismindofahordeoffuriousprefectsbentonhisslaughter,afterthemannerofastage"excitedcrowd,"andBobwavingthemback.HerealisedthatBobhaddonehimagoodturn.Hewishedhecouldfindsomewayofrepayinghim.

Curiouslyenough,itwasanenemyofBob'swhosuggestedtheway--Burton,ofDonaldson's.Burtonwasaslipperyyounggentleman,fourteenyearsofage,whohadfrequentlycomeintocontactwithBobinthehouse,andowedhimmanygrudges.WithMikehehadalwaystriedtoformanalliance,thoughwithoutsuccess.

HehappenedtomeetMikegoingtoschoolnextmorning,andunburdenedhissoultohim.ItchancedthatBobandhehadhadanothersmall

encounterimmediatelyafterbreakfast,andBurtonfeltrevengeful.

"Isay,"saidBurton,"I'mjollygladyou'replayingforthefirstagainstGeddington."

"Thanks,"saidMike.

"I'mspeciallygladforonereason."

"What'sthat?"inquiredMike,withoutinterest.



"Becauseyourbeastofabrotherhasbeenchuckedout.He'dhavebeenplayingbutforyou."

AtanyothertimeMikewouldhaveheardBobcalledabeastwithoutactiveprotest.Hewouldhavefeltthatitwasnobusinessofhistofighthisbrother'sbattlesforhim.Butonthisoccasionhedeviatedfromhisrule.

HekickedBurton.Notonceortwice,butseveraltimes,sothatBurton,retiringhurriedly,cametotheconclusionthatitmustbesomethingintheJacksonblood,sometaint,asitwere.Theywere _all_beasts.

*****

Mikewalkedon,weighingthisremark,andgraduallymadeuphismind.Itmustberememberedthathewasinaconfusedmentalcondition,andthattheonlythingherealisedclearlywasthatBobhadpulledhimoutofanuncommonlynastyhole.ItseemedtohimthatitwasnecessarytorepayBob.Hethoughtthethingovermorefullyduringschool,andhisdecisionremainedunaltered.

OntheeveningbeforetheGeddingtonmatch,justbeforelock-up,Mike

tappedatBurgess'sstudydoor.Hetappedwithhisrighthand,forhisleftwasinasling.

"Comein!"yelledthecaptain."Hullo!"

"I'mawfullysorry,Burgess,"saidMike."I'vecrockedmywristabit."

"Howdidyoudothat?Youwereallrightatthenets?"

"SlippedasIwaschanging,"saidMikestolidly.

"Isitbad?"

"Nothingmuch.I'mafraidIshan'tbeabletoplayto-morrow."

"Isay,that'sbadluck.Beastlybadluck.Wewantedyourbatting,too.Beallright,though,inadayortwo,Isuppose?"

"Oh,yes,rather."

"Hopeso,anyway."

"Thanks.Good-night."

"Good-night."

AndBurgess,withthecomfortablefeelingthathehadmanagedtocombinedutyandpleasureafterall,wroteanotetoBobatDonaldson's,tellinghimtobereadytostartwiththeteamforGeddingtonbythe8.54nextmorning.

CHAPTERXVI



ANEXPERTEXAMINATION

Mike'sUncleJohnwasawandereronthefaceoftheearth.Hehadbeenanarmysurgeoninthedaysofhisyouth,and,afteranadventurouscareer,mainlyinAfghanistan,hadinheritedenoughmoneytokeephimincomfortfortherestofhislife.Hehadthereuponlefttheservice,andnowspentmostofhistimeflittingfromonespotofEuropetoanother.HehadbeendashinguptoScotlandonthedaywhenMikefirstbecameaWrykynian,butafewweeksinanuncomfortablehotelinSkyeandafewdaysinacomfortableoneinEdinburghhadlefthimwiththeimpressionthathehadnowseenallthattherewastobeseeninNorthBritainandmightreasonablyshifthiscampagain.

Comingsouth,hehadlookedinonMike'speopleforabriefspace,and,attherequestofMike'smother,tooktheearlyexpresstoWrykyninordertopayavisitofinspection.

Histelegramarrivedduringmorningschool.Mikewentdowntothestationtomeethimafterlunch.

UncleJohntookcommandofthesituationatonce.

"Schoolplayinganybodyto-day,Mike?Iwanttoseeamatch.""They'replayingGeddington.Onlyit'saway.There'sasecondmatchon."

"Whyaren'tyou--Hullo,Ididn'tsee.Whathaveyoubeendoingtoyourself?"

"Crockedmywristabit.It'snothingmuch."

"Howdidyoudothat?"

"SlippedwhileIwaschangingaftercricket."

"Hurt?"

"Notmuch,thanks."

"Doctorseenit?"

"No.Butit'sreallynothing.BeallrightbyMonday."

"H'm.Somebodyoughttolookatit.I'llhavealooklateron."

Mikedidnotappeartorelishthisprospect.

"Itisn'tanything,UncleJohn,really.Itdoesn'tmatterabit."

"Nevermind.Itwon'tdoanyharmhavingsomebodyexamineitwhoknowsabitaboutthesethings.Now,whatshallwedo.Goontheriver?"

"Ishouldn'tbeabletosteer."

"Icouldmanageaboutthat.Still,IthinkIshouldliketoseetheplacefirst.Yourmother'ssuretoaskmeifyoushowedmeround.It'slikegoingoverthestableswhenyou'restoppingatacountry-house.



Gottobedone,andbetterdoitassoonaspossible."

Itisneververyinterestingplayingthepartofshowmanatschool.BothMikeandhisunclewereinclinedtoscampthebusiness.Mikepointedoutthevariouslandmarkswithoutmuchenthusiasm--itisonlyafteronehasleftafewyearsthattheschoolbuildingstaketothemselvesromance--andUncleJohnsaid,"Ahyes,Isee.Verynice,"twoorthreetimesinanabsentvoice;andtheypassedontothecricketfield,wherethesecondelevenwereplayinganeighbouringengineeringschool.Itwasagloriousday.ThesunhadneverseemedtoMikesobrightorthegrasssogreen.Itwasoneofthosedayswhentheballlookslikealargevermilion-colouredfootballasitleavesthebowler'shand.IfevertherewasadaywhenitseemedtoMikethatacenturywouldhavebeenacertainty,itwasthisSaturday.Asudden,bitterrealisationofallhehadgivenupsweptoverhim,buthechokedthefeelingdown.Thethingwasdone,anditwasnogoodbroodingoverthemight-have-beensnow.Still--AndtheGeddingtongroundwassupposedtobeoneoftheeasiestscoringgroundsofallthepublicschools!

"Wellhit,byGeorge!"remarkedUncleJohn,asTrevor,whohadgoneinfirstwicketforthesecondeleven,sweptahalf-volleytolegroundtothebankwheretheyweresitting.

"That'sTrevor,"saidMike."ChapinDonaldson's.ThefellowattheotherendisWilkins.He'sintheSchoolHouse.Theylookasiftheyweregettingset.ByJove,"hesaidenviously,"prettygoodfunbattingonadaylikethis."

UncleJohndetectedtheenviousnote.

"Isupposeyouwouldhavebeenplayingherebutforyourwrist?"

"No,Iwasplayingforthefirst."

"Forthefirst?Fortheschool!Myword,Mike,Ididn'tknowthat.Nowonderyou'refeelingbadlytreated.Ofcourse,Irememberyourfather

sayingyouhadplayedoncefortheschool,anddonewell;butIthoughtthatwasonlyasasubstitute.Ididn'tknowyouwerearegularmemberoftheteam.Whatbadluck.Willyougetanotherchance?"

"DependsonBob."

"HasBobgotyourplace?"

Mikenodded.

"Ifhedoeswellto-day,they'llprobablykeephimin."

"Isn'tthereroomforbothofyou?"

"Suchalotofoldcolours.Thereareonlythreevacancies,andHenfreygotoneofthoseaweekago.Iexpectthey'llgiveoneoftheothertwotoabowler,Neville-Smith,Ishouldthink,ifhedoeswellagainstGeddington.Thenthere'llbeonlythelastplaceleft."

"Ratherawkward,that."

"Still,it'sBob'slastyear.I'vegotplentyoftime.ButIwishI



couldgetinthisyear."

Aftertheyhadwatchedthematchforanhour,UncleJohn'srestlessnatureasserteditself.

"Supposewegoforapullontherivernow?"hesuggested.

Theygotup.

"Let'sjustcallattheshop,"saidMike."ThereoughttobeatelegramfromGeddingtonbythistime.IwonderhowBob'sgoton."

ApparentlyBobhadnothadachanceyetofdistinguishinghimself.Thetelegramread,"Geddington151forfour.Lunch."

"Notbadthat,"saidMike."ButIbelievethey'reweakinbowling."

Theywalkeddowntheroadtowardstheschoollanding-stage.

"Theworstofaschool,"saidUncleJohn,ashepulledup-streamwithstrong,unskilfulstroke,"isthatoneisn'tallowedtosmokeonthegrounds.Ibadlywantapipe.Thenextpieceofshadethatyousee,singout,andwe'llputinthere."

"Pullyourleft,"saidMike."Thatwillow'swhatyouwant."UncleJohnlookedoverhisshoulder,caughtacrab,recoveredhimself,andsteeredtheboatinundertheshadeofthebranches.

"Puttheropeoverthatstump.Canyoumanagewithonehand?Here,letme--Doneit?Good.A-ah!"

Heblewagreatcloudofsmokeintotheair,andsighedcontentedly.

"Ihopeyoudon'tsmoke,Mike?"

"No."

"Rottentrickforaboy.Whenyougettomyageyouneedit.Boysoughttobethinkingaboutkeepingthemselvesfitandbeinggoodatgames.Whichremindsme.Let'shavealookatthewrist."

AhuntedexpressioncameintoMike'seyes.

"It'sreallynothing,"hebegan,buthisunclehadalreadyremovedthesling,andwasexaminingthearmwiththeneatrapidityofonewhohasbeenbroughtuptosuchthings.

ToMikeitseemedasifeverythingintheworldwasstandingstillandwaiting.Hecouldhearnothingbuthisownbreathing.

Hisunclepressedthewristgingerlyonceortwice,thengaveitalittletwist.

"Thathurt?"heasked.

"Ye--no,"stammeredMike.

UncleJohnlookedupsharply.Mikewascrimson.



"What'sthegame?"inquiredUncleJohn.

Mikesaidnothing.

Therewasatwinkleinhisuncle'seyes.

"Mayaswelltellme.Iwon'tgiveyouaway.Whythiswoundedwarriorbusinesswhenyou'venomorethematterwithyouthanIhave?"

Mikehesitated.

"Ionlywantedtogetoutofhavingtowritethismorning.Therewasanexam,on."

Theideahadoccurredtohimjustbeforehespoke.Ithadstruckhimasneatandplausible.

ToUncleJohnitdidnotappearinthesamelight.

"Doyoualwayswritewithyourlefthand?AndifyouhadgonewiththefirsteleventoGeddington,wouldn'tthathavegotyououtofyourexam?Tryagain."

Whenindoubt,onemayaswelltellthetruth.Miketoldit.

"Iknow.Itwasn'tthat,really.Only----"

"Well?"

"Oh,well,dashitallthen.OldBobgotmeoutofanawfulrowthedaybeforeyesterday,andheseemedabitsickatnotplayingforthefirst,soIthoughtImightaswelllethim.That'showitwas.Lookhere,swearyouwon'ttellhim."

UncleJohnwassilent.InwardlyhewasdecidingthatthefiveshillingswhichhehadintendedtobestowonMikeonhisdepartureshouldbecomeasovereign.(This,itmaybementionedasan

interestingbiographicalfact,wastheonlyoccasioninhislifeonwhichMikeearnedmoneyattherateoffifteenshillingsahalf-minute.)

"Swearyouwon'ttellhim.He'dbemostfrightfullysickifheknew."

"Iwon'ttellhim."

Conversationdwindledtovanishing-point.UncleJohnsmokedoninweightysilence,whileMike,staringupattheblueskythroughthebranchesofthewillow,lethismindwandertoGeddington,wherehisfatewasevennowbeingsealed.Howhadtheschoolgoton?WhathadBobdone?Ifhemadeabouttwenty,wouldtheygivehimhiscap?

Supposing....

AfaintsnorefromUncleJohnbrokeinonhismeditations.Thentherewasaclatterasabriarpipedroppedontotheflooroftheboat,andhisunclesatup,gaping.

"Jove,Iwasnearlyasleep.What'sthetime?Justonsix?Didn'tknowitwassolate."

"Ioughttobegettingbacksoon,Ithink.Lock-up'sathalf-past."



"Upwiththeanchor,then.Youcantacklethatropewithtwohandsnow,eh?Wearenotobserved.Don'tfalloverboard.I'mgoingtoshoveheroff."

"There'llbeanothertelegram,Ishouldthink,"saidMike,astheyreachedtheschoolgates.

"Shallwegoandlook?"

Theywalkedtotheshop.

Asecondpieceofgreypaperhadbeenpinnedupunderthefirst.Mikepushedhiswaythroughthecrowd.Itwasalongermessagethistime.

Itranasfollows:

"Geddington247(Burgesssixwickets,Neville-Smithfour).Wrykyn270fornine(Berridge86,Marsh58,Jackson48)."

Mikeworkedhiswaybackthroughthethrong,andrejoinedhisuncle.

"Well?"saidUncleJohn.

"Wewon."Hepausedforamoment.

"Bobmadeforty-eight,"headdedcarelessly.

UncleJohnfeltinhispocket,andsilentlyslidasovereignintoMike'shand.

Itwastheonlypossiblereply.

CHAPTERXVII

ANOTHERVACANCY

Wyattgotbacklatethatnight,arrivingatthedormitoryasMikewasgoingtobed.

"ByJove,I'mdone,"hesaid."ItwassimplybakingatGeddington.AndIcamebackinacarriagewithNeville-SmithandEllerby,andtheyraggedthewholetime.Iwantedtogotosleep,onlytheywouldn'tletme.OldSmithwasawfullybuckedbecausehe'dtakenfourwickets.I

shouldthinkhe'dgooffhisnutifhetookeightever.Hewassingingcomicsongswhenhewasn'ttryingtoputEllerbyundertheseat.How'syourwrist?"

"Oh,better,thanks."

Wyattbegantoundress.

"Anycolours?"askedMikeafterapause.Firstelevencoloursweregenerallygiveninthepavilionafteramatchoronthejourneyhome.



"No.Onlyoneortwothirds.JenkinsandClephane,andanotherchap,can'trememberwho.Nofirst,though."

"WhatwasBob'sinningslike?"

"Notbad.Abitlucky.Heoughttohavebeenoutbeforehe'dscored,andhewasoutwhenhe'dmadeaboutsixteen,onlytheumpiredidn'tseemtoknowthatit'sl-b-wwhenyougetyourlegrightinfrontofthewicketandtheballhitsit.Neversawaclearercaseinmylife.Iwasinattheotherend.BitrottenfortheGeddingtonchaps.Justlostthemthematch.Theirumpire,too.BitofluckforBob.Hedidn'tgivetheghostofachanceafterthat."

"Ishouldhavethoughtthey'dhavegivenhimhiscolours."

"Mostcaptainswouldhavedone,onlyBurgessissokeenonfieldingthatheratherkeepsoffit."

"Why,didhefieldbadly?"

"Rottenly.AndthemanalwayswillchooseBilly'sbowlingtodropcatchesoff.AndBillywouldcuthisrichunclefromAustraliaifhekeptondroppingthemoffhim.Bob'sfielding'sperfectlysinful.He

wasprettybadatthebeginningoftheseason,butnowhe'sgotsonervousthathe'sadozentimesworse.Heturnsadelicategreenwhenheseesacatchcoming.Helettheirbestmanofftwiceinoneover,offBilly,to-day;andthechapwentonandmadeahundredodd.Rippinginningsbarthosetwochances.Ihearhe'sgotanaverageofeightyinschoolmatchesthisseason.Beastlymantobowlto.Knockedmeoffinhalfadozenovers.And,whenhedoesgiveacoupleofeasychances,Bobputsthembothonthefloor.Billywouldn'thavegivenhimhiscapafterthematchifhe'dmadeahundred.Bob'sthesortofmanwhowouldn'tcatchaballifyouhandedittohimonaplate,withwatercressroundit."

Burgess,reviewingthematchthatnight,ashelayawakeinhis

cubicle,hadcometomuchthesameconclusion.HewasveryfondofBob,buttwomissedcatchesinoneoverwasstrainingthebondsofhumanaffectiontoofar.TherewouldhavebeenserioustroublebetweenDavidandJonathanifeitherhadpersistedindroppingcatchesofftheother'sbowling.HewrithedinbedasherememberedthesecondofthetwochanceswhichthewretchedBobhadrefused.Thescenewasindeliblyprintedonhismind.Chaphadgotalatecutwhichhefanciedrather.Withgreatguilehehadfedthislatecut.Sentdownacouplewhichheputtotheboundary.Thenfiredathirdmuchfasterandabitshorter.Chaphadagoatit,justashehadexpected:andhefeltthatlifewasagoodthingafterallwhentheballjusttouchedthecornerofthebatandflewintoBob'shands.AndBobdroppedit!

Thememorywastoobitter.Ifhedweltonit,hefelt,hewouldgetinsomnia.Soheturnedtopleasanterreflections:theyorkerwhichhadshatteredthesecond-wicketman,andtheslowhead-ballwhichhadledtoabighitterbeingcaughtontheboundary.Soothedbythesememories,hefellasleep.

Nextmorninghefoundhimselfinasoftenedframeofmind.HethoughtofBob'siniquitieswithsorrowratherthanwrath.Hefelttowardshimmuchasafatherfeelstowardsaprodigalsonwhomthereisstilla



chanceofreforming.HeovertookBobonhiswaytochapel.

DirectnesswasalwaysoneofBurgess'sleadingqualities.

"Lookhere,Bob.Aboutyourfielding.It'ssimplyawful."

Bobwasallremorse.

"It'sthosebeastlyslipcatches.Ican'ttimethem."

"Thatoneyesterdaywasrightintoyourhands.Bothofthemwere."

"Iknow.I'mfrightfullysorry."

"Well,butImean,why_can't_youholdthem?It'snogoodbeingagoodbat--you'rethatallright--ifyou'regoingtogiveawayrunsinthefield."

"Doyouknow,IbelieveIshoulddobetterinthedeep.Icouldgettimetowatchthemthere.Iwishyou'dgivemeashotinthedeep--forthesecond."

"Secondbeblowed!Iwantyourbattinginthefirst.Doyouthinkyou'dreallydobetterinthedeep?"

"I'malmostcertainIshould.I'llpractiselikemad.Trevor'llhitmeupcatches.Ihatetheslips.Igetinthedickensofafunkdirectlythebowlerstartshisrunnow.Iknowthatifacatchdoescome,Ishallmissit.I'mcertainthedeepwouldbemuchbetter."

"Allrightthen.Tryit."

Theconversationturnedtolesspressingtopics.

*****

Inthenexttwomatches,accordingly,Bobfiguredontheboundary,

wherehehadnotmuchtodoexceptthrowtheballbacktothebowler,andstopanoccasionaldrivealongthecarpet.Thebeautyoffieldinginthedeepisthatnounpleasantsurprisescanbesprunguponone.Thereisjustthatmomentortwoforcollectingone'sthoughtswhichmakesthewholedifference.Bob,ashestoodregardingthegamefromafar,foundhisself-confidencereturningslowly,dropbydrop.

AsforMike,heplayedforthesecond,andhopedfortheday.

*****

Hisopportunitycameatlast.ItwillberememberedthatonthemorningaftertheGreatPicnictheheadmastermadeanannouncementin

Halltotheeffectthat,owingtoanoutbreakofchicken-poxinthetown,allstreetsexcepttheHighStreetwouldbeoutofbounds.Thisdidnotaffectthebulkoftheschool,formostoftheshopstowhichanyoneeverthoughtofgoingwereintheHighStreet.Buttherewerecertaininquiringmindswholikedtoferretaboutinoddcorners.

AmongthesewasoneLeather-Twigg,ofSeymour's,betterknownincriminalcirclesasShoeblossom.

ShoeblossomwasacuriousmixtureoftheEnergeticRaggerandthe



elect,andfoundhisnamedownintheteamtoplayagainsttheIncogniti.

CHAPTERXVIII

BOBHASNEWSTOIMPART

WrykynwentdownbadlybeforetheIncogs.Itgenerallyhappensatleastonceinaschoolcricketseasonthattheteamcollapseshopelessly,fornoapparentreason.Someschoolsdoitinnearlyeverymatch,butWrykynsofarhadbeenparticularlyfortunatethisyear.Theyhadonlybeenbeatenonce,andthatbyameretwentyoddrunsinahard-foughtgame.Butonthisparticularday,againstanotoverwhelminglystrongside,theyfailedmiserably.Theweathermayhavehadsomethingtodowithit,forrainfellearlyinthemorning,andtheschool,battingfirstonthedryingwicket,foundthemselvesconsiderablypuzzledbyaslowleft-hander.MorrisandBerridgeleftwiththescorestillshortoften,andafterthattheroutbegan.Bob,goinginfourthwicket,madeadozen,andMikekepthisendup,andwasnotouteleven;butnobodyexceptWyatt,whohitoutateverything

andknockedupthirtybeforehewasstumped,didanythingtodistinguishhimself.Thetotalwasahundredandseven,andtheIncogniti,battingwhenthewicketwaseasier,doubledthis.

ThegeneralopinionoftheschoolafterthismatchwasthateitherMikeorBobwouldhavetostanddownfromtheteamwhenitwasdefinitelyfilledup,forNeville-Smith,byshowingupwellwiththeballagainsttheIncognitiwhentheothersfailedwiththebat,madeitpracticallycertainthathewouldgetoneofthetwovacancies.

"IfIdo"hesaidtoWyatt,"therewillbethebiggestbustofmoderntimesatmyplace.MypaterisawayforaholidayinNorway,andI'malone,bartheservants.AndIcansquarethem.Willyoucome?"

"Tea?"

"Tea!"saidNeville-Smithscornfully.

"Well,whatthen?"

"Don'tyoueverhavefeedsinthedorms.afterlights-outinthehouses?"

"UsedtowhenIwasakid.Toooldnow.Havetolookaftermydigestion.Iremember,threeyearsago,whenWain'swonthefootercup,wegotupandfedatabouttwointhemorning.Allsortsof

luxuries.Sardinesonsugar-biscuits.I'vegotthetasteinmymouthstill.DoyourememberMacpherson?Leftacoupleofyearsago.Hisfoodranout,sohespreadbrown-bootpolishonbread,andatethat.Gotthroughaslice,too.Wonderfulchap!Butwhataboutthisthingofyours?Whattime'sitgoingtobe?"

"Elevensuityou?"

"Allright."



"Howaboutgettingout?"

"I'lldoitasquicklyastheteamdidto-day.Ican'tsaymorethanthat."

"Youwereallright."

"I'manexceptionalsortofchap."

"WhatabouttheJacksons?"

"It'sgoingtobeaclosething.IfBob'sfieldingweretoimprovesuddenly,hewouldjustdoit.ButyoungMike'salloverhimasabat.Inayearortwothatkid'llbeamarvel.He'sboundtogetinnextyear,ofcourse,soperhapsitwouldbebetterifBobgottheplaceasit'shislastseason.Still,onewantsthebestman,ofcourse."

*****

MikeavoidedBobasmuchaspossibleduringthisanxiousperiod;andheprivatelythoughtitrathertactlessofthelatterwhen,meetinghimonedayoutsideDonaldson's,heinsistedonhiscominginandhavingsometea.

MikeshuffleduncomfortablyashisbrotherfilledthekettleandlittheEtna.Itrequiredmoretactthanhehadathisdisposaltocarryoffasituationlikethis.

Bob,beingolder,wasmoreathisease.Hegotteaready,makingdesultoryconversationthewhile,asiftherewerenoparticularreasonwhyeitherofthemshouldfeeluncomfortableintheother'spresence.Whenhehadfinished,hepouredMikeoutacup,passedhimthebread,andsatdown.

"Notseenmuchofeachotherlately,Mike,what?"

Mikemurmuredunintelligiblythroughamouthfulofbread-and-jam.

"It'snogoodpretendingitisn'tanawkwardsituation,"continuedBob,"becauseitis.Beastlyawkward."

"Awfulrotthepatersendingustothesameschool."

"Oh,Idon'tknow.We'veallbeenatWrykyn.Pitytospoiltherecord.It'syourfaultforbeingsuchayoungInfantProdigy,andminefornotbeingabletofieldlikeanordinaryhumanbeing."

"Yougetonmuchbetterinthedeep."

"Bitbetter,yes.Liableatanymomenttomissasitter,though.Not

thatitmattersmuchreallywhetherIdonow."

Mikestared.

"What!Why?"

"That'swhatIwantedtoseeyouabout.HasBurgesssaidanythingtoyouyet?"

"No.Why?Whatabout?"



"Well,I'veasortofideaourlittleraceisover.Ifancyyou'vewon."

"I'venotheardaword----"

"Ihave.I'lltellyouwhatmakesmethinkthething'ssettled.Iwasinthepav.justnow,intheFirstroom,tryingtofindabatting-gloveI'dmislaid.Therewasacopyofthe_Wrykynian_ lyingonthemantelpiece,andIpickeditupandstartedreadingit.Sotherewasn'tanynoisetoshowanybodyoutsidethattherewassomeoneintheroom.AndthenIheardBurgessandSpencejawingonthesteps.Theythoughttheplacewasempty,ofcourse.Icouldn'thelphearingwhattheysaid.Thepav.'slikeasounding-board.Iheardeveryword.Spencesaid,'Well,it'saboutasdifficultaproblemasanycaptainofcricketatWrykynhaseverhadtotackle.'IhadasortofideathatoldBillylikedtobossthingsallonhisown,butapparentlyhedoesconsultSpencesometimes.Afterall,he'scricket-master,andthat'swhathe'stherefor.Well,Billysaid,'Idon'tknowwhattodo.Whatdoyouthink,sir?'Spencesaid,'Well,I'llgiveyoumyopinion,Burgess,butdon'tfeelboundtoactonit.I'msimplysayingwhatIthink.''Yes,sir,'saidoldBill,doingabigYoungDisciplewithWiseMasteract.'_I_thinkM.,'saidSpence.'DecidedlyM.He'sashadebetterthanR.now,andinayearortwo,ofcourse,

there'llbenocomparison.'""Oh,rot,"mutteredMike,wipingthesweatoffhisforehead.Thiswasoneofthemostharrowinginterviewshehadeverbeenthrough.

"Notatall.Billyagreedwithhim.'That'sjustwhatIthink,sir,'hesaid.'It'sroughonBob,butstill----'Andthentheywalkeddownthesteps.Iwaitedabittogivethemagoodstart,andthensheeredoffmyself.Andsohome."

Mikelookedatthefloor,andsaidnothing.

Therewasnothingmuchto_be_said.

"Well,whatIwantedtoseeyouaboutwasthis,"resumedBob."Idon'tproposetokissyouoranything;but,ontheotherhand,don'tlet'sgototheotherextreme.I'mnotsayingthatitisn'tabitofabrickjustmissingmycaplikethis,butitwouldhavebeenjustasbadforyouifyou'dbeentheonedropped.It'sthefortuneofwar.Idon'twantyoutogoaboutfeelingthatyou'veblightedmylife,andsoon,anddashingupside-streetstoavoidmebecauseyouthinkthesightofyouwillbepainful.Asitisn'tme,I'mjollygladit'syou;andIshallcadgeaseatinthepavilionfromyouwhenyou'replayingforEnglandattheOval.Congratulateyou."

ItwasthecustomatWrykyn,whenyoucongratulatedamanongetting

colours,toshakehishand.Theyshookhands.

"Thanks,awfully,Bob,"saidMike.Andafterthatthereseemedtobenothingmuchtotalkabout.SoMikeedgedoutoftheroom,andtoreacrosstoWain's.

HewassorryforBob,buthewouldnothavebeenhuman(whichhecertainlywas)ifthetriumphofhavingwonthroughatlastintothefirstelevenhadnotdwarfedcommiseration.Ithadbeenhisoneambition,andnowhehadachievedit.



Theannoyingpartofthethingwasthathehadnobodytotalktoaboutit.Untilthenewswasofficialhecouldnotmentionittothecommonherd.Itwouldn'tdo.TheonlypossibleconfidantwasWyatt.AndWyattwasatBisley,shootingwiththeSchoolEightfortheAshburton.Forbull's-eyesaswellascatscamewithinWyatt'srangeasamarksman.CrickettookuptoomuchofhistimeforhimtobecaptainoftheEightandthemanchosentoshootfortheSpencer,ashewouldotherwisealmostcertainlyhavebeen;buteventhoughshortofpracticehewaswellupintheteam.

Untilhereturned,Mikecouldtellnobody.AndbythetimehereturnedthenoticewouldprobablybeupintheSeniorBlockwiththeothercricketnotices.

InthisfermentingstateMikewentintothehouse.

ThelistoftheteamtoplayforWain's_v_.Seymour'sonthefollowingMondaywasontheboard.Ashepassedit,afewwordsscrawledinpencilatthebottomcaughthiseye.

"Alltheabovewillturnoutforhouse-fieldingat6.30to-morrowmorning.--W.F.-S."

"Oh,dashit,"saidMike,"whatrot!Whyonearthcan'theleaveusalone!"

ForgettingupanhourbeforehiscustomarytimeforrisingwasnotamongMike'sfavouritepastimes.Still,orderswereorders,hefelt.Itwouldhavetobedone.

CHAPTERXIX

MIKEGOESTOSLEEPAGAIN

Mikewasastoutsupporteroftheviewthatsleepinlargequantitiesisgoodforone.Hebelongedtotheschoolofthoughtwhichholdsthatamanbecomesplainandpastyifdeprivedofhisfullspellinbed.Heaimedatthepeach-bloomcomplexion.

Toberoutedoutofbedaclearhourbeforethepropertime,evenonasummermorning,wasnot,therefore,aprospectthatappealedtohim.

Whenhewokeitseemedevenlessattractivethanithaddonewhenhewenttosleep.Hehadbangedhisheadonthepillowsixtimesover-night,andthissilentalarmprovedeffective,asitalways

does.Reachingoutahandforhiswatch,hefoundthatitwasfiveminutespastsix.

Thiswastothegood.Hecouldmanageanotherquarterofanhourbetweenthesheets.Itwouldonlytakehimtenminutestowashandgetintohisflannels.

Hetookhisquarterofanhour,andalittlemore.Hewokefromasortofdozetofindthatitwastwenty-fivepast.



Man'sinabilitytogetoutofbedinthemorningisacuriousthing.Onemayreasonwithoneselfclearlyandforciblywithouttheslightesteffect.Oneknowsthatdelaymeansinconvenience.Perhapsitmayspoilone'swholeday.Andonealsoknowsthatasingleresoluteheavewilldothetrick.Butlogicisofnouse.Onesimplyliesthere.

Mikethoughthewouldtakeanotherminute.

Andduringthatminutetherefloatedintohismindthequestion,Who _was_Firby-Smith?Thatwasthepoint.Who_was_he,afterall?

Thisstartedquiteanewtrainofthought.PreviouslyMikehadfirmlyintendedtogetup--sometime.Nowhebegantowaver.

ThemoreheconsideredtheGazeka'sinsignificanceandfutilityandhisownmagnificence,themoreoutrageousdiditseemthatheshouldbedraggedoutofbedtopleaseFirby-Smith'svapidmind.Herewashe,abouttoreceivehisfirstelevencoloursonthisverydayprobably,beingorderedabout,inconvenienced--inshort,putuponbyawormwhohadonlyjustscrapedintothethird.

Wasthisright,heaskedhimself.Wasthisproper?

Andthehandsofthewatchmovedroundtotwentyto.

Whatwasthematterwithhisfielding?_It_wasallright.Maketherestoftheteamfagabout,yes.Butnotachapwho,dashitall,hadgothisfirst_for_fielding!

Itwaswithalmostafeelingofself-righteousnessthatMiketurnedoveronhissideandwenttosleepagain.

Andoutsideinthecricket-field,themassivemindoftheGazekawasfilledwithrage,asitwasgraduallyborneinuponhimthatthiswasnotaquestionofmerelateness--which,hefelt,wouldbebadenough,forwhenhesaidsix-thirtyhemeantsix-thirty--butofactualdesertion.Itwastime,hesaidtohimself,thatthefootofAuthority

wassetfirmlydown,andthestrongrighthandofJusticeallowedtoputinsomeenergeticwork.Hiscommentsontheteam'sfieldingthatmorningwerebitterandsarcastic.Hiseyesgleamedbehindtheirpince-nez.

Thepainfulinterviewtookplaceafterbreakfast.TheheadofthehousedespatchedhisfaginsearchofMike,andwaited.Hepacedupanddowntheroomlikeahungrylion,adjustinghispince-nez(athing,bytheway,whichlionsseldomdo)andbehavinginotherrespectslikeamonarchofthedesert.Onewouldhavefelt,lookingathim,thatMike,incomingtohisden,wasdoingadeedwhichwouldmaketheachievementofDanielseemincomparisonlikethetentativeeffortofsometimidnovice.

AndcertainlyMikewasnotwithoutqualmsasheknockedatthedoor,andwentininresponsetothehoarseroarfromtheothersideofit.

Firby-Smithstraightenedhistie,andglared.

"YoungJackson,"hesaid,"lookhere,Iwanttoknowwhatitallmeans,andjollyquick.Youweren'tathouse-fieldingthismorning.Didn'tyouseethenotice?"



Mikeadmittedthathehadseenthenotice.

"Thenyoufrightfulkid,whatdoyoumeanbyit?What?"

Mikehesitated.Awfullyembarrassing,this.Hisrealreasonfornotturninguptohouse-fieldingwasthatheconsideredhimselfabovesuchthings,andFirby-Smithatoothyweed.Couldhegivethisexcuse?HehadnothisBookofEtiquettebyhimatthemoment,butheratherfanciednot.Therewasnoarguingagainstthefactthattheheadofthehouse_was_atoothyweed;buthefeltafirmconvictionthatitwouldnotbepolitictosayso.

Happythought:over-slepthimself.

Hementionedthis.

"Over-sleptyourself!Youmustjollywellnotover-sleepyourself.Whatdoyoumeanbyover-sleepingyourself?"

Verytryingthissortofthing.

"Whattimedidyouwakeup?"

"Six,"saidMike.

Itwasnotaccordingtohiscomplicated,yetintelligiblecodeofmoralitytotellliestosavehimself.Whenotherswereconcernedhecouldsuppressthetrueandsuggestthefalsewithafaceofbrass.

"Six!"

"Fivepast."

"Whydidn'tyougetupthen?"

"Iwenttosleepagain."

"Oh,youwenttosleepagain,didyou?Well,justlistentome.I'vehadmyeyeonyouforsometime,andI'veseenitcomingon.You'vegotswelledhead,youngman.That'swhatyou'vegot.Frightfulswelledhead.Youthinktheplacebelongstoyou."

"Idon't,"saidMikeindignantly.

"Yes,youdo,"saidtheGazekashrilly."Youthinkthewholefrightfulplacebelongstoyou.Yougosidingaboutasifyou'dboughtit.Justbecauseyou'vegotyoursecond,youthinkyoucandowhatyoulike;turnupornot,asyouplease.Itdoesn'tmatterwhetherI'monlyinthethirdandyou'reinthefirst.That'sgotnothingtodowithit.Thepointisthatyou'reoneofthehouseteam,andI'mcaptainofit,

soyou'vejollywellgottoturnoutforfieldingwiththeotherswhenIthinkitnecessary.See?"

Mikesaidnothing.

"Do--you--see,youfrightfulkid?"

[Illustration:"DO--YOU--SEE,YOUFRIGHTFULKID?"]

Mikeremainedstonilysilent.Theratherlargegrainoftruthinwhat



Firby-Smithhadsaidhadgonehome,astheunpleasanttruthaboutourselvesisapttodo;andhisfeelingswerehurt.Hewasdeterminednottogiveinandsaythathesaweveniftheheadofthehouseinvokedallthemajestyoftheprefects'roomtohelphim,ashehadnearlydoneoncebefore.Hesethisteeth,andstaredataphotographonthewall.

Firby-Smith'smannerbecameominouslycalm.Heproducedaswagger-stickfromacorner.

"Doyousee?"heaskedagain.

Mike'sjawsetmoretightly.

Whatonereallywantshereisarowofstars.

*****

MikewasstillfullofhisinjurieswhenWyattcameback.Wyattwaswornout,butcheerful.TheschoolhadfinishedsixthfortheAshburton,whichwasanimprovementofeightplacesontheirlastyear'sform,andhehimselfhadscoredthirtyatthetwohundredandtwenty-sevenatthefivehundredtotals,whichhadputhiminaverygoodhumourwiththeworld.

"Meancientskillhasnotdesertedme,"hesaid,"That'sthecats.Themanwhocanwingacatbymoonlightcanputabulletwherehelikesonatarget.Ididn'thitthebulleverytime,butthatwastogivetheotherfellowsachance.Myfatalmodestyhasalwaysbeenahindrancetomeinlife,andIsupposeitalwayswillbe.Well,well!Andwhatoftheoldhomestead?AnythinghappenedsinceIwentaway?Meoldfather,ishewell?Hasthelostwillbeendiscovered,oristhereamortgageonthefamilyestates?ByJove,IcoulddowithastoupofMalvoisie.Iwonderifthemoke'sgonetobedyet.I'llgodownandlook.Ajugofwaterdrawnfromthewellintheoldcourtyardwheremyancestorshaveplayedaschildrenforcenturiesbackwouldjustaboutsavemylife."

Heleftthedormitory,andMikebegantobroodoverhiswrongsoncemore.

Wyattcameback,brandishingajugofwaterandaglass.

"Oh,forabeakerfullofthewarmsouth,fullofthetrue,theblushfulHippocrene!HaveyouevertastedHippocrene,youngJackson?Ratherlikeginger-beer,withadashofraspberry-vinegar.Veryheady.Failingthat,waterwilldo.A-ah!"

Heputdowntheglass,andsurveyedMike,whohadmaintainedamoodysilencethroughoutthisspeech.

"What'syourtrouble?"heasked."ForpainsinthebacktryJu-jar.Ifit'sabrokenheart,Zam-buk'swhatyouwant.Who'sbeenquarrellingwithyou?"

"It'sonlythatassFirby-Smith."

"Again!Ineversawsuchchapsasyoutwo.Alwaysatit.Whatwasthetroublethistime?Callhimagrinningapeagain?Yourpassionforthetruth'llbegettingyouintotroubleoneofthesedays."



"HesaidIstuckonside."

"Why?"

"Idon'tknow."

"Imean,didhebuttonholeyouonyourwaytoschool,andsay,'Jackson,awordinyourear.Youstickonside.'Ordidheleaduptoitinanyway?Didhesay,'Talkingofside,youstickiton.'Whathadyoubeendoingtohim?"

"Itwasthehouse-fielding."

"Butyoucan'tstickonsideathouse-fielding.Idefyanyoneto.It'stooearlyinthemorning."

"Ididn'tturnup."

"What!Why?"

"Oh,Idon'tknow."

"No,but,lookhere,really.Didyousimplybunkit?"

"Yes."

WyattleanedontheendofMike'sbed,and,havingobserveditsoccupantthoughtfullyforamoment,proceededtospeakwisdomforthegoodofhissoul.

"Isay,Idon'twanttojaw--I'moneofthosequietchapswithstrong,silentnatures;youmayhavenoticedit--butImustputinawell-chosenwordatthisjuncture.Don'tpretendtobedroppingofftosleep.Situpandlistentowhatyourkindolduncle'sgottosaytoyouaboutmannersanddeportment.Otherwise,bloodasyouareatcricket,you'llhavearottentimehere.Therearesomethingsyou

simplycan'tdo;andoneofthemisbunkingathingwhenyou'reputdownforit.Itdoesn'tmatterwhoitisputsyoudown.Ifhe'scaptain,you'vegottoobeyhim.That'sdiscipline,that'ereis.Thespeakerthenpaused,andtookasipofwaterfromthecarafewhichstoodathiselbow.Cheersfromtheaudience,andavoice'Hear!Hear!'"

Mikerolledoverinbedandglaredupattheorator.Mostofhisfacewascoveredbythewater-jug,buthiseyesstaredfixedlyfromaboveit.Hewinkedinafriendlyway,and,puttingdownthejug,drewadeepbreath.

"Nothinglikethisold'87water,"hesaid."Suchbody."

"Ilikeyoujawingaboutdiscipline,"saidMikemorosely.

"Andwhy,mygentleche-ild,shouldInottalkaboutdiscipline?"

"Consideringyoubreakoutofthehousenearlyeverynight."

"Inpassing,ratherrumwhenyouthinkthataburglarwouldgetithotforbreakingin,whileIgetdroppedonifIbreakout.Whyshouldtherebeonelawfortheburglarandoneforme?Butyouwere



saying--justso.Ithankyou.Aboutmybreakingout.Whenyou'reawhite-hairedoldmanlikeme,youngJackson,you'llseethattherearetwosortsofdisciplineatschool.Oneyoucanbreakifyoufeelliketakingtherisks;theotheryoumustn'teverbreak.Idon'tknowwhy,butitisn'tdone.Untilyoulearnthat,youcanneverhopetobecomethePerfectWrykynianlike,"heconcludedmodestly,"me."

Mikemadenoreply.Hewouldhaveperishedratherthanadmitit,butWyatt'swordshadsunkin.Thatmomentmarkedadistinctepochinhiscareer.Hisfeelingswerecuriouslymixed.HewasstillfuriouswithFirby-Smith,yetatthesametimehecouldnothelpacknowledgingtohimselfthatthelatterhadhadtherightonhisside.HesawandapprovedofWyatt'spointofview,whichwasthemoreimpressivetohimfromhisknowledgeofhisfriend'scontemptfor,or,rather,cheerfuldisregardof,mostformsoflawandorder.IfWyatt,recklessthoughhewasasregardedwrittenschoolrules,heldsorigidarespectforthosethatwereunwritten,theselastmustbethingswhichcouldnotbetreatedlightly.Thatnight,forthefirsttimeinhislife,Mikewenttosleepwithaclearideaofwhatthepublicschoolspirit,ofwhichsomuchistalkedandwritten,reallymeant.

CHAPTERXXTHETEAMISFILLEDUP

WhenBurgess,attheendoftheconversationinthepavilionwithMr.SpencewhichBobJacksonhadoverheard,accompaniedthecricket-masteracrossthefieldtotheboarding-houses,hehaddistinctlymadeuphismindtogiveMikehisfirstelevencoloursnextday.Therewasonlyonemorematchtobeplayedbeforetheschoolfixture-listwasfinished.ThatwasthematchwithRipton.BothatcricketandfootballRiptonwastheschoolthatmatteredmost.Wrykyndidnotalwayswinitsotherschoolmatches;butitgenerallydid.Thepublicschoolsof

Englanddividethemselvesnaturallyintolittlegroups,asfarasgamesareconcerned.Harrow,Eton,andWinchesterareonegroup:WestminsterandCharterhouseanother:Bedford,Tonbridge,Dulwich,Haileybury,andSt.Paul'sareathird.Inthisway,Wrykyn,Ripton,Geddington,andWilboroughformedagroup.Therewasnoactualchampionshipcompetition,buteachplayedeach,andbytheendoftheseasonitwaseasytoseewhichwasentitledtofirstplace.ThisnearlyalwayslaybetweenRiptonandWrykyn.SometimesanexceptionalGeddingtonteamwouldsweeptheboard,orWrykyn,havingbeatenRipton,wouldgodownbeforeWilborough.Butthisdidnothappenoften.UsuallyWilboroughandGeddingtonwerelefttoscrambleforthewoodenspoon.

SecretariesofcricketatRiptonandWrykynalwayslikedtoarrangethedateofthematchtowardstheendoftheterm,sothattheymighttakethefieldwithrepresentativeandnotexperimentalteams.ByJulytheweeding-outprocesshadgenerallyfinished.Besideswhichthemembersoftheteamshadhadtimetogetintoform.

AtWrykynitwasthecustomtofilluptheteam,ifpossible,beforetheRiptonmatch.Aplayerislikelytoshowbetterformifhehasgothiscoloursthanifhisfatedependsonwhathedoesinthatparticularmatch.



Burgess,accordingly,hadresolvedtofillupthefirstelevenjustaweekbeforeRiptonvisitedWrykyn.Thereweretwovacancies.Onegavehimnotrouble.Neville-Smithwasnotagreatbowler,buthewassteady,andhehaddonewellintheearliermatches.Hehadfairlyearnedhisplace.ButthechoicebetweenBobandMikehadkepthimawakeintothesmallhourstwonightsinsuccession.FinallyhehadconsultedMr.Spence,andMr.SpencehadvotedforMike.

Burgesswasgladthethingwassettled.Thetemptationtoallowsentimenttointerferewithbusinessmighthavebecometoostrongifhehadwaitedmuchlonger.HeknewthatitwouldbeawrenchdefinitelyexcludingBobfromtheteam,andhehatedtohavetodoit.Themorehethoughtofit,thesorrierhewasforhim.Ifhecouldhavepleasedhimself,hewouldhavekeptBobIn.But,asthepoethasit,"Pleasureispleasure,andbizisbiz,andkep'inasepyritjug."Thefirstdutyofacaptainistohavenofriends.

Fromsmallcausesgreateventsdospring.IfBurgesshadnotpickedupaparticularlyinterestingnovelafterbreakfastonthemorningofMike'sinterviewwithFirby-Smithinthestudy,thelistwouldhavegoneuponthenotice-boardafterprayers.Asitwas,engrossedinhisbook,heletthemomentsgobytillthesoundonthebellstartledhimintomovement.Andthentherewasonlytimetogatheruphiscap,and

sprint.Thepaperonwhichhehadintendedtowritethelistandthepenhehadlaidouttowriteitwithlayuntouchedonthetable.

And,asitwasnothishabittoputupnoticesexceptduringthemorning,hepostponedthething.Hecouldwriteitaftertea.Afterall,therewasaweekbeforethematch.

*****

Whenschoolwasover,hewentacrosstotheInfirmarytoInquireaboutMarsh.Thereportwasmorethanfavourable.Marshhadbetternotseeanyonejustyet,Incaseofaccident,buthewascertaintobeoutintimetoplayagainstRipton.

"DoctorOakesthinkshewillbebackinschoolonTuesday."

"Banzai!"saidBurgess,feelingthatlifewasgood.TotakethefieldagainstRiptonwithoutMarshwouldhavebeentocourtdisaster.Marsh'sfieldingalonewasworththemoney.Withhimatshortslip,Burgessfeltsafewhenhebowled.

TheuncomfortableburdenoftheknowledgethathewasabouttemporarilytosourBobJackson'slifeceasedforthemomenttotroublehim.Hecroonedextractsfrommusicalcomedyashewalkedtowardsthenets.

RecollectionofBob'shardcasewasbroughttohimbythesightofthatabout-to-be-souredsportsmantearingacrossthegroundinthemiddledistanceinanefforttogettoahighcatchwhichTrevorhadhituptohim.Itwasadifficultcatch,andBurgesswaitedtoseeifhewouldbringitoff.

Bobgottoitwithonehand,andheldit.HisimpetuscarriedhimonalmosttowhereBurgesswasstanding.

"Wellheld,"saidBurgess.



"Hullo,"saidBobawkwardly.Agruesomethoughthadflashedacrosshismindthatthecaptainmightthinkthatthisgallery-workwasanorganisedadvertisement.

"Icouldn'tgetbothhandstoit,"heexplained.

"You'rehotstuffinthedeep."

"Easywhenyou'reonlypractising."

"I'vejustbeentotheInfirmary."

"Oh.How'sMarsh?"

"Theywouldn'tletmeseehim,butit'sallright.He'llbeabletoplayonSaturday."

"Good,"saidBob,hopinghehadsaiditasifhemeantit.Itwasdecidedlyablow.Hewasgladforthesakeoftheschool,ofcourse,butonehasone'spersonalambitions.TothefactthatMikeandnothimselfwastheeleventhcaphehadbecomepartiallyresigned:buthehadwantedratherbadlytoplayagainstRipton.

Burgesspassedon,hismindfullofBoboncemore.Whathardluckitwas!Therewashe,dashingaboutinthesuntoimprovehisfielding,andallthetimetheteamwasfilledup.Hefeltasifhewereplayingsomelowtrickonapal.

ThentheJekyllandHydebusinesscompleteditself.Hesuppressedhispersonalfeelings,andbecamethecricketcaptainagain.

Itwasthecricketcaptainwho,towardstheendoftheevening,cameuponFirby-SmithandMikepartingattheconclusionofaconversation.ThatithadnotbeenafriendlyconversationwouldhavebeenevidenttothemostcasualobserverfromthemannerinwhichMikestumpedoff,swinginghiscricket-bagasifitwereaweaponofoffence.Thereare

manykindsofwalk.Mike'swasthewalkoftheOverwroughtSoul.

"What'sup?"inquiredBurgess.

"YoungJackson,doyoumean?Oh,nothing.Iwasonlytellinghimthattherewasgoingtobehouse-fieldingto-morrowbeforebreakfast."

"Didn'theliketheidea?"

"He'sjollywellgottolikeit,"saidtheGazeka,aswhoshouldsay,"ThiswayforIronWills.""Thefrightfulkidcutitthismorning.There'llbeworsetroubleifhedoesitagain."

Therewas,itmaybementioned,notanounceofmaliceintheheadofWain'shouse.ThatbytellingthecaptainofcricketthatMikehadshirkedfielding-practicehemightinjurethelatter'sprospectsofafirstelevencapsimplydidnotoccurtohim.ThatBurgesswouldfeel,onbeingtoldofMike'sslackness,muchasabishopmightfeelifheheardthatafavouritecuratehadbecomeaMahometanoraMumbo-Jumboist,didnotenterhismind.AllheconsideredwasthatthestoryofhisdealingswithMikeshowedhim,Firby-Smith,inthefavourableanddashingcharacterofthefellow-who-will-stand-no-nonsense,asortofCaptainKettleondryland,infact;andsoheproceededtotell



itindetail.

BurgesspartedwithhimwiththefirmconvictionthatMikewasayoungslacker.Keennessinfieldingwasafetishwithhim;andtocutpracticestruckhimasacrime.

HefeltthathehadbeendeceivedinMike.

*****

When,therefore,onetakesintoconsiderationhisprivatebiasinfavourofBob,andaddstoitthereactioncausedbythissuddenunmaskingofMike,itisnotsurprisingthatthelistBurgessmadeoutthatnightbeforehewenttobeddifferedinanimportantrespectfromtheonehehadintendedtowritebeforeschool.

Mikehappenedtobenearthenotice-boardwhenhepinneditup.Itwasonlythepleasureofseeinghisnamedowninblack-and-whitethatmadehimtroubletolookatthelist.Bob'snewsofthedaybeforeyesterdayhadmadeitclearhowthatlistwouldrun.

ThecrowdthatcollectedthemomentBurgesshadwalkedoffcarriedhimrightuptotheboard.

Helookedatthepaper."Hardluck!"saidsomebody.

Mikescarcelyheardhim.

Hefeltphysicallysickwiththeshockofthedisappointment.FortheinitialbeforethenameJacksonwasR.

Therewasnopossibilityofmistake.Sincewritingwasinvented,therehadneverbeenanR.thatlookedlesslikeanM.thantheoneonthatlist.

Bobhadbeatenhimonthetape.

CHAPTERXXI

MARJORYTHEFRANK

AtthedooroftheseniorblockBurgess,goingout,metBobcomingin,hurrying,ashewasratherlate.

"Congratulateyou,Bob,"hesaid;andpassedon.

Bobstaredafterhim.Ashestared,Trevorcameoutoftheblock.

"Congratulateyou,Bob."

"What'sthematternow?"

"Haven'tyouseen?"



"Seenwhat?"

"Whythelist.You'vegotyourfirst."

"My--what?you'rerotting."

"No,I'mnot.Goandlook."

Thethingseemedincredible.HadhedreamedthatconversationbetweenSpenceandBurgessonthepavilionsteps?Hadhemixedupthenames?HewascertainthathehadheardSpencegivehisverdictforMike,andBurgessagreewithhim.

Justthen,Mike,feelingveryill,camedownthesteps.HecaughtsightofBobandwaspassingwithafeeblegrin,whensomethingtoldhimthatthiswasoneofthoseoccasionsonwhichonehastoshowaRedIndianfortitudeandstifleone'sprivatefeelings.

"Congratulateyou,Bob,"hesaidawkwardly.

"Thanksawfully,"saidBob,withequalawkwardness.Trevormovedon,delicately.Thiswasnoplaceforhim.Bob'sfacewaslookinglikeastuffedfrog's,whichwasBob'swayoftryingtoappearunconcernedandathisease,whileMikeseemedasifatanymomenthemightburst

intotears.Spectatorsarenotwantedattheseawkwardinterviews.Therewasashortsilence.

"Jollygladyou'vegotit,"saidMike.

"Ibelievethere'samistake.IswearIheardBurgesssaytoSpence----"

"Hechangedhismindprobably.Noreasonwhyheshouldn't."

"Well,it'sjollyrummy."

Bobendeavouredtofindconsolation.

"Anyhow,you'llhavethreeyearsinthefirst.You'reacert.fornextyear."

"Hopeso,"saidMike,withsuchmanifestlackofenthusiasmthatBobabandonedthislineofargument.Whenonehasmissedone'scolours,nextyearseemsavery,verylongwayoff.

Theymovedslowlythroughthecloisters,neitherspeaking,andupthestairsthatledtotheGreatHall.Eachwasgratefullyconsciousofthefactthatprayerswouldbebeginninginanotherminute,puttinganendtoanuncomfortablesituation.

"Heardfromhomelately?"inquiredMike.

Bobsnatchedgladlyatthesubject.

"Gotaletterfrommotherthismorning.Ishowedyouthelastone,didn'tI?I'veonlyjusthadtimetoskimthroughthisone,asthepostwaslate,andIonlygotitjustasIwasgoingtodashacrosstoschool.Notmuchinit.Hereitis,ifyouwanttoreadit."

"Thanks.It'llbesomethingtododuringMath."



"Marjorywrote,too,forthefirsttimeinherlife.Haven'thadtimetolookatityet."

"Afteryou.Sureitisn'tmeantforme?Sheowesmealetter."

"No,it'sformeallright.I'llgiveityouintheinterval."

Thearrivaloftheheadmasterputanendtotheconversation.

*****

ByaquartertoelevenMikehadbeguntogrowreconciledtohisfate.Thedisappointmentwasstillthere,butitwaslessened.Thesethingsarelikekicksontheshin.Abriefspellofagony,andthenadullpainofwhichwearenotalwaysconsciousunlessourattentionisdirectedtoit,andwhichintimedisappearsaltogether.Whenthebellrangfortheintervalthatmorning,Mikewas,asitwere,sittingupandtakingnourishment.

HewasdoingthisinaliteralaswellasinafigurativesensewhenBobenteredtheschoolshop.

Bobappearedcuriouslyagitated.Helookedround,and,seeingMike,

pushedhiswaytowardshimthroughthecrowd.Mostofthosepresentcongratulatedhimashepassed;andMikenoticed,withsomesurprise,that,inplaceoftheblushfulgrinwhichcustomdemandsfromthemanwhoisbeingcongratulatedonreceiptofcolours,thereappearedonhisfaceaworried,evenanirritatedlook.Heseemedtohavesomethingonhismind.

"Hullo,"saidMikeamiably."Gotthatletter?"

"Yes.I'llshowityououtside."

"Whynothere?"

"Comeon."

Mikeresentedthetone,butfollowed.EvidentlysomethinghadhappenedtoupsetBobseriously.Astheywentoutonthegravel,somebodycongratulatedBobagain,andagainBobhardlyseemedtoappreciateit.'

Bobledthewayacrossthegravelandontothefirstterrace.Whentheyhadleftthecrowdbehind,hestopped.

"What'sup?"askedMike.

"Iwantyoutoread----"

"Jackson!"

Theybothturned.Theheadmasterwasstandingontheedgeofthegravel.

BobpushedtheletterintoMike'shands.

"Readthat,"hesaid,andwentuptotheheadmaster.Mikeheardthewords"EnglishEssay,"and,seeingthattheconversationwas



apparentlygoingtobeoneofsomelength,cappedtheheadmasterandwalkedoff.Hewasjustgoingtoreadtheletterwhenthebellrang.Heputthemissiveinhispocket,andwenttohisform-roomwonderingwhatMarjorycouldhavefoundtosaytoBobtotouchhimontherawtosuchanextent.Shewasabreezycorrespondent,withastyleofherown,butusuallysheentertainedratherthanupsetpeople.Nosuspicionoftheactualcontentsofthelettercrossedhismind.

Hereaditduringschool,underthedesk;andceasedtowonder.Bobhadhadcausetolookworried.ForthethousandandfirsttimeinhercareerofcrimeMarjoryhadbeenanddoneit!Withastronghandshehadshakenthecatoutofthebag,andexhibiteditplainlytoallwhomitmightconcern.

Therewasacuriousabsenceofconstructionabouttheletter.Mostauthorsofsensationalmatternursetheirbomb-shell,leaduptoit,anddisplayittothebestadvantage.Marjorydroppedhersintothebodyoftheletter,andletittakeitschancewiththeothernews-items.

"DEARBOB"(theletterran),--

"Ihopeyouarequitewell.Iamquitewell.Phyllishasacold,EllacheekedMademoiselleyesterday,andhadtowriteout'Little

Girlsmustbepoliteandobedient'ahundredtimesinFrench.Shewasjollysickaboutit.Itoldheritservedherright.Joemadeeighty-threeagainstLancashire.Reggiemadeaduck.Haveyougotyourfirst?Ifyouhave,itwillbeallthroughMike.UncleJohntoldFatherthatMikepretendedtohurthiswristsothatyoucouldplayinsteadofhimfortheschool,andFathersaiditwasverysportingofMikebutnobodymusttellyoubecauseitwouldn'tbefairifyougotyourfirstforyoutoknowthatyouowedittoMikeandIwasn'tsupposedtohearbutIdidbecauseIwasintheroomonlytheydidn'tknowIwas(wewereplayinghide-and-seekandIwashiding)soI'mwritingtotellyou,

"Fromyouraffectionatesister

"Marjory."

TherefollowedaP.S.

"I'lltellyouwhatyououghttodo.I'vebeenreadingajollygoodbookcalled'TheBoysofDormitoryTwo,'andthehero'sanawfullyniceboynamedLionelTremayne,andhisfriendJackLangdalesaveshislifewhenabeastofaboatmanwho'sreallyemployedbyLionel'scousinwhowantsthemoneythatLionel'sgoingtohavewhenhegrowsupstunshimandleaveshimonthebeachtodrown.Well,LionelisgoingtoplayfortheschoolagainstLoamshire,andit's_the_ matchoftheseason,buthegoestotheheadmasterandsayshewants

Jacktoplayinsteadofhim.Whydon'tyoudothat?

"M.

"P.P.S.--Thishasbeenafrightfulfagtowrite."

ForthelifeofhimMikecouldnothelpgigglingashepicturedwhatBob'sexpressionmusthavebeenwhenhisbrotherreadthisdocument.Butthehumoroussideofthethingdidnotappealtohimforlong.WhatshouldhesaytoBob?WhatwouldBobsaytohim?Dashitall,it



madehimlooksuchanawful_ass_!Anyhow,Bobcouldn'tdomuch.Infacthedidn'tseethathecoulddoanything.Theteamwasfilledup,andBurgesswasnotlikelytoalterit.Besides,whyshouldhealterit?ProbablyhewouldhavegivenBobhiscoloursanyhow.Still,itwasbeastlyawkward.Marjorymeantwell,butshehadputherfootrightinit.Girlsoughtn'ttomeddlewiththesethings.Nogirloughttobetaughttowritetillshecameofage.AndUncleJohnhadbehavedinmanyrespectsliketheCompleteRotter.Ifhewasgoingtoletoutthingslikethat,hemightatleasthavewhisperedthem,orlookedbehindthecurtainstoseethattheplacewasn'tchock-fulloffemalekids.ConfoundUncleJohn!

Throughoutthedinner-hourMikekeptoutofBob'sway.Butinasmallcommunitylikeaschoolitisimpossibletoavoidamanforever.Theymetatthenets.

"Well?"saidBob.

"Howdoyoumean?"saidMike.

"Didyoureadit?"

"Yes."

"Well,isitallrot,ordidyou--youknowwhatImean--shamacrockedwrist?"

"Yes,"saidMike,"Idid."

Bobstaredgloomilyathistoes.

"Imean,"hesaidatlast,apparentlyputtingthefinishing-touchtosometrainofthought,"IknowIoughttobegrateful,andallthat.IsupposeIam.Imeanitwasjollygoodofyou--Dashitall,"hebrokeoffhotly,asiftheputtinghispositionintowordshadsuddenlyshowedhimhowingloriousitwas,"whatdidyouwanttodoif _for_?Whatwastheidea?Whatrighthaveyougottogoabout

playingProvidenceoverme?Dashitall,it'slikegivingafellowmoneywithoutconsultinghim."

"Ididn'tthinkyou'deverknow.Youwouldn'thaveifonlythatassUncleJohnhadn'tletitout."

"Howdidhegettoknow?Whydidyoutellhim?"

"Hegotitoutofme.Icouldn'tchokehimoff.HecamedownwhenyouwereawayatGeddington,andwouldinsistonhavingalookatmyarm,andnaturallyhespottedrightawaytherewasnothingthematterwithit.Soitcameout;that'showitwas."

Bobscratchedthoughtfullyattheturfwithaspikeofhisboot.

"Ofcourse,itwasawfullydecent----"

Thenagainthemonstrousnatureoftheaffaircamehometohim.

"Butwhatdidyoudoit_for_?Whyshouldyourotupyourownchancestogivemealookin?"

"Oh,Idon'tknow....Youknow,youdid_me_ajollygoodturn."



"Idon'tremember.When?"

"ThatFirby-Smithbusiness."

"Whataboutit?"

"Well,yougotmeoutofajollybadhole."

"Oh,rot!Anddoyoumeantotellmeitwassimplybecauseofthat----?"

Mikeappearedtohiminatotallynewlight.Hestaredathimasifheweresomestrangecreaturehithertounknowntothehumanrace.Mikeshuffleduneasilybeneaththescrutiny.

"Anyhow,it'sallovernow,"Mikesaid,"soIdon'tseewhat'sthepointoftalkingaboutit."

"I'mhangedifitis.Youdon'tthinkI'mgoingtosittightandtakemyfirstasifnothinghadhappened?"

"Whatcanyoudo?Thelist'sup.AreyougoingtotheOldMantoaskhimifIcanplay,likeLionelTremayne?"

ThehopelessnessofthesituationcameoverBoblikeawave.HelookedhelplesslyatMike.

"Besides,"addedMike,"Ishallgetinnextyearallright.Halfasecond,IjustwanttospeaktoWyattaboutsomething."

Hesidledoff.

"Well,anyhow,"saidBobtohimself,"ImustseeBurgessaboutit."

CHAPTERXXII

WYATTISREMINDEDOFANENGAGEMENT

Therearesituationsinlifewhicharebeyondone.Thesensiblemanrealisesthis,andslidesoutofsuchsituations,admittinghimselfbeaten.Otherstrytograpplewiththem,butitneverdoesanygood.Whenaffairsgetintoarealtangle,itisbesttositstillandletthemstraightenthemselvesout.Or,ifonedoesnotdothat,simplytothinknomoreaboutthem.ThisisPhilosophy.Thetruephilosopheristhemanwhosays"Allright,"andgoestosleepinhisarm-chair.One'sattitudetowardsLife'sLittleDifficultiesshouldbethatof

thegentlemaninthefable,whosatdownonanacornoneday,andhappenedtodoze.Thewarmthofhisbodycausedtheacorntogerminate,anditgrewsorapidlythat,whenheawoke,hefoundhimselfsittingintheforkofanoak,sixtyfeetfromtheground.Hethoughthewouldgohome,but,findingthisimpossible,healteredhisplans."Well,well,"hesaid,"ifIcannotcompelcircumstancestomywill,Icanatleastadaptmywilltocircumstances.Idecidetoremainhere."Whichhedid,andhadanotunpleasanttime.Theoaklackedsomeofthecomfortsofhome,buttheairwassplendidandtheviewexcellent.



To-day'sGreatThoughtforYoungReaders.Imitatethisman.

Bobshouldhavedoneso,buthehadnotthenecessaryamountofphilosophy.HestillclungtotheideathatheandBurgess,incouncil,mightfindsomewayofmakingthingsrightforeverybody.Though,atthemoment,hedidnotseehowelevencapsweretobedividedamongsttwelvecandidatesinsuchawaythateachshouldhaveone.

AndBurgess,consultedonthepoint,confessedtothesameinabilitytosolvetheproblem.IttookBobatleastaquarterofanhourtogetthefactsofthecaseintothecaptain'shead,butatlastBurgessgraspedtheideaofthething.Atwhichperiodheremarkedthatitwasarumbusiness.

"Veryrum,"Bobagreed."Still,whatyousaydoesn'thelpusoutmuch,seeingthatthepointis,what'stobedone?"

"Whydoanything?"

Burgesswasaphilosopher,andtookthelineofleastresistance,likethemanintheoak-tree.

"ButImustdosomething,"saidBob."Can'tyouseehowrottenitisforme?"

"Idon'tseewhy.It'snotyourfault.Verysportingofyourbrotherandallthat,ofcourse,thoughI'mblowedifI'dhavedoneitmyself;butwhyshouldyoudoanything?You'reallright.Yourbrotherstoodoutoftheteamtoletyouinit,andhereyou_are_,init.What'shegottogrumbleabout?"

"He'snotgrumbling.It'sme."

"What'sthematterwithyou?Don'tyouwantyourfirst?"

"Notlikethis.Can'tyouseewhatarottenpositionitisforme?"

"Don'tyouworry.Yousimplykeeponsayingyou'reallright.Besides,whatdoyouwantmetodo?Alterthelist?"

Butforthethoughtofthoseunspeakableoutsiders,LionelTremayneandhisheadmaster,Bobmighthaveansweredthisquestionintheaffirmative;buthehadthepublic-schoolboy'sterrorofseemingtoposeordoanythingtheatrical.Hewouldhavedoneagooddealtoputmattersright,buthecould_not_dotheself-sacrificingyoungherobusiness.Itwouldnotbeinthepicture.Thesethings,iftheyaretobedoneatschool,havetobecarriedthroughstealthily,afterMike'sfashion.

"Isupposeyoucan'tverywell,nowit'sup.Tellyouwhat,though,Idon'tseewhyIshouldn'tstandoutoftheteamfortheRiptonmatch.Icouldeasilyfakeupsomeexcuse."

"Ido.Idon'tknowifit'soccurredtoyou,buttheideaisrathertowintheRiptonmatch,ifpossible.SothatI'malotkeenonputtingthebestteamintothefield.Sorryifitupsetsyourarrangementsinanyway."



"YouknowperfectlywellMike'severybitasgoodasme."

"Heisn'tsokeen."

"Whatdoyoumean?"

"Fielding.He'sayoungslacker."

WhenBurgesshadoncelabelledamanasthat,hedidnotreadilylettheideaoutofhismind.

"Slacker?Whatrot!He'saskeenasanything."

"Anyhow,hiskeennessisn'tenoughtomakehimturnoutforhouse-fielding.Ifyoureallywanttoknow,that'swhyyou'vegotyourfirstinsteadofhim.Yousweatedaway,andimprovedyourfieldingtwentypercent.;andIhappenedtobetalkingtoFirby-SmithandfoundthatyoungMikehadbeenshirkinghis,soouthewent.Abadfield'sbadenough,butaslackfieldwantsskinning."

"Smithoughtn'ttohavetoldyou."

"Well,hedidtellme.Soyouseehowitis.Therewon'tbeany

changesfromtheteamI'veputupontheboard.""Oh,allright,"saidBob."Iwasafraidyoumightn'tbeabletodoanything.Solong."

"Mindthestep,"saidBurgess.

*****

Ataboutthetimewhenthisconversationwasinprogress,Wyatt,crossingthecricket-fieldtowardstheschoolshopinsearchofsomethingfizzythatmightcorrectaburningthirstacquiredatthenets,espiedonthehorizonasuitofcricketflannelssurmountedbya

huge,expansivegrin.Asthedistancebetweenthemlessened,hediscoveredthatinsidetheflannelswasNeville-Smith'sbodyandbehindthegrintherestofNeville-Smith'sface.Theirvisittothenetsnothavingcoincidedinpointoftime,astheGreekexercisebookssay,Wyatthadnotseenhisfriendsincethelistoftheteamhadbeenpostedontheboard,soheproceededtocongratulatehimonhiscolours.

"Thanks,"saidNeville-Smith,withabrilliantdisplayoffrontteeth.

"Feelinggood?"

"Notthewordforit.Ifeellike--Idon'tknowwhat."

"I'lltellyouwhatyoulooklike,ifthat'sanygoodtoyou.Thatslightsmileofyourswillmeetbehind,ifyoudon'tlookout,andthenthetopofyourhead'llcomeoff."

"Idon'tcare.I'vegotmyfirst,whateverhappens.LittleWillie'sgoingtobuyanicenewcapandaprettystripedjacketallforhisownself!Isay,thanksforremindingme.Notthatyoudid,butsupposingyouhad.Atanyrate,IrememberwhatitwasIwantedtosaytoyou.YouknowwhatIwassayingtoyouaboutthebustImeant



tohaveathomeinhonourofmygettingmyfirst,ifIdid,whichIhave--well,anyhowit'sto-night.Youcanrollup,can'tyou?"

"Delighted.Anythingforafreefeedinthesehardtimes.Whattimedidyousayitwas?"

"Eleven.Makeitabitearlier,ifyoulike."

"No,eleven'lldomeallright."

"Howareyougoingtogetout?"

"'Stonewallsdonotaprisonmake,norironbarsacage.'That'swhatthemansaidwhowrotethelibrettoforthelastsetofLatinVerseswehadtodo.Ishallmanageit."

"Theyoughttoallowyoualatch-key."

"Yes,I'veoftenthoughtofaskingmypaterforone.Still,Igetonverywell.Whoarecomingbesidesme?"

"Noboarders.Theyallfunkedit."

"Theraceisdegenerating."

"Saiditwasn'tgoodenough."

"Theschoolisgoingtothedogs.Whodidyouask?"

"Cloweswasone.Saidhedidn'twanttomisshisbeauty-sleep.AndHenfreybackedoutbecausehethoughttheriskofbeingsackedwasn'tgoodenough."

"That'sanaspectofthethingthatmightoccurtosomepeople.Idon'tblamehim--ImightfeellikethatmyselfifI'dgotanothercoupleofyearsatschool."

"Butoneortwoday-boysarecoming.Clephaneis,forone.AndBeverley.Weshallhaveratherarag.I'mgoingtogetthethingsnow."

"WhenIgettoyourplace--Idon'tbelieveIknowtheway,nowIcometothinkofit--whatdoIdo?Ringthebellandsendinmycard?orsmashthenearestwindowandclimbin?"

"Don'tmaketoomuchrow,forgoodnesssake.Alltheservants'llhavegonetobed.You'llseethewindowofmyroom.It'sjustabovetheporch.It'llbetheonlyonelightedup.Heaveapebbleatit,andI'llcomedown."

"Sowilltheglass--witharun,Iexpect.Still,I'lltrytodoaslittledamageaspossible.Afterall,Ineedn'tthrowabrick."

"You_will_turnup,won'tyou?"

"Nothingshallstopme."

"Goodman."

AsWyattwasturningaway,asuddencompunctionseizedupon



Neville-Smith.Hecalledhimback.

"Isay,youdon'tthinkit'stoorisky,doyou?Imean,youalwaysarebreakingoutatnight,aren'tyou?Idon'twanttogetyouintoarow."

"Oh,that'sallright,"saidWyatt."Don'tyouworryaboutme.Ishouldhavegoneoutanyhowto-night."

CHAPTERXXIII

ASURPRISEFORMR.APPLEBY

"Youmaynotknowit,"saidWyatttoMikeinthedormitorythatnight,"butthisisthemaddest,merriestdayofallthegladNewYear."

Mikecouldnothelpthinkingthatforhimselfitwastheveryreverse,buthedidnotstatehisviewofthecase.

"What'sup?"heasked.

"Neville-Smith'sgivingamealathisplaceinhonourofhisgettinghisfirst.Iunderstandthepreparationsareonascaleoftheutmostmagnificence.Noexpensehasbeenspared.Ginger-beerwillflowlikewater.Theoldestcaskoflemonadehasbeenbroached;andasardineisroastingwholeinthemarket-place."

"Areyougoing?"

"IfIcantearmyselfawayfromyourdelightfulsociety.Thekick-offisfixedforelevensharp.Iamtostandunderneathhiswindowandheavebrickstillsomethinghappens.Idon'tknowifhekeepsadog.Ifso,Ishallprobablygetbittentothebone."

"Whenareyougoingtostart?"

"AboutfiveminutesafterWainhasbeenroundthedormitoriestoseethatall'swell.Thatoughttobesomewhereabouthalf-pastten."

"Don'tgogettingcaught."

"Ishalldomylittlebestnottobe.Rathertrickywork,though,gettingback.I'vegottoclimbtwogardenwalls,andIshallprobablybesofullofMalvoisiethatyou'llbeabletohearitswishingaboutinsideme.Nocatchsteeple-chasingifyou'relikethat.They'venothoughtforpeople'sconveniencehere.NowatBradfordthey'vegot

studiesonthegroundfloor,thewindowslookingoutovertheboundlessprairie.Noclimbingorsteeple-chasingneededatall.Allyouhavetodoistoopenthewindowandstepout.Still,wemustmakethebestofthings.Pushusoverapinchofthattooth-powderofyours.I'veusedallmine."

Wyattveryseldompenetratedfurtherthanhisowngardenontheoccasionswhenheroamedabroadatnight.Forcat-shootingtheWainspinneyswereunsurpassed.Therewasoneparticulardustbinwhereonemightbecertainofflushingacoveyanynight;andthewallbythe



potting-shedwasafelineclub-house.

Butwhenhedidwishtogetoutintotheopencountryhehadaspecialroutewhichhealwaystook.HeclimbeddownfromthewallthatranbeneaththedormitorywindowintothegardenbelongingtoMr.Appleby,themasterwhohadthehousenexttoMr.Wain's.Crossingthis,heclimbedanotherwall,anddroppedfromitintoasmalllanewhichendedinthemainroadleadingtoWrykyntown.

Thiswastheroutewhichhetookto-night.ItwasagloriousJulynight,andthescentoftheflowerscametohimwithacuriousdistinctnessashelethimselfdownfromthedormitorywindow.Atanyothertimehemighthavemadealengthyhalt,andenjoyedthescentsandsmallsummernoises,butnowhefeltthatitwouldbebetternottodelay.Therewasafullmoon,andwherehestoodhecouldbeseendistinctlyfromthewindowsofbothhouses.Theywerealldark,itistrue,butontheseoccasionsitwasbesttotakenorisks.

HedroppedcautiouslyintoAppleby'sgarden,ranlightlyacrossit,andwasinthelanewithinaminute.

Therehepaused,dustedhistrousers,whichhadsufferedonthetwowalls,andstrolledmeditativelyinthedirectionofthetown.Half-pasttenhadjustchimedfromtheschoolclock.Hewasinplenty

oftime."Whatanight!"hesaidtohimself,sniffingashewalked.

*****

Nowithappenedthathewasnotaloneinadmiringthebeautyofthatparticularnight.Atten-fifteenithadstruckMr.Appleby,lookingoutofhisstudyintothemoonlitschoolgrounds,thatapipeintheopenwouldmakeanexcellentbreakinhisnight'swork.Hehadacquiredaslightheadacheastheresultofcorrectingabatchofexaminationpapers,andhethoughtthatanintervalofanhourintheopenairbeforeapproachingthehalf-dozenorsopaperswhichstill

remainedtobelookedatmightdohimgood.Thewindowofhisstudywasopen,buttheroomhadgothotandstuffy.Nothinglikealittlefreshairforputtinghimright.

Forafewmomentshedebatedtherivalclaimsofastrollinthecricket-fieldandaseatinthegarden.Thenhedecidedonthelatter.Thelittlegateintherailingsoppositehishousemightnotbeopen,anditwasalongwayroundtothemainentrance.Sohetookadeck-chairwhichleanedagainstthewall,andlethimselfoutofthebackdoor.

Hetookuphispositionintheshadowofafir-treewithhisbacktothehouse.Fromherehecouldseethelonggarden.Hewasfondofhis

garden,andspentwhatfewmomentshecouldsparefromworkandgamespotteringaboutit.Hehadhisviewsastowhattheidealgardenshouldbe,andhehopedintimetotinkerhisownthreeacresuptothedesiredstandard.Atpresentthereremainedmuchtobedone.Whynot,forinstance,takeawaythoselaurelsattheendofthelawn,andhaveaflower-bedthereinstead?Laurelslastedalltheyearround,true,whereasflowersdiedandleftanemptybrownbedinthewinter,butthenlaurelswerenothingmuchtolookatatanytime,andagardenalwayshadabeastlyappearanceinwinter,whateveryoudidtoit.Muchbetterhaveflowers,andgetadecentshowforone'smoneyin



summeratanyrate.

Theproblemofthebedattheendofthelawnoccupiedhiscompleteattentionformorethanaquarterofanhour,attheendofwhichperiodhediscoveredthathispipehadgoneout.

HewasjustfeelingforhismatchestorelightitwhenWyattdroppedwithaslightthudintohisfavouriteherbaceousborder.

Thesurprise,andtheagonyoffeelingthatlargebootsweretramplingamonghistreasureskepthimtransfixedforjustthelengthoftimenecessaryforWyatttocrossthegardenandclimbtheoppositewall.Ashedroppedintothelane,Mr.Applebyrecoveredhimselfsufficientlytoemitasortofstrangledcroak,butthesoundwastooslighttoreachWyatt.ThatrevellerwaswalkingdowntheWrykynroadbeforeMr.Applebyhadlefthischair.

ItisaninterestingpointthatitwasthegardenerratherthantheschoolmasterinMr.Applebythatfirstawoketoaction.Itwasnottheideaofaboybreakingoutofhishouseatnightthatoccurredtohimfirstasparticularlyheinous;itwasthefactthattheboyhadbrokenout_via_hisherbaceousborder.Infourstrideshewasonthesceneoftheoutrage,examining,onhandsandknees,withtheaidofthemoonlight,theextentofthedamagedone.

Asfarashecouldsee,itwasnotserious.ByahappyaccidentWyatt'sbootshadgonehometorightandleftofpreciousplantsbutnotonthem.WithasighofreliefMr.Applebysmoothedoverthecavities,androsetohisfeet.

Atthispointitbegantostrikehimthattheepisodeaffectedhimasaschoolmasteralso.

InthatstartledmomentwhenWyatthadsuddenlycrossedhislineofvision,hehadrecognisedhim.Themoonhadshonefullonhisfaceashelefttheflowerbed.Therewasnodoubtinhismindastotheidentityoftheintruder.

Hepaused,wonderinghowheshouldact.Itwasnotaneasyquestion.TherewasnothingofthespyaboutMr.Appleby.Hewenthiswayopenly,likedandrespectedbyboysandmasters.Healwaysplayedthegame.Thedifficultyherewastosayexactlywhatthegamewas.Sentiment,ofcourse,badehimforgettheepisode,treatitasifithadneverhappened.Thatwasthesimplewayoutofthedifficulty.TherewasnothingunsportingaboutMr.Appleby.Heknewthatthereweretimeswhenamastermight,withoutblame,closehiseyesorlooktheotherway.IfhehadmetWyattoutofboundsintheday-time,andithadbeenpossibletoconveytheimpressionthathehadnotseenhim,hewouldhavedoneso.Tobeoutofboundsisnotaparticularlydeadlysin.Amastermustcheckitifitoccurstoofrequently,buthe

mayusehisdiscretion.

Breakingoutatnight,however,wasadifferentthingaltogether.Itwasonanotherplane.Therearetimeswhenamastermustwaivesentiment,andrememberthatheisinapositionoftrust,andowesadutydirectlytohisheadmaster,andindirectly,throughtheheadmaster,totheparents.Hereceivesasalaryfordoingthisduty,and,ifhefeelsthatsentimentistoostrongforhim,heshouldresigninfavourofsomeoneoftougherfibre.



ThiswastheconclusiontowhichMr.Applebycameoverhisrelightedpipe.Hecouldnotletthematterrestwhereitwas.

Inordinarycircumstancesitwouldhavebeenhisdutytoreporttheaffairtotheheadmasterbutinthepresentcasehethoughtthataslightlydifferentcoursemightbepursued.HewouldlaythewholethingbeforeMr.Wain,andleavehimtodealwithitashethoughtbest.Itwasoneofthefewcaseswhereitwaspossibleforanassistantmastertofulfilhisdutytoaparentdirectly,insteadofthroughtheagencyoftheheadmaster.

*****

Knockingouttheashesofhispipeagainstatree,hefoldedhisdeck-chairandwentintothehouse.Theexaminationpaperswerespreadinvitinglyonthetable,buttheywouldhavetowait.Heturneddownhislamp,andwalkedroundtoWain's.

Therewasalightinoneoftheground-floorwindows.Hetappedonthewindow,andthesoundofachairbeingpushedbacktoldhimthathehadbeenheard.Theblindshotup,andhehadaviewofaroomlitteredwithbooksandpapers,inthemiddleofwhichstoodMr.Wain,likeasea-beastamongrocks.

Mr.Wainrecognisedhisvisitorandopenedthewindow.Mr.ApplebycouldnothelpfeelinghowlikeWainitwastoworkonawarmsummer'snightinahermeticallysealedroom.TherewasalwayssomethingqueerandeccentricaboutWyatt'sstep-father.

"CanIhaveawordwithyou,Wain?"hesaid.

"Appleby!Isthereanythingthematter?Iwasstartledwhenyoutapped.Exceedinglyso."

"Sorry,"saidMr.Appleby."Wouldn'thavedisturbedyou,onlyit'ssomethingimportant.I'llclimbinthroughhere,shallI?Noneedtounlockthedoor."And,greatlytoMr.Wain'ssurpriseandratherto

hisdisapproval,Mr.Applebyvaultedontothewindow-sill,andsqueezedthroughintotheroom.

CHAPTERXXIV

CAUGHT

"Gotsomeratherbadnewsforyou,I'mafraid,"beganMr.Appleby."I'llsmoke,ifyoudon'tmind.AboutWyatt."

"James!"

"Iwassittinginmygardenafewminutesago,havingapipebeforefinishingtherestofmypapers,andWyattdroppedfromthewallontomyherbaceousborder."

Mr.Applebysaidthiswithatingeofbitterness.Thethingstillrankled.



"James!Inyourgarden!Impossible.Why,itisnotaquarterofanhoursinceIlefthiminhisdormitory."

"He'snottherenow."

"Youastoundme,Appleby.Iamastonished."

"SowasI."

"Howissuchathingpossible?Hiswindowisheavilybarred."

"Barscanberemoved."

"Youmusthavebeenmistaken."

"Possibly,"saidMr.Appleby,alittlenettled.Gapingastonishmentisalwaysapttobeirritating."Let'sleaveitatthat,then.Sorrytohavedisturbedyou."

"No,sitdown,Appleby.Dearme,thisismostextraordinary.Exceedinglyso.YouarecertainitwasJames?"

"Perfectly.It'slikedaylightoutofdoors."

Mr.Waindrummedonthetablewithhisfingers."WhatshallIdo?"

Mr.Applebyofferednosuggestion.

"Ioughttoreportittotheheadmaster.ThatiscertainlythecourseIshouldpursue."

"Idon'tseewhy.Itisn'tlikeanordinarycase.You'retheparent.Youcandealwiththethingdirectly.Ifyoucometothinkofit,aheadmaster'sonlyasortofmiddlemanbetweenboysandparents.Heplayssubstitutefortheparentinhisabsence.Idon'tseewhyyou

shoulddraginthemasteratallhere."

"Thereiscertainlysomethinginwhatyousay,"saidMr.Wainonreflection.

"Agooddeal.Tackletheboywhenhecomesin,andhaveitoutwithhim.Rememberthatitmustmeanexpulsionifyoureporthimtotheheadmaster.Hewouldhavenochoice.Everybodywhohaseverbrokenoutofhishousehereandbeencaughthasbeenexpelled.Ishouldstronglyadviseyoutodealwiththethingyourself."

"Iwill.Yes.Youarequiteright,Appleby.Thatisaverygoodideaofyours.Youarenotgoing?"

"Must.Gotapileofexaminationpaperstolookover.Good-night."

"Good-night."

Mr.Applebymadehiswayoutofthewindowandthroughthegateintohisownterritoryinapensiveframeofmind.Hewaswonderingwhatwouldhappen.Hehadtakentheonlypossiblecourse,and,ifonlyWainkepthisheadanddidnotletthemattergetthroughofficiallytotheheadmaster,thingsmightnotbesobadforWyattafterall.Hehoped



theywouldnot.HelikedWyatt.Itwouldbeathousandpities,hefelt,ifheweretobeexpelled.WhatwouldWaindo?Whatwould _he_doinasimilarcase?Itwasdifficulttosay.Probablytalkviolentlyforaslongashecouldkeepitup,andthenconsidertheepisodeclosed.HedoubtedwhetherWainwouldhavethecommonsensetodothis.Altogetheritwasverypainfulanddisturbing,andhewastakingarathergloomyviewoftheassistantmaster'slotashesatdowntofinishofftherestofhisexaminationpapers.Itwasnotallroses,thelifeofanassistantmasteratapublicschool.Hehadcontinuallytobesinkinghisownindividualsympathiesintheclaimsofhisduty.Mr.Applebywasthelastmanwhowouldwillinglyhavereportedaboyforenjoyingamidnightramble.Buthewasthelastmantoshirkthedutyofreportinghim,merelybecauseitwasonedecidedlynottohistaste.

Mr.Wainsatonforsomeminutesafterhiscompanionhadleft,ponderingoverthenewshehadheard.EvennowheclungtotheideathatApplebyhadmadesomeextraordinarymistake.Graduallyhebegantoconvincehimselfofthis.HehadseenWyattactuallyinbedaquarterofanhourbefore--notasleep,itwastrue,butapparentlyonthevergeofdroppingoff.Andthebarsacrossthewindowhadlookedsosolid....CouldApplebyhavebeendreaming?Somethingofthekindmighteasilyhavehappened.Hehadbeenworkinghard,andthenightwaswarm....

Thenitoccurredtohimthathecouldeasilyproveordisprovethetruthofhiscolleague'sstatementbygoingtothedormitoryandseeingifWyattwerethereornot.Ifhehadgoneout,hewouldhardlyhavereturnedyet.

Hetookacandle,andwalkedquietlyupstairs.

Arrivedathisstep-son'sdormitory,heturnedthedoor-handlesoftlyandwentin.Thelightofthecandlefellonbothbeds.Mikewasthere,asleep.Hegrunted,andturnedoverwithhisfacetothewallasthelightshoneonhiseyes.Buttheotherbedwasempty.Applebyhadbeenright.

Iffurtherproofhadbeenneeded,oneofthebarswasmissingfromthewindow.Themoonshoneinthroughtheemptyspace.

Thehouse-mastersatdownquietlyonthevacantbed.Heblewthecandleout,andwaitedthereinthesemi-darkness,thinking.ForyearsheandWyatthadlivedinastateofarmedneutrality,brokenbyvarioussmallencounters.Lately,bysilentbutmutualagreement,theyhadkeptoutofeachother'swayasmuchaspossible,andithadbecomerareforthehouse-mastertohavetofindfaultofficiallywithhisstep-son.Buttherehadneverbeenanythingevenremotelyapproachingfriendshipbetweenthem.Mr.Wainwasnotamanwhoinspiredaffectionreadily,leastofallinthosemanyyearsyounger

thanhimself.Nordidheeasilygrowfondofothers.Wyatthehadregarded,fromthemomentwhenthethreadsoftheirlivesbecameentangled,asacompletenuisance.

Itwasnot,therefore,asorrowful,somuchasanexasperated,vigilthathekeptinthedormitory.Therewasnothingofthesorrowingfatherabouthisframeofmind.Hewasthehouse-masterabouttodealwithamutineer,andnothingelse.

Thisbreaking-out,hereflectedwrathfully,wasthelaststraw.



Wyatt'spresencehadbeenanervousinconveniencetohimforyears.Thetimehadcometoputanendtoit.Itwaswithacomfortablefeelingofmagnanimitythatheresolvednottoreportthebreachofdisciplinetotheheadmaster.Wyattshouldnotbeexpelled.Butheshouldleave,andthatimmediately.Hewouldwritetothebankbeforehewenttobed,askingthemtoreceivehisstep-sonatonce;andthelettershouldgobythefirstpostnextday.Thedisciplineofthebankwouldbesalutaryandsteadying.And--thiswasaparticularlygratefulreflection--afortnightannuallywasthelimitoftheholidayallowedbythemanagementtoitsjunioremployees.

Mr.Wainhadarrivedatthisconclusion,andwasbeginningtofeelalittlecramped,whenMikeJacksonsuddenlysatup.

"Hullo!"saidMike.

"Gotosleep,Jackson,immediately,"snappedthehouse-master.

Mikehadoftenheardandreadofpeople'sheartsleapingtotheirmouths,buthehadneverbeforeexperiencedthatsensationofsomethinghotanddryspringinginthethroat,whichiswhatreallyhappenstousonreceiptofabadshock.Asickeningfeelingthatthegamewasupbeyondallhopeofsalvationcametohim.Helaydownagainwithoutaword.

Whatafrightfulthingtohappen!Howonearthhadthiscomeabout?WhatintheworldhadbroughtWaintothedormitoryatthathour?PooroldWyatt!Ifithadupset_him_(Mike)toseethehouse-masterintheroom,whatwouldbetheeffectofsuchasightonWyatt,returningfromtherevelsatNeville-Smith's!

Andwhatcouldhedo?Nothing.Therewasliterallynowayout.HismindwentbacktothenightwhenhehadsavedWyattbyabrilliant _coup_.Themostbrilliantof_coups_couldeffectnothingnow.Absolutelyandentirelythegamewasup.

*****

EveryminutethatpassedseemedlikeanhourtoMike.Deadsilencereignedinthedormitory,brokeneverynowandthenbythecreakoftheotherbed,asthehouse-mastershiftedhisposition.Twelveboomedacrossthefieldfromtheschoolclock.Mikecouldnothelpthinkingwhataperfectnightitmustbeforhimtobeabletohearthestrokessoplainly.HestrainedhisearsforanyindicationofWyatt'sapproach,butcouldhearnothing.Thenaveryfaintscrapingnoisebrokethestillness,andpresentlythepatchofmoonlightonthefloorwasdarkened.

AtthatmomentMr.Wainrelithiscandle.

TheunexpectedglaretookWyattmomentarilyaback.Mikesawhimstart.Thenheseemedtorecoverhimself.Inacalmandleisurelymannerheclimbedintotheroom.

"James!"saidMr.Wain.Hisvoicesoundedominouslyhollow.

Wyattdustedhisknees,andrubbedhishandstogether."Hullo,isthatyou,father!"hesaidpleasantly.



shallmeetatPhilippi.ThisismyMoscow.To-morrowIshallgooutintothenightwithonelong,chokingsob.Yearshenceawhite-hairedbank-clerkwilltapatyourdoorwhenyou'reaprosperousprofessionalcricketerwithyourphotographin_Wisden_.That'llbeme.Well,IsupposeI'dbettergodown.We'dbetterallgettobed_some_ timeto-night.Don'tgotosleep."

"Notlikely."

"I'lltellyouallthelatestnewswhenIcomeback.Wherearemeslippers?Ha,'tiswell!Leadon,then,minions.Ifollow."

*****

InthestudyMr.WainwasfumblingrestlesslywithhispaperswhenWyattappeared.

"Sitdown,James,"hesaid.

Wyattsatdown.Oneofhisslippersfelloffwithaclatter.Mr.Wainjumpednervously.

"Onlymyslipper,"explainedWyatt."Itslipped."

Mr.Waintookupapen,andbegantotapthetable."Well,James?"

Wyattsaidnothing.

"Ishouldbegladtohearyourexplanationofthisdisgracefulmatter."

"Thefactis----"saidWyatt.

"Well?"

"Ihaven'tone,sir."

"Whatwereyoudoingoutofyourdormitory,outofthehouse,atthathour?"

"Iwentforawalk,sir."

"And,mayIinquire,areyouinthehabitofviolatingthestrictestschoolrulesbyabsentingyourselffromthehouseduringthenight?"

"Yes,sir."

"What?"

"Yes,sir."

"Thisisanexceedinglyseriousmatter."

Wyattnoddedagreementwiththisview.

"Exceedingly."

Thepenroseandfellwiththerapidityofthecylinderofa



motor-car.Wyatt,watchingit,becamesuddenlyawarethatthethingwashypnotisinghim.Inaminuteortwohewouldbeasleep.

"Iwishyouwouldn'tdothat,father.Taplikethat,Imean.It'ssendingmetosleep."

"James!"

"It'slikeawoodpecker."

"Studiedimpertinence----"

"I'mverysorry.Onlyit_was_sendingmeoff."

Mr.Wainsuspendedtappingoperations,andresumedthethreadofhisdiscourse.

"Iamsorry,exceedingly,toseethisattitudeinyou,James.Itisnotfitting.Itisinkeepingwithyourbehaviourthroughout.Yourconducthasbeenlaxandrecklessintheextreme.Itispossiblethatyouimaginethatthepeculiarcircumstancesofourrelationshipsecureyoufromthepenaltiestowhichtheordinaryboy----"

"No,sir."

"Ineedhardlysay,"continuedMr.Wain,ignoringtheinterruption,"thatIshalltreatyouexactlyasIshouldtreatanyothermemberofmyhousewhomIhaddetectedinthesamemisdemeanour."

"Ofcourse,"saidWyatt,approvingly.

"ImustaskyounottointerruptmewhenIamspeakingtoyou,James.Isaythatyourpunishmentwillbenowhitlessseverethanwouldbethatofanyotherboy.Youhaverepeatedlyprovedyourselflackinginballastandarespectfordisciplineinsmallerways,butthisisafarmoreseriousmatter.Exceedinglyso.Itisimpossibleformetooverlookit,evenwereIdisposedtodoso.Youareawareofthe

penaltyforsuchanactionasyours?"

"Thesack,"saidWyattlaconically.

"Itisexpulsion.Youmustleavetheschool.Atonce."

Wyattnodded.

"Asyouknow,IhavealreadysecuredanominationforyouintheLondonandOrientalBank.Ishallwriteto-morrowtothemanageraskinghimtoreceiveyouatonce----"

"Afterall,theyonlygainanextrafortnightofme."

"YouwillleavedirectlyIreceivehisletter.Ishallarrangewiththeheadmasterthatyouarewithdrawnprivately----"

"_Not_thesack?"

"Withdrawnprivately.Youwillnotgotoschoolto-morrow.Doyouunderstand?Thatisall.Haveyouanythingtosay?"

Wyattreflected.



"No,Idon'tthink----"

Hiseyefellonatraybearingadecanterandasyphon.

"Oh,yes,"hesaid."Can'tImixyouawhiskyandsoda,father,beforeIgoofftobed?"

*****

"Well?"saidMike.

Wyattkickedoffhisslippers,andbegantoundress.

"Whathappened?"

"Wechatted."

"Hasheletyouoff?"

"Likeagun.Ishootoffalmostimmediately.To-morrowItakeawell-earnedrestawayfromschool,andthedayafterIbecomethegayyoungbank-clerk,allamongsttheinkandledgers."

Mikewasmiserablysilent."Buckup,"saidWyattcheerfully."Itwouldhavehappenedanyhowinanotherfortnight.Sowhyworry?"

Mikewasstillsilent.Thereflectionwasdoubtlessphilosophic,butitfailedtocomforthim.

CHAPTERXXVI

THEAFTERMATH

Badnewsspreadsquickly.BythequartertoelevenintervalnextdaythefactsconcerningWyattandMr.Wainwerepublicproperty.Mike,asanactualspectatorofthedrama,wasingreatrequestasaninformant.Ashetoldthestorytoagroupofsympathisersoutsidetheschoolshop,Burgesscameup,hiseyesrollinginafinefrenzy.

"Anybodyseenyoung--oh,hereyouare.What'sallthisaboutJimmyWyatt?They'resayinghe'sbeensacked,orsomerot."

[Illustration:"WHAT'SALLTHISABOUTJIMMYWYATT?"]

"Sohehas--atleast,he'sgottoleave."

"What?When?"

"He'sleftalready.Heisn'tcomingtoschoolagain."

Burgess'sfirstthought,asbefittedagoodcricketcaptain,wasforhisteam.



interestingandimpersonalitemofsensationalnews.Neville-Smithheardofwhathadhappenedtowardstheendoftheinterval,andrushedoffinstantlyinsearchofMike.Hewastoolatetocatchhimbeforehewenttohisform-room,sohewaitedforhimathalf-pasttwelve,whenthebellrangfortheendofmorningschool.

"Isay,Jackson,isthistrueaboutoldWyatt?"

Mikenodded.

"Whathappened?"

Mikerelatedthestoryforthesixteenthtime.Itwasamelancholypleasuretohavefoundalistenerwhoheardthetaleintherightspirit.TherewasnodoubtaboutNeville-Smith'sinterestandsympathy.HewassilentforamomentafterMikehadfinished.

"Itwasallmyfault,"hesaidatlength."Ifithadn'tbeenforme,thiswouldn'thavehappened.WhatafoolIwastoaskhimtomyplace!Imighthaveknownhewouldbecaught."

"Oh,Idon'tknow,"saidMike.

"Itwasabsolutelymyfault."

MikewasnotequaltothetaskofsoothingNeville-Smith'swoundedconscience.Hedidnotattemptit.TheywalkedonwithoutfurtherconversationtilltheyreachedWain'sgate,whereMikelefthim.Neville-Smithproceededonhisway,plungedinmeditation.

TheresultofwhichmeditationwasthatBurgessgotasecondshockbeforethedaywasout.Bob,goingovertothenetsratherlateintheafternoon,cameuponthecaptainofcricketstandingapartfromhisfellowmenwithanexpressiononhisfacethatspokeofmentalupheavalsonavastscale.

"What'sup?"askedBob.

"Nothingmuch,"saidBurgess,withaforcedandgrislycalm."Onlythat,asfarasIcansee,weshallplayRiptononSaturdaywithasortofsecondeleven.Youdon'thappentohavegotsackedoranything,bytheway,doyou?"

"What'shappenednow?"

"Neville-Smith.InextraonSaturday.That'sall.Onlyourfirst-andsecond-changebowlersoutoftheteamfortheRiptonmatchinoneday.Isupposebyto-morrowhalftheothers'llhavegone,andweshalltakethefieldonSaturdaywithascratchsideofkidsfromtheJuniorSchool."

"Neville-Smith!Why,what'shebeendoing?"

"Apparentlyhegaveasortofsuppertocelebratehisgettinghisfirst,anditwaswhilecomingbackfromthatthatWyattgotcollared.Well,I'mblowedifNeville-Smithdoesn'ttoddleofftotheOldManafterschoolto-dayandtellhimthewholeyarn!Saiditwasallhisfault.Whatrot!Sortofthingthatmighthavehappenedtoanyone.IfWyatthadn'tgonetohim,he'dprobablyhavegoneoutsomewhereelse."



"AndtheOldManshovedhiminextra?"

"NexttwoSaturdays."

"AreRiptonstrongthisyear?"askedBob,forlackofanythingbettertosay.

"Very,fromallaccounts.TheywhackedtheM.C.C.JollyhotteamofM.C.C.too.Strongerthantheonewedrewwith."

"Oh,well,youneverknowwhat'sgoingtohappenatcricket.Imayholdacatchforachange."

Burgessgrunted.

Bobwentonhiswaytothenets.Mikewasjustputtingonhispads.

"Isay,Mike,"saidBob."Iwantedtoseeyou.It'saboutWyatt.I'vethoughtofsomething."

"What'sthat?"

"Awayofgettinghimoutofthatbank.Ifitcomesoff,that'stosay."

"ByJove,he'djumpatanything.What'stheidea?"

"Whyshouldn'thegetajobofsortsoutintheArgentine?ThereoughttobeheapsofsoundjobsgoingthereforachaplikeWyatt.He'sajollygoodshot,tostartwith.Ishouldn'twonderifitwasn'tratherascoretobeabletoshootoutthere.Andhecanride,Iknow."

"ByJove,I'llwritetofatherto-night.Hemustbeabletoworkit,Ishouldthink.Heneverchuckedtheshowaltogether,didhe?"

Mike,asmostotherboysofhisagewouldhavebeen,wasprofoundlyignorantastothedetailsbywhichhisfather'smoneyhadbeen,or

wasbeing,made.HeonlyknewvaguelythatthesourceofrevenuehadsomethingtodowiththeArgentine.HisbrotherJoehadbeenborninBuenosAyres;andonce,threeyearsago,hisfatherhadgoneoverthereforavisit,presumablyonbusiness.AllthesethingsseemedtoshowthatMr.JacksonseniorwasausefulmantohaveaboutifyouwantedajobinthatEldorado,theArgentineRepublic.

Asamatteroffact,Mike'sfatherownedvasttractsoflandupcountry,wherecountlesssheeplivedandhadtheirbeing.Hehadlongretiredfromactivesuperintendenceofhisestate.LikeMr.Spenlow,hehadapartner,astoutfellowwiththework-tainthighlydeveloped,whoaskednothingbetterthantobeleftincharge.SoMr.Jacksonhadreturnedtothehomeofhisfathers,gladtobethereagain.Buthe

stillhadadecidedvoiceintheorderingofaffairsontheranches,andMikewasgoingtothefountain-headofthingswhenhewrotetohisfatherthatnight,puttingforwardWyatt'sclaimstoattentionandabilitytoperformanysortofjobwithwhichhemightbepresented.

Thereflectionthathehaddoneallthatcouldbedonetendedtoconsolehimforthenon-appearanceofWyatteitherthatnightornextmorning--anon-appearancewhichwasduetothesimplefactthathepassedthatnightinabedinMr.Wain'sdressing-room,thedoorofwhichthatcautiouspedagogue,whobelievedintakingnochances,



lockedfromtheoutsideonretiringtorest.

CHAPTERXXVII

THERIPTONMATCH

MikegotananswerfromhisfatheronthemorningoftheRiptonmatch.AletterfromWyattalsolayonhisplatewhenhecamedowntobreakfast.

Mr.Jackson'sletterwasshort,buttothepoint.HesaidhewouldgoandseeWyattearlyinthenextweek.Headdedthatbeingexpelledfromapublicschoolwasnottheonlyqualificationforsuccessasasheep-farmer,butthat,ifMike'sfriendaddedtothisageneralintelligenceandamiability,andaskillforpickingoffcatswithanair-pistolandbull's-eyeswithaLee-Enfield,therewasnoreasonwhysomethingshouldnotbedoneforhim.Inanycasehewouldbuyhimalunch,sothatWyattwouldextractatleastsomeprofitfromhisvisit.Hesaidthathehopedsomethingcouldbemanaged.Itwasapitythataboyaccustomedtoshootcatsshouldbecondemnedfortherest

ofhislifetoshootnothingmoreexcitingthanhiscuffs.Wyatt'sletterwaslonger.Itmighthavebeenpublishedunderthetitle"MyFirstDayinaBank,byaBeginner."Hisadventhadapparentlycausedlittlesensation.Hehadfirsthadabriefconversationwiththemanager,whichhadrunasfollows:

"Mr.Wyatt?"

"Yes,sir."

"H'm...Sportsman?"

"Yes,sir."

"Cricketer?"

"Yes,sir."

"Playfootball?"

"Yes,sir."

"H'm...Racquets?"

"Yes,sir."

"Everything?"

"Yes,sir."

"H'm...Well,youwon'tgetanymoreofitnow."

AfterwhichaMr.Blenkinsophadledhimuptoavastledger,inwhichhewastoinscribetheaddressesofallout-goingletters.Theselettershewouldthenstamp,andsubsequentlytakeinbundlestothe



postoffice.Onceaweekhewouldberequiredtobuystamps."IfIwereoneofthoseNapoleonsofFinance,"wroteWyatt,"Ishouldcooktheaccounts,Isuppose,andembezzlestampstoanincredibleamount.Butitdoesn'tseeminmyline.I'mafraidIwasn'tcutoutforabusinesscareer.Still,Ihavestampedthisletterattheexpenseoftheoffice,andentereditupundertheheading'Sundries,'whichisasortofstart.Lookoutforanarticleinthe_Wrykynian_,'HintsforYoungCriminals,byJ.Wyatt,championcatch-as-catch-canstamp-stealeroftheBritishIsles.'Solong.IsupposeyouareplayingagainstRipton,nowthattheworldofcommercehasfoundthatitcan'tgetonwithoutme.Mindyoumakeacentury,andthenperhapsBurgess'llgiveyouyourfirstafterall.Thereweretwelvecoloursgiventhreeyearsago,becauseonechapleftathalf-termandthemanwhoplayedinsteadofhimcameoffagainstRipton."

*****

ThishadoccurredtoMikeindependently.TheRiptonmatchwasaspecialevent,andthemanwhoperformedanyoutstandingfeatagainstthatschoolwastreatedasasortofHoratius.Honourswereheapeduponhim.Ifhecouldonlymakeacentury!orevenfifty.Eventwenty,ifitgottheschooloutofatightplace.HewasasnervousontheSaturdaymorningashehadbeenonthemorningoftheM.C.C.match.ItwasVictoryorWestminsterAbbeynow.Todoonlyaveragelywell,tobe

amongtheruck,wouldbeasuselessasnotplayingatall,asfarashischanceofhisfirstwasconcerned.

ItwasevidenttothosewhowokeearlyontheSaturdaymorningthatthisRiptonmatchwasnotlikelytoendinadraw.DuringtheFridayrainhadfallenalmostincessantlyinasteadydrizzle.Ithadstoppedlateatnight;andatsixinthemorningtherewaseveryprospectofanotherhotday.Therewasthatfeelingintheairwhichshowsthatthesunistryingtogetthroughtheclouds.Theskywasadullgreyatbreakfasttime,exceptwhereaflushofdeepercolourgaveahintofthesun.Itwasadayonwhichtowinthetoss,andgoinfirst.Ateleven-thirty,whenthematchwastimedtobegin,thewicketwouldbetoowettobedifficult.Runswouldcomeeasilytillthesuncameout

andbegantodrytheground.Whenthathappenedtherewouldbetroubleforthesidethatwasbatting.

Burgess,inspectingthewicketwithMr.Spenceduringthequartertoeleveninterval,wasnotslowtorecognisethisfact.

"Ishouldwinthetossto-day,ifIwereyou,Burgess,"saidMr.Spence.

"JustwhatIwasthinking,sir."

"Thatwicket'sgoingtogetnastyafterlunch,ifthesuncomesout.AregularRhodeswicketit'sgoingtobe."

"Iwishwe_had_Rhodes,"saidBurgess."OrevenWyatt.Itwouldjustsuithim,this."

Mr.Spence,asamemberofthestaff,wasnotgoingtobedrawnintodiscussingWyattandhisprematuredeparture,sohedivertedtheconversationontothesubjectofthegeneralaspectoftheschool'sattack.

"Whowillgoonfirstwithyou,Burgess?"



"Whodoyouthink,sir?Ellerby?Itmightbehiswicket."

Ellerbybowledmediumincliningtoslow.Onapitchthatsuitedhimhewasapttoturnfromlegandgetpeopleoutcaughtatthewicketorshortslip.

"Certainly,Ellerby.Thisend,Ithink.Theother'syours,thoughI'mafraidyou'llhaveapoortimebowlingfastto-day.EvenwithplentyofsawdustIdoubtifitwillbepossibletogetadecentfootholdtillafterlunch."

"Imustwinthetoss,"saidBurgess."It'sanuisancetoo,aboutourbatting.MarshwillprobablybedeadoutofformafterbeingintheInfirmarysolong.Ifhe'dhadachanceofgettingabitofpracticeyesterday,itmighthavebeenallright."

"Thatrainwillhavealottoanswerforifwelose.Onadry,hardwicketI'mcertainweshouldbeatthemfourtimesoutofsix.IwastalkingtoamanwhoplayedagainstthemfortheNomads.Hesaidthatonatruewickettherewasnotagreatdealofstingintheirbowling,butthatthey'vegotaslowleg-breakmanwhomightbedangerousonadaylikethis.AboycalleddeFreece.Idon'tknowofhim.Hewasn'tintheteamlastyear."

"Iknowthechap.Heplayedwingthreeforthematfooteragainstusthisyearontheirground.Hewascrockedwhentheycamehere.He'saprettyusefulchapallround,Ibelieve.Playsracquetsforthemtoo."

"Well,myfriendsaidhehadoneverydangerousball,oftheBosanquettype.Looksasifitweregoingaway,andcomesininstead."

"Idon'tthinkalotofthat,"saidBurgessruefully."Oneconsolationis,though,thatthatsortofballiseasiertowatchonaslowwicket.Imusttellthefellowstolookoutforit."

"Ishould.And,aboveall,winthetoss."

*****

BurgessandMaclaine,theRiptoncaptain,wereoldacquaintances.Theyhadbeenatthesameprivateschool,andtheyhadplayedagainstoneanotheratfootballandcricketfortwoyearsnow.

"We'llgoinfirst,Mac,"saidBurgess,astheymetonthepavilionstepsaftertheyhadchanged.

"It'sawfullygoodofyoutosuggestit,"saidMaclaine."butIthinkwe'lltoss.It'sahobbyofmine.Youcall."

"Heads."

"Tailsitis.Ioughttohavewarnedyouthatyouhadn'tachance.I'velostthetossfivetimesrunning,soIwasboundtowinto-day."

"You'llputusin,Isuppose?"

"Yes--afterus."

"Oh,well,wesha'n'thavelongtowaitforourknock,that'sa



comfort.Buckupandsendsomeonein,andlet'sgetatyou."

AndBurgesswentofftotelltheground-mantohaveplentyofsawdustready,ashewouldwantthefieldpavedwithit.

*****

ThepolicyoftheRiptonteamwasobviousfromthefirstover.Theymeanttoforcethegame.Alreadythesunwasbeginningtopeepthroughthehaze.Foraboutanhourrun-gettingoughttobeatolerablysimpleprocess;butafterthathoursingleswouldbeasvaluableasthreesandboundariesanalmostunheard-ofluxury.

SoRiptonwentintohit.

Thepolicyprovedsuccessfulforatime,asitgenerallydoes.Burgess,whoreliedonarunthatwasaseriesoftiger-likeleapsculminatinginaspringthatsuggestedthathemeanttolowerthelongjumprecord,foundhimselfbadlyhandicappedbythestateoftheground.Inspiteoffrequentlibationsofsawdust,hewascompelledtotreadcautiously,andthisrobbedhisbowlingofmuchofitspace.Thescoremountedrapidly.Twentycameintenminutes.Atthirty-fivethefirstwicketfell,runout.

AtsixtyEllerby,whohadfoundthepitchtoosoftforhimandhadbeenexpensive,gaveplacetoGrant.Grantbowledwhatweresupposedtobeslowleg-breaks,butwhichdidnotalwaysbreak.Thechangeworked.

Maclaine,afterhittingthefirsttwoballstotheboundary,skiedthethirdtoBobJacksoninthedeep,andBob,forwhomconstantpracticehadrobbedthissortofcatchofitsterrors,heldit.

AyorkerfromBurgessdisposedofthenextmanbeforehecouldsettledown;butthescore,seventy-fourforthreewickets,waslargeenoughinviewofthefactthatthepitchwasalreadybecomingmoredifficult,andwascertaintogetworse,tomakeRiptonfeelthatthe

advantagewaswiththem.Anotherhourofplayremainedbeforelunch.Thedeteriorationofthewicketwouldbeslowduringthatperiod.Thesun,whichwasnowshiningbrightly,wouldputinitsdeadliestworkfromtwoo'clockonwards.Maclaine'sinstructionstohismenweretogoonhitting.

Atooliberalinterpretationofthemeaningoftheverb"tohit"ledtothedepartureoftwomoreRiptoniansinthecourseofthenexttwoovers.Thereisacertaintypeofschoolbatsmanwhoconsidersthattoforcethegamemeanstoswipeblindlyateveryballonthechanceoftakingithalf-volley.Thispolicysometimesleadstoaboundaryortwo,asitdidonthisoccasion,butitmeansthatwicketswillfall,asalsohappenednow.Seventy-fourforthreebecameeighty-sixfor

five.Burgessbegantolookhappier.

Hiscontentmentincreasedwhenhegotthenextmanleg-before-wicketwiththetotalunaltered.AtthisrateRiptonwouldbeoutbeforelunchforunderahundred.

Buttherotstoppedwiththefallofthatwicket.Dashingtacticswerelaidaside.Thepitchhadbeguntoplaytricks,andthepairnowinsettleddowntowatchtheball.Theyploddedon,scoringslowlyandjerkilytillthehandsoftheclockstoodathalf-pastone.Then



Ellerby,whohadgoneonagaininsteadofGrant,beatthelesssteadyofthepairwithaballthatpitchedonthemiddlestumpandshotintothebaseoftheoff.Ahundredandtwentyhadgoneupontheboardatthebeginningoftheover.

Thatperiodwhichisalwayssodangerous,whenthewicketisbad,thetenminutesbeforelunch,provedfataltotwomoreoftheenemy.Thelastmanhadjustgonetothewickets,withthescoreatahundredandthirty-one,whenaquartertotwoarrived,andwithittheluncheoninterval.

Sofaritwasanybody'sgame.

CHAPTERXXVIII

MIKEWINSHOME

TheRiptonlast-wicketmanwasdeFreece,theslowbowler.Hewasapparentlyayounggentlemanwhollyfreefromthecurseofnervousness.Heworeacheerfulsmileashetookguardbefore

receivingthefirstballafterlunch,andWrykynhadplentyofopportunityofseeingthatthatwashisnormalexpressionwhenatthewickets.Thereisoftenacertainloosenessabouttheattackafterlunch,andthebowlerofgoogliestookadvantageofitnow.Heseemedtobeabatsmanwithonlyonehit;buthehadalsoaveryaccurateeye,andhisonehit,asemicircularstroke,whichsuggestedthegolflinksratherthanthecricketfield,cameoffwithdistressingfrequency.HemowedBurgess'sfirstballtothesquare-legboundary,missedhissecond,andsnickedthethirdforthreeoverlong-slip'shead.Theotherbatsmanplayedouttheover,anddeFreeceproceededtotreatEllerby'sbowlingwithequalfamiliarity.Thescoring-boardshowedanincreaseoftwentyastheresultofthreeovers.Everyrunwasinvaluablenow,andtheRiptoncontingentmadethepavilion

re-echoasaflukyshotovermid-on'sheadsentupthehundredandfifty.

Therearefewthingsmoreexasperatingtothefieldingsidethanalast-wicketstand.Itresemblesinitseffectthedragging-outofabookorplayafterthe_dÃ©nouement_hasbeenreached.Atthefalloftheninthwicketthefieldsmennearlyalwayslookontheiroutingasfinished.Justaballortwotothelastman,anditwillbetheirturntobat.Ifthelastmaninsistsonkeepingthemoutinthefield,theyresentit.

Whatmadeitespeciallyirritatingnowwastheknowledgethatastraightyorkerwouldsolvethewholething.ButwhenBurgessbowleda

yorker,itwasnotstraight.Andwhenhebowledastraightball,itwasnotayorker.AfourandathreetodeFreece,andafourbyesentupahundredandsixty.

Itwasbeginningtolookasifthismightgoonforever,whenEllerby,whohadbeenmissingthestumpsbyfractionsofaninch,forthelasttenminutes,didwhatBurgesshadfailedtodo.Hebowledastraight,medium-pacedyorker,anddeFreece,swipingatitwithabrightsmile,foundhisleg-stumpknockedback.Hehadmadetwenty-eight.Hisrecordscore,heexplainedtoMike,astheywalked



tothepavilion,forthisoranyground.

TheRiptontotalwasahundredandsixty-six.

*****

Withthegroundinitsusualtrue,hardcondition,Wrykynwouldhavegoneinagainstascoreofahundredandsixty-sixwiththecheeryintentionofknockingofftherunsforthelossoftwoorthreewickets.Itwouldhavebeenagentlecanterforthem.

Butordinarystandardswouldnotapplyhere.OnagoodwicketWrykynthatseasonwereatwohundredandfiftytothreehundredside.Onabadwicket--well,theyhadmettheIncognitionabadwicket,andtheirtotal--withWyattplayingandmakingtopscore--hadworkedoutatahundredandseven.

Agrimdeterminationtodotheirbest,ratherthanconfidencethattheirbest,whendone,wouldbeanythingrecord-breaking,wasthespiritwhichanimatedtheteamwhentheyopenedtheirinnings.

Andinfiveminutesthishadchangedtoadullgloom.

Thetragedystartedwiththeveryfirstball.Ithardlyseemedthat

theinningshadbegun,whenMorriswasseentoleavethecrease,andmakeforthepavilion.

"It'sthatgooglyman,"saidBurgessblankly.

"What'shappened?"shoutedavoicefromtheinteriorofthefirstelevenroom.

"Morrisisout."

"Goodgracious!How?"askedEllerby,emergingfromtheroomwithonepadonhislegandtheotherinhishand.

"L.-b.-w.Firstball."

"Myaunt!Who'sinnext?Notme?"

"No.Berridge.Forgoodnesssake,Berry,stickabatintheway,andnotyourlegs.WatchthatdeFreecemanlikeahawk.Hebreakslikesinallovertheshop.Hullo,Morris!Badluck!Wereyouout,doyouthink?"Abatsmanwhohasbeengivenl.-b.-w.isalwaysaskedthisquestiononhisreturntothepavilion,andheanswersitinninecasesoutofteninthenegative.Morriswasthetenthcase.Hethoughtitwasallright,hesaid.

"Thoughtthethingwasgoingtobreak,butitdidn't."

"Hearthat,Berry?Hedoesn'talwaysbreak.Youmustlookoutforthat,"saidBurgesshelpfully.Morrissatdownandbegantotakeoffhispads.

"Thatchap'llhaveBerry,ifhedoesn'tlookout,"hesaid.

ButBerridgesurvivedtheordeal.Heturnedhisfirstballtolegforasingle.



ThisbroughtMarshtothebattingend;andthesecondtragedyoccurred.

ItwasevidentfromthewayheshapedthatMarshwasshortofpractice.HisvisittotheInfirmaryhadtakentheedgeoffhisbatting.Hescratchedawkwardlyatthreeballswithouthittingthem.Thelastoftheoverhadhimintwominds.Hestartedtoplayforward,changedhisstrokesuddenlyandtriedtostepback,andthenextmomentthebailshadshotuplikethe_dÃ©bris_ofasmallexplosion,andthewicket-keeperwasclappinghisglovedhandsgentlyandslowlyintheintrospective,dreamywaywicket-keepershaveontheseoccasions.

Asilencethatcouldbefeltbroodedoverthepavilion.

Thevoiceofthescorer,addressingfromhislittlewoodenhutthemelancholyyouthwhowasworkingthetelegraph-board,brokeit.

"Onefortwo.Lastmanduck."

Ellerbyechoedtheremark.Hegotup,andtookoffhisblazer.

"Thisisallright,"hesaid,"isn'tit!IwonderifthemanattheotherendisasortofyoungRhodestoo!"

Fortunatelyhewasnot.ThestaroftheRiptonattackwasevidentlydeFreece.Thebowlerattheotherendlookedfairlyplain.Hesentthemdownmedium-pace,andonagoodwicketwouldprobablyhavebeensimple.Butto-daytherewasdangerinthemostguileless-lookingdeliveries.

Berridgerelievedthetensionalittlebyplayingsafelythroughtheover,andscoringacoupleoftwosoffit.AndwhenEllerbynotonlysurvivedthedestructivedeFreece'ssecondover,butactuallyliftedalooseballontotheroofofthescoring-hut,thecloudbeganperceptiblytolift.Ano-ballinthesameoversentupthefirstten.Tenfortwowasnotgood;butitwasconsiderablybetterthanonefor

two.

Withthescoreatthirty,EllerbywasmissedintheslipsoffdeFreece.Hehadbeenplayingwithslowlyincreasingconfidencetillthen,butthisseemedtothrowhimoutofhisstride.Heplayedinsidethenextball,andwasallbutbowled:andthen,jumpingouttodrive,hewassmartlystumped.Thecloudbegantosettleagain.

Bobwasthenextmanin.

Ellerbytookoffhispads,anddroppedintothechairnexttoMike's.Mikewassilentandthoughtful.HewasinafterBob,andtobeontheeveofbattingdoesnotmakeoneconversational.

"Youinnext?"askedEllerby.

Mikenodded.

"It'sgettingtrickiereveryminute,"saidEllerby."Theonlythingis,ifwecanonlystayin,wemighthaveachance.Thewicket'llgetbetter,andIdon'tbelievethey'veanybowlingatallbardeFreece.ByGeorge,Bob'sout!...No,heisn't."



BobhadjumpedoutatoneofdeFreece'sslows,asEllerbyhaddone,andhadnearlymetthesamefate.Thewicket-keeper,however,hadfumbledtheball.

"That'sthewayIwashad,"saidEllerby."Thatman'skeepingsuchajollygoodlengththatyoudon'tknowwhethertostayinyourgroundorgooutatthem.Ifonlysomebodywouldknockhimoffhislength,Ibelievewemightwinyet."

ThesameideaapparentlyoccurredtoBurgess.HecametowhereMikewassitting.

"I'mgoingtoshoveyoudownone,Jackson,"hesaid."Ishallgoinnextmyselfandswipe,andtryandknockthatmandeFreeceoff."

"Allright,"saidMike.Hewasnotquitesurewhetherhewasgladorsorryattherespite.

"It'sapityoldWyattisn'there,"saidEllerby."Thisisjustthesortoftimewhenhemighthavecomeoff."

"Bob'sbrokenhisegg,"saidMike.

"Goodman.Everylittlehelps....Oh,yousillyass,get_back_!"

BerridgehadcalledBobforashortrunthatwasobviouslynorun.Thirdmanwasreturningtheballasthebatsmencrossed.Thenextmomentthewicket-keeperhadthebailsoff.Berridgewasoutbyayard.

"Forty-oneforfour,"saidEllerby."Help!"

BurgessbeganhiscampaignagainstdeFreecebyskyinghisfirstballovercover'sheadtotheboundary.Ahowlofdelightwentupfromtheschool,whichwasrepeated,_fortissimo_,when,morebyaccidentthanbyaccuratetiming,thecaptainputontwomorefourspastextra-cover.Thebowler'scheerfulsmilenevervaried.

WhetherBurgesswouldhaveknockeddeFreeceoffhislengthornotwasaquestionthatwasdestinedtoremainunsolved,forinthemiddleoftheotherbowler'soverBobhitasingle;thebatsmencrossed;andBurgesshadhisleg-stumpuprootedwhiletryingagiganticpull-stroke.

Themelancholyyouthputupthefigures,54,5,12,ontheboard.

Mike,ashewalkedoutofthepaviliontojoinBob,wasnotconsciousofanyparticularnervousness.Ithadbeenanordealhavingtowaitandlookonwhilewicketsfell,butnowthatthetimeofinactionwasatanendhefeltcuriouslycomposed.WhenhehadgoneouttobatagainsttheM.C.C.ontheoccasionofhisfirstappearanceforthe

school,heexperiencedaquaintsensationofunreality.Heseemedtobewatchinghisbodywalkingtothewickets,asifitweresomeoneelse's.Therewasnosenseofindividuality.

Butnowhisfeelingsweredifferent.Hewascool.Henoticedsmallthings--mid-offchewingbitsofgrass,thebowlerre-tyingthescarfroundhiswaist,littlepatchesofbrownwheretheturfhadbeenwornaway.Hetookguardwithaclearpictureofthepositionsofthefieldsmenphotographedonhisbrain.



Fitness,whichinabatsmanexhibitsitselfmainlyinanincreasedpowerofseeingtheball,isoneofthemostinexplicablethingsconnectedwithcricket.Ithasnothing,orverylittle,todowithactualhealth.Amanmaycomeoutofasick-roomwithjustthatextraquicknessinsightingtheballthatmakesallthedifference;orhemaybeinperfecttrainingandplayinsidestraighthalf-volleys.Mikewouldnothavesaidthathefeltmorethanordinarilywellthatday.Indeed,hewasratherpainfullyconsciousofhavingboltedhisfoodatlunch.Butsomethingseemedtowhispertohim,ashesettledhimselftofacethebowler,thathewasatthetopofhisbattingform.Adifficultwicketalwaysbroughtouthislatentpowersasabat.ItwasastandingmysterywiththesportingPresshowJoeJacksonmanagedtocollectfiftiesandsixtiesonwicketsthatcompletelyupsetmenwhowere,apparently,finerplayers.OndayswhentheOlympiansofthecricketworldwerebringingtheiraveragesdownwithducksandsingles,Joewouldbeinhiselement,watchingtheballandpushingitthroughtheslipsasiftherewerenosuchthingasatrickywicket.AndMiketookafterJoe.

Asingleoffthefifthballoftheoveropenedhisscoreandbroughthimtotheoppositeend.Bobplayedballnumbersixbacktothebowler,andMiketookguardpreparatorytofacingdeFreece.

TheRiptonslowbowlertookalongrun,consideringhispace.Inthe

earlypartofaninningsheoftentrappedthebatsmeninthisway,byleadingthemtoexpectafasterballthanheactuallysentdown.Aqueerlittlejumpinthemiddleoftherunincreasedthedifficultyofwatchinghim.

ThesmitinghehadreceivedfromBurgessinthepreviousoverhadnothadtheeffectofknockingdeFreeceoffhislength.Theballwastooshorttoreachwithcomfort,andnotshortenoughtotakelibertieswith.Itpitchedslightlytoleg,andwhippedinquickly.Mikehadfacedhalf-left,andsteppedback.Theincreasedspeedoftheballafterithadtouchedthegroundbeathim.Theballhithisrightpad.

"'Sthat?"shoutedmid-on.Mid-onhasahabitofappealingfor

l.-b.-w.inschoolmatches.

DeFreecesaidnothing.TheRiptonbowlerwasasconscientiousinthematterofappealsasagoodbowlershouldbe.Hehadseenthattheballhadpitchedofftheleg-stump.

Theumpireshookhishead.Mid-ontriedtolookasifhehadnotspoken.

Mikepreparedhimselfforthenextballwithaglowofconfidence.Hefeltthatheknewwherehewasnow.Tillthenhehadnotthoughtthewicketwassofast.Thetwoballshehadplayedattheotherendhadtoldhimnothing.Theyhadbeenwellpitchedup,andhehadsmothered

them.Heknewwhattodonow.HehadplayedonwicketsofthispaceathomeagainstSaunders'sbowling,andSaundershadshownhimtherightwaytocopewiththem.

Thenextballwasofthesamelength,butthistimeofftheoff-stump.Mikejumpedout,andhititbeforeithadtimetobreak.Itflewalongthegroundthroughthegapbetweencoverandextra-cover,acomfortablethree.

Bobplayedouttheoverwithelaboratecare.



Offthesecondballoftheotherman'soverMikescoredhisfirstboundary.Itwasalong-hopontheoff.Hebangeditbehindpointtotheterrace-bank.Thelastballoftheover,ahalf-volleytoleg,heliftedovertheotherboundary.

"Sixtyup,"saidEllerby,inthepavilion,astheumpiresignalledanotherno-ball."ByGeorge!Ibelievethesechapsaregoingtoknockofftheruns.YoungJacksonlooksasifhewasinforacentury."

"Youass,"saidBerridge."Don'tsaythat,orhe'scertaintogetout."

Berridgewasoneofthosewhoareskilledincricketsuperstitions.

ButMikedidnotgetout.HetooksevenoffdeFreece'snextoverbymeansoftwocutsandadrive.And,withBobstillexhibitingastolidandrock-likedefence,thescoremountedtoeighty,thencetoninety,andso,mainlybysingles,toahundred.

Atahundredandfour,whenthewickethadputonexactlyfifty,BobfelltoacombinationofdeFreeceandextra-cover.Hehadstucklikealimpetforanhourandaquarter,andmadetwenty-one.

Mikewatchedhimgowithmuchthesamefeelingsasthoseofamanwhoturnsawayfromtheplatformafterseeingafriendoffonalongrailwayjourney.Hisdepartureupsettheschemeofthings.Forhimselfhehadnofearnow.Hemightpossiblygetoutoffhisnextball,buthefeltsetenoughtostayatthewicketstillnightfall.HehadhadnarrowescapesfromdeFreece,buthewasfullofthatconviction,whichcomestoallbatsmenonoccasion,thatthiswashisday.Hehadmadetwenty-six,andthewicketwasgettingeasier.Hecouldfeelthestinggoingoutofthebowlingeveryover.

Henfrey,thenextmanin,wasapromisingratherthananeffectivebat.Hehadanexcellentstyle,buthewasuncertain.(Twoyearslater,whenhecaptainedtheWrykynteams,hemadealotofruns.)But

thisseasonhisbattinghadbeenspasmodic.

To-dayheneverlookedlikesettlingdown.HesurvivedanoverfromdeFreece,andhitafastchangebowlerwhohadbeenputonattheotherendforacoupleofflukyfours.ThenMikegotthebowlingforthreeconsecutiveovers,andraisedthescoretoahundredandtwenty-six.AbyebroughtHenfreytothebattingendagain,anddeFreece'spetgoogly,whichhadnotbeenmuchinevidencehitherto,ledtohissnickinganeasycatchintoshort-slip'shands.

Ahundredandtwenty-sevenforsevenagainstatotalofahundredandsixty-sixgivestheimpressionthatthebattingsidehastheadvantage.Inthepresentcase,however,itwasRiptonwhowerereally

inthebetterposition.Apparently,Wrykynhadthreemorewicketstofall.Practicallytheyhadonlyone,forneitherAshe,norGrant,norDevenishhadanypretensionstobeconsideredbatsmen.Ashewastheschoolwicket-keeper.GrantandDevenishwerebowlers.Betweenthemthethreecouldnotbereliedonforadozeninadecentmatch.

MikewatchedAsheshapewithasinkingheart.Thewicket-keeperlookedlikeamanwhofeelsthathishourhascome.Mikecouldseehimlickinghislips.Therewasnervousnesswrittenalloverhim.



Hewasnotkeptlonginsuspense.DeFreece'sfirstballmadeahideouswreckofhiswicket.

"Over,"saidtheumpire.

Mikefeltthattheschool'sonechancenowlayinhiskeepingthebowling.Buthowwashetodothis?Itsuddenlyoccurredtohimthatitwasadelicatepositionthathewasin.Itwasnotoftenthathewastroubledbyaninconvenientmodesty,butthishappenednow.Grantwasafellowhehardlyknew,andaschoolprefecttoboot.Couldhegouptohimandexplainthathe,Jackson,didnotconsiderhimcompetenttobatinthiscrisis?Wouldnotthisgetaboutandbeaccountedtohimforside?Hehadmadeforty,butevenso....

FortunatelyGrantsolvedtheproblemonhisownaccount.HecameuptoMikeandspokewithanearnestnessbornofnerves."Forgoodnesssake,"hewhispered,"collarthebowlingallyouknow,orwe'redone.Ishallgetoutedfirstball."

"Allright,"saidMike,andsethisteeth.Fortytowin!Alargeorder.Butitwasgoingtobedone.Hiswholeexistenceseemedtoconcentrateitselfonthosefortyruns.

Thefastbowler,whowasthelastofseveralchangesthathadbeen

triedattheotherend,waswell-meaningbuterratic.Thewicketwasalmosttrueagainnow,anditwaspossibletotakeliberties.

Miketookthem.

Adistantclappingfromthepavilion,takenupamomentlaterallroundtheground,andechoedbytheRiptonfieldsmen,announcedthathehadreachedhisfifty.

Thelastballoftheoverhemishit.Itrolledinthedirectionofthirdman.

"Comeon,"shoutedGrant.

Mikeandtheballarrivedattheoppositewicketalmostsimultaneously.Anotherfractionofasecond,andhewouldhavebeenrunout.

[Illustration:MIKEANDTHEBALLARRIVEDALMOSTSIMULTANEOUSLY]

Thelastballsofthenexttwooversprovidedrepetitionsofthisperformance.Buteachtimeluckwaswithhim,andhisbatwasacrossthecreasebeforethebailswereoff.Thetelegraph-boardshowedahundredandfifty.

Thenextoverwasdoublysensational.Theoriginalmedium-pacedbowler

hadgoneonagaininplaceofthefastman,andforthefirstfiveballshecouldnotfindhislength.DuringthosefiveballsMikeraisedthescoretoahundredandsixty.

Butthesixthwasofadifferentkind.Fasterthantherestandofaperfectlength,itallbutgotthroughMike'sdefence.Asitwas,hestoppedit.Buthedidnotscore.Theumpirecalled"Over!"andtherewasGrantatthebattingend,withdeFreecesmilingpleasantlyashewalkedbacktobeginhisrunwiththecomfortablereflectionthatatlasthehadgotsomebodyexceptMiketobowlat.



ThatoverwasanexperienceMikeneverforgot.

GrantpursuedtheFabianpolicyofkeepinghisbatalmostimmovableandtrustingtoluck.Pointandtheslipscrowdedround.Mid-offandmid-onmovedhalf-waydownthepitch.Grantlookedembarrassed,butdetermined.Forfourballshebaffledtheattack,thoughoncenearlycaughtbypointayardfromthewicket.Thefifthcurledroundhisbat,andtouchedtheoff-stump.Abailfellsilentlytotheground.

Devenishcameintotakethelastballoftheover.

Itwasanawe-inspiringmoment.Agreatstillnesswasoveralltheground.Mike'skneestrembled.Devenish'sfacewasadelicategrey.

TheonlypersonunmovedseemedtobedeFreece.Hissmilewasevenmoreamiablethanusualashebeganhisrun.

Thenextmomentthecrisiswaspast.TheballhittheverycentreofDevenish'sbat,androlledbackdownthepitch.

Theschoolbrokeintoonegreathowlofjoy.Therewerestillsevenrunsbetweenthemandvictory,butnobodyappearedtorecognisethisfactasimportant.Mikehadgotthebowling,andthebowlingwasnot

deFreece's.Itseemedalmostananti-climaxwhenafourtolegandtwotwo'sthroughtheslipssettledthething.

*****

DevenishwascaughtandbowledindeFreece'snextover;buttheWrykyntotalwasonehundredandseventy-two.

*****

"Goodgame,"saidMaclaine,meetingBurgessinthepavilion."Whowas

themanwhomadealltheruns?Howmany,bytheway?"

"Eighty-three.ItwasyoungJackson.Brotheroftheotherone."

"Thatfamily!Howmanymoreofthemareyougoingtohavehere?"

"He'sthelast.Isay,roughluckondeFreece.Hebowledrippingly."

PolitenesstoabeatenfoecausedBurgesstochangehisusual"notbad."

"Thefunnypartofitis,"continuedhe,"thatyoungJacksonwasonlyplayingasasub."

"You'vegotarumideaofwhat'sfunny,"saidMaclaine.

CHAPTERXXIX

WYATTAGAIN



ItwasamorninginthemiddleofSeptember.TheJacksonswerebreakfasting.Mr.Jacksonwasreadingletters.Therest,includingGladysMaud,whosefinelychiselledfeaturesweregraduallydisappearingbehindamaskofbread-and-milk,hadsettleddowntoseriouswork.Theusualcatch-as-catch-cancontestbetweenMarjoryandPhyllisforthejam(refereeandtime-keeper,Mrs.Jackson)hadresulted,afterbothcombatantshadbeencautionedbythereferee,inavictoryforMarjory,whohaddulysecuredthestakes.Thehourbeingnine-fifteen,andtheofficialtimeforbreakfastnineo'clock,Mike'splacewasstillempty.

"I'vehadaletterfromMacPherson,"saidMr.Jackson.

MacPhersonwasthevigorousandperseveringgentleman,referredtoinapreviouschapter,whokeptafatherlyeyeontheBuenosAyressheep.

"HeseemsverysatisfiedwithMike'sfriendWyatt.AtthemomentofwritingWyattisapparentlyincapacitatedowingtoabulletintheshoulder,butexpectstobefitagainshortly.Thatyoungmanseemstomakethingsfairlylivelywhereverheis.Idon'twonderhefoundapublicschooltoorestrictedasphereforhisenergies."

"Hashebeenfightingaduel?"askedMarjory,interested.

"Bushrangers,"saidPhyllis.

"Therearen'tanybushrangersinBuenosAyres,"saidElla.

"Howdoyouknow?"saidPhyllisclinchingly.

"Bush-ray,bush-ray,bush-ray,"beganGladysMaud,conversationally,throughthebread-and-milk;butwasheadedoff.

"Hegivesnodetails.PerhapsthatletteronMike'splatesuppliesthem.IseeitcomesfromBuenosAyres."

"IwishMikewouldcomeandopenit,"saidMarjory."ShallIgoandhurryhimup?"

Themissingmemberofthefamilyenteredasshespoke.

"Buckup,Mike,"sheshouted."There'saletterfromWyatt.He'sbeenwoundedinaduel."

"Withabushranger,"addedPhyllis.

"Bush-ray,"explainedGladysMaud.

"Isthere?"saidMike."SorryI'mlate."

Heopenedtheletterandbegantoread.

"Whatdoeshesay?"inquiredMarjory."Whowastheduelwith?"

"Howmanybushrangerswerethere?"askedPhyllis.

Mikereadon.

"GoodoldWyatt!He'sshotaman."



"Killedhim?"askedMarjoryexcitedly.

"No.Onlypottedhimintheleg.Thisiswhathesays.FirstpageismostlyabouttheRiptonmatchandsoon.Hereyouare.'I'mdictatingthistoasportsmanofthenameofDanvers,agoodchapwhocan'thelpbeingugly,soexcusebadwriting.Thefactiswe'vebeenhavingabust-uphere,andI'vecomeoutofitwithabulletintheshoulder,whichhascrockedmeforthetimebeing.Ithappenedlikethis.AnassofaGauchohadgoneintothetownandgotjollytight,andcomingback,hewantedtoridethroughourplace.Theoldwomanwhokeepsthelodgewouldn'thaveitatanyprice.Gavehimtheabsolutemiss-in-baulk.Sothisrotter,insteadofshiftingoff,proceededtocutthefence,andgothroughthatway.Allthefarmsoutherehavetheirboundariesmarkedbywirefences,anditissupposedtobeadeadlysintocutthese.Well,thelodge-keeper'ssondashedoffinsearchofhelp.AchapcalledChester,anOldWykehamist,andIweredippingsheepcloseby,sohecametousandtolduswhathadhappened.Wenippedontoacoupleofhorses,pulledoutourrevolvers,andtooledafterhim.Afterabitweovertookhim,andthat'swhenthetroublebegan.Thejohnnyhaddismountedwhenwearrived.Ithoughthewassimplytighteninghishorse'sgirths.Whathewasreallydoingwasgettingasteadyaimatuswithhisrevolver.Hefiredaswecameup,anddroppedpooroldChester.Ithoughthewaskilledatfirst,but

itturnedoutitwasonlyhisleg.Igotgoingthen.Iemptiedallthesixchambersofmyrevolver,andmissedhimcleaneverytime.Inthemeantimehegotmeintherightshoulder.Hurtlikesinafterwards,thoughitwasonlyasortofdullshockatthemoment.Thenextitemoftheprogrammewasaforwardmoveinforceonthepartoftheenemy.Themanhadgothisknifeoutnow--whyhedidn'tshootagainIdon'tknow--andtoddledoverinourdirectiontofinishusoff.Chesterwasunconscious,anditwasanymoneyontheGaucho,whenIhappenedtocatchsightofChester'spistol,whichhadfallenjustbywhereIcamedown.Ipickeditup,andloosedoff.Missedthefirstshot,butgothimwiththesecondintheankleatabouttwoyards;andhisday'sworkwasdone.That'sthepainfulstory.Danverssayshe'sgettingwriter'scramp,soIshallhavetostop....'"

"ByJove!"saidMike.

"Whatadreadfulthing!"saidMrs.Jackson.

"Anyhow,itwaspracticallyabushranger,"saidPhyllis.

"Itoldyouitwasaduel,andsoitwas,"saidMarjory.

"Whataterribleexperienceforthepoorboy!"saidMrs.Jackson.

"Muchbetterthanbeinginabeastlybank,"saidMike,summingup."I'mgladhe'shavingsucharippingtime.Itmustbealmostasdecent

asWrykynoutthere....Isay,what'sunderthatdish?"

CHAPTERXXX

MR.JACKSONMAKESUPHISMIND



TwoyearshaveelapsedandMikeishomeagainfortheEasterholidays.

IfMikehadbeenintimeforbreakfastthatmorninghemighthavegatheredfromtheexpressiononhisfather'sface,asMr.Jacksonopenedtheenvelopecontaininghisschoolreportandreadthecontents,thatthedocumentinquestionwasnotexactlyapaeanofpraisefrombeginningtoend.Buthewaslate,asusual.Mikealwayswaslateforbreakfastintheholidays.

Whenhecamedownonthisparticularmorning,themealwasnearlyover.Mr.Jacksonhaddisappeared,takinghiscorrespondencewithhim;Mrs.Jacksonhadgoneintothekitchen,andwhenMikeappearedthethinghadresolveditselfintoamerevulgarbrawlbetweenPhyllisandEllaforthejam,whileMarjory,whohadputherhairupafortnightbefore,lookedoninadetachedsortofway,asifthesejuvenilegambolsdistressedher.

"Hullo,Mike,"shesaid,jumpingupasheentered;"hereyouare--I'vebeenkeepingeverythinghotforyou."

"Haveyou?Thanksawfully.Isay--"hiseyewanderedinmildsurpriseroundthetable."I'mabitlate."

Marjorywasbustlingabout,fetchingandcarryingforMike,asshe

alwaysdid.Shehadadoptedhimatanearlyage,anddidthethingthoroughly.Shewasfondofherotherbrothers,especiallywhentheymadecenturiesinfirst-classcricket,butMikewasherfavourite.ShewouldfieldoutinthedeepasanaturalthingwhenMikewasbattingatthenetinthepaddock,thoughfortheothers,evenforJoe,whohadplayedinallfiveTestMatchesintheprevioussummer,shewoulddoitonlyasafavour.

PhyllisandEllafinishedtheirdisputeandwentout.MarjorysatonthetableandwatchedMikeeat.

"Yourreportcamethismorning,Mike,"shesaid.

ThekidneysfailedtoretainMike'sundividedattention.Helookedupinterested."Whatdiditsay?"

"Ididn'tsee--IonlycaughtsightoftheWrykyncrestontheenvelope.Fatherdidn'tsayanything."

Mikeseemedconcerned."Isay,thatlooksratherrotten!Iwonderifitwasawfullybad.It'sthefirstI'vehadfromAppleby."

"Itcan'tbeanyworsethanthehorridonesMr.Blakeusedtowritewhenyouwereinhisform."

"No,that'sacomfort,"saidMikephilosophically."Thinkthere'sany

moreteainthatpot?"

"Icallitashame,"saidMarjory;"theyoughttobejollygladtohaveyouatWrykynjustforcricket,insteadofwritingbeastlyreportsthatmakefatherangryanddon'tdoanygoodtoanybody."

"Lastsummerhesaidhe'dtakemeawayifIgotanotherone."

"Hedidn'tmeanitreally,I_know_hedidn't!Hecouldn't!You'rethebestbatWrykyn'severhad."



"Whatho!"interpolatedMike.

"You_are_.Everybodysaysyouare.Why,yougotyourfirsttheveryfirsttermyouwerethere--evenJoedidn'tdoanythingnearlysogoodasthat.Saunderssaysyou'resimplyboundtoplayforEnglandinanotheryearortwo."

"Saundersisajollygoodchap.Hebowledmeahalf-volleyontheoffthefirstballIhadinaschoolmatch.Bytheway,Iwonderifhe'soutatthenetnow.Let'sgoandsee."

Saunderswassettingupthenetwhentheyarrived.Mikeputonhispadsandwenttothewickets,whileMarjoryandthedogsretiredasusualtothefarhedgetoretrieve.

Shewaskeptbusy.SaunderswasagoodsoundbowleroftheM.C.C.minormatchtype,andtherehadbeenatimewhenhehadworriedMikeconsiderably,butMikehadbeenintheWrykynteamforthreeseasonsnow,andeachseasonhehadadvancedtremendouslyinhisbatting.Hehadfilledoutinthreeyears.Hehadalwayshadthestyle,andnowhehadthestrengthaswell.Saunders'sbowlingonatruewicketseemedsimpletohim.ItwasearlyintheEasterholidays,butalreadyhewasbeginningtofindhisform.Saunders,wholookedonMikeashisown

specialinvention,wasdelighted."Ifyoudon'tbeworriedbybeingtooanxiousnowthatyou'recaptain,MasterMike,"hesaid,"you'llmakeacenturyeverymatchnextterm."

"IwishIwasn't;it'sabeastlyresponsibility."

Henfrey,theWrykyncricketcaptainofthepreviousseason,wasnotreturningnextterm,andMikewastoreigninhisstead.Helikedtheprospect,butitcertainlycarriedwithitaratherawe-inspiringresponsibility.Atnightsometimeshewouldlieawake,appalledbythefearoflosinghisform,ormakingahashofthingsbychoosingthewrongmentoplayfortheschoolandleavingtherightmenout.Itis

nolightthingtocaptainapublicschoolatcricket.

Ashewaswalkingtowardsthehouse,Phyllismethim."Oh,I'vebeenhuntingforyou,Mike;fatherwantsyou."

"Whatfor?"

"Idon'tknow."

"Where?"

"He'sinthestudy.Heseems--"addedPhyllis,throwingintheinformationbywayofamake-weight,"inabeastlywax."

Mike'sjawfellslightly."Ihopethedickensit'snothingtodowiththatballyreport,"washismutteredexclamation.

Mike'sdealingswithhisfatherwereasaruleofamostpleasantnature.Mr.Jacksonwasanunderstandingsortofman,whotreatedhissonsascompanions.Fromtimetotime,however,breezeswereapttoruffletheplacidseaofgood-fellowship.Mike'send-of-termreportwasanunfailingwind-raiser;indeed,onthearrivalofMr.Blake'ssarcastic_rÃ©sumÃ©_ofMike'sshort-comingsattheendofthe



"'Anabnormalproficiencyatgameshasapparentlydestroyedalldesireinhimtorealisethemoreseriousissuesoflife.'Thereismoretothesameeffect."

Mr.Applebywasamasterwithverydefiniteideasastowhatconstitutedapublic-schoolmaster'sduties.Asamanhewasdistinctlypro-Mike.Heunderstoodcricket,andsomeofMike'sshotsontheoffgavehimthrillsofpureaestheticjoy;butasamasterhealwaysmadeithishabittoregardthemannersandcustomsoftheboysinhisformwithanunbiasedeye,andtoanunbiasedeyeMikeinaform-roomwasaboutasneartheextremeedgeasaboycouldbe,andMr.Applebysaidasmuchinaclearfirmhand.

"YourememberwhatIsaidtoyouaboutyourreportatChristmas,Mike?"saidMr.Jackson,foldingthelethaldocumentandreplacingitinitsenvelope.

Mikesaidnothing;therewasasinkingfeelinginhisinterior.

"IshallabidebywhatIsaid."

Mike'sheartthumped.

"YouwillnotgobacktoWrykynnextterm."

Somewhereintheworldthesunwasshining,birdsweretwittering;somewhereintheworldlambkinsfriskedandpeasantssangblithelyattheirtoil(flat,perhaps,butstillblithely),buttoMikeatthatmomenttheskywasblack,andanicywindblewoverthefaceoftheearth.

Thetragedyhadhappened,andtherewasanendofit.Hemadenoattempttoappealagainstthesentence.Heknewitwouldbeuseless,hisfather,whenhemadeuphismind,havingalltheunbendingtenacityofthenormallyeasy-goingman.

Mr.JacksonwassorryforMike.Heunderstoodhim,andforthatreason

hesaidverylittlenow.

"IamsendingyoutoSedleigh,"washisnextremark.

Sedleigh!Mikesatupwithajerk.HeknewSedleighbyname--oneofthoseschoolswithaboutahundredfellowswhichyouneverhearofexceptwhentheysenduptheirgymnasiumpairtoAldershot,ortheirEighttoBisley.Mike'soutlookonlifewasthatofacricketer,pureandsimple.WhathadSedleigheverdone?Whatweretheyeverlikelytodo?Whomdidtheyplay?WhatOldSedleighanhadeverdoneanythingatcricket?Perhapstheydidn'teven_play_cricket!

"Butit'sanawfulhole,"hesaidblankly.

Mr.JacksoncouldreadMike'smindlikeabook.Mike'spointofviewwasplaintohim.Hedidnotapproveofit,butheknewthatinMike'splaceandatMike'sagehewouldhavefeltthesame.Hespokedrilytohidehissympathy.

"Itisnotalargeschool,"hesaid,"andIdon'tsupposeitcouldplayWrykynatcricket,butithasonemerit--boysworkthere.YoungBarlittwonaBalliolscholarshipfromSedleighlastyear."Barlittwasthevicar'sson,asilent,spectacledyouthwhodidnotenter



verylargelyintoMike'sworld.Theyhadmetoccasionallyattennis-parties,butnotmuchconversationhadensued.Barlitt'smindwasmassive,buthistopicsofconversationwerenotMike's.

"Mr.BarlittspeaksveryhighlyofSedleigh,"addedMr.Jackson.

Mikesaidnothing,whichwasagooddealbetterthansayingwhathewouldhavelikedtohavesaid.

CHAPTERXXXI

SEDLEIGH

Thetrain,whichhadbeenstoppingeverywhereforthelasthalf-hour,pulledupagain,andMike,seeingthenameofthestation,gotup,openedthedoor,andhurledaGladstonebagoutontotheplatforminanemphaticandvindictivemanner.Thenhegotouthimselfandlookedabouthim.

"Fortheschool,sir?"inquiredthesolitaryporter,bustlingup,as

ifhehopedbysheerenergytodeceivethetravellerintothinkingthatSedleighstationwasstaffedbyagreatarmyofporters.

Mikenodded.Asombrenod.ThenodNapoleonmighthavegivenifsomebodyhadmethimin1812,andsaid,"Soyou'rebackfromMoscow,eh?"Mikewasfeelingthoroughlyjaundiced.Thefutureseemedwhollygloomy.And,sofarfromattemptingtomakethebestofthings,hehadsethimselfdeliberatelytolookonthedarkside.Hethought,forinstance,thathehadneverseenamorerepulsiveporter,oronemoreobviouslyincompetentthanthemanwhohadattachedhimselfwithafirmgrasptothehandleofthebagashestrodeoffinthedirectionoftheluggage-van.Hedislikedhisvoice,hisappearance,andthecolourofhishair.Alsothebootshewore.Hehatedthestation,and

themanwhotookhisticket.

"Younggentsattheschool,sir,"saidtheporter,perceivingfromMike's_distrait_airthattheboywasastrangertotheplace,"goesupinthe'busmostly.It'swaitinghere,sir.Hi,George!"

"I'llwalk,thanks,"saidMikefrigidly.

"It'sagoodishstep,sir."

"Hereyouare."

"Thankyou,sir.I'llsendupyourluggagebythe'bus,sir.Which

'ousewasityouwasgoingto?"

"Outwood's."

"Right,sir.It'sstraightonupthisroadtotheschool.Youcan'tmissit,sir."

"Worseluck,"saidMike.

Hewalkedoffuptheroad,sorrierforhimselfthanever.Itwassuch



"Iamverygladtoseeyou,verygladindeed.Perhapsyouwouldlikeacupofteaafteryourjourney.Ithinkyoumightlikeacupoftea.YoucomefromCrofton,inShropshire,Iunderstand,Jackson,nearBrindleford?ItisapartofthecountrywhichIhavealwayswishedtovisit.IdaresayyouhavefrequentlyseentheCluniacPrioryofSt.AmbroseatBrindleford?"

Mike,whowouldnothaverecognisedaCluniacPrioryifyouhadhandedhimoneonatray,saidhehadnot.

"Dearme!YouhavemissedanopportunitywhichIshouldhavebeengladtohave.IampreparingabookonRuinedAbbeysandPrioriesofEngland,andithasalwaysbeenmywishtoseetheCluniacPrioryofSt.Ambrose.Adeeplyinterestingrelicofthesixteenthcentury.BishopGeoffrey,1133-40----"

"ShallIgoacrosstotheboys'part,sir?"

"What?Yes.Oh,yes.Quiteso.Andperhapsyouwouldlikeacupofteaafteryourjourney?No?Quiteso.Quiteso.YoushouldmakeapointofvisitingtheremainsoftheCluniacPrioryinthesummerholidays,Jackson.Youwillfindthematroninherroom.Inmanyrespectsitisunique.Thenorthernaltarisinastateofreallywonderfulpreservation.Itconsistsofasolidblockofmasonryfivefeetlong

andtwoandahalfwide,withchamferedplinth,standingquitefreefromtheapsewall.Itwillwellrepayavisit.Good-byeforthepresent,Jackson,good-bye."

Mikewanderedacrosstotheothersideofthehouse,hisgloomvisiblydeepened.Allaloneinastrangeschool,wheretheyprobablyplayedhopscotch,withahouse-masterwhoofferedonecupsofteaafterone'sjourneyandtalkedaboutchamferedplinthsandapses.Itwasalittlehard.

Hestrayedabout,findinghisbearings,andfinallycametoaroomwhichhetooktobetheequivalentoftheseniorday-roomataWrykynhouse.Everywhereelsehehadfoundnothingbutemptiness.Evidently

hehadcomebyanearliertrainthanwasusual.Butthisroomwasoccupied.

Averylong,thinyouth,withasolemnfaceandimmaculateclothes,wasleaningagainstthemantelpiece.AsMikeentered,hefumbledinhistopleftwaistcoatpocket,producedaneyeglassattachedtoacord,andfixeditinhisrighteye.WiththehelpofthisaidtovisionheinspectedMikeinsilenceforawhile,then,havingflickedaninvisiblespeckofdustfromtheleftsleeveofhiscoat,hespoke.

"Hullo,"hesaid.

Hespokeinatiredvoice.

"Hullo,"saidMike.

"Takeaseat,"saidtheimmaculateone."Ifyoudon'tminddirtyingyourbags,that'stosay.Personally,Idon'tseeanyprospectofeversittingdowninthisplace.Itlookstomeasiftheymeanttousethesechairsasmustard-and-cressbeds.ANurseryGardenintheHome.Thatsortofidea.Myname,"headdedpensively,"isSmith.What'syours?"



CHAPTERXXXII

PSMITH

"Jackson,"saidMike.

"AreyoutheBully,thePrideoftheSchool,ortheBoywhoisLedAstrayandtakestoDrinkinChapterSixteen?"

"Thelast,forchoice,"saidMike,"butI'veonlyjustarrived,soIdon'tknow."

"Theboy--whatwillhebecome?Areyounewhere,too,then?"

"Yes!Why,areyounew?"

"DoIlookasifIbelongedhere?I'mthelatestimport.Sitdownonyondersettee,andIwilltellyouthepainfulstoryofmylife.Bytheway,beforeIstart,there'sjustonething.Ifyoueverhaveoccasiontowritetome,wouldyoumindstickingaPatthe

beginningofmyname?P-s-m-i-t-h.See?TherearetoomanySmiths,andIdon'tcareforSmythe.Myfather'scontenttoworryalongintheold-fashionedway,butI'vedecidedtostrikeoutafreshline.Ishallfoundanewdynasty.Theresolvecametomeunexpectedlythismorning,asIwasbuyingasimplepenn'orthofbutterscotchoutoftheautomaticmachineatPaddington.Ijotteditdownonthebackofanenvelope.InconversationyoumayaddressmeasRupert(thoughIhopeyouwon't),orsimplySmith,thePnotbeingsounded.Cp.thenameZbysco,inwhichtheZisgivenasimilarmiss-in-baulk.See?"

Mikesaidhesaw.Psmiththankedhimwithacertainstatelyold-worldcourtesy.

"Letusstartatthebeginning,"heresumed."Myinfancy.WhenIwasbutababe,myeldestsisterwasbribedwithashillinganhourbymynursetokeepanryeonme,andseethatIdidnotraiseCain.Attheendofthefirstdayshestruckforone-andsix,andgotit.Wenowpasstomyboyhood.Atanearlyage,IwassenttoEton,everybodypredictingabrightcareerforme.But,"saidPsmithsolemnly,fixinganowl-likegazeonMikethroughtheeye-glass,"itwasnottobe."

"No?"saidMike.

"No.Iwassuperannuatedlastterm."

"Badluck."

"ForEton,yes.ButwhatEtonloses,Sedleighgains."

"ButwhySedleigh,ofallplaces?"

"Thisisthemostpainfulpartofmynarrative.ItseemsthatacertainscuginthenextvillagetoourshappenedlastyeartocollaraBalliol----"

"NotBarlitt!"exclaimedMike.



"Thatwastheman.Thesonofthevicar.Thevicartoldthecurate,whotoldourcurate,whotoldourvicar,whotoldmyfather,whosentmeoffheretogetaBallioltoo.Do_you_knowBarlitt?"

"Hispater'svicarofourvillage.ItwasbecausehissongotaBalliolthatIwassenthere."

"DoyoucomefromCrofton?"

"Yes."

"I'velivedatLowerBenfordallmylife.Wearepracticallylong-lostbrothers.Cheeralittle,willyou?"

MikefeltasRobinsonCrusoefeltwhenhemetFriday.Herewasafellowhumanbeinginthisdesertplace.HecouldalmosthaveembracedPsmith.TheverysoundofthenameLowerBenfordwasheartening.Hisdislikeforhisnewschoolwasnotdiminished,butnowhefeltthatlifetheremightatleastbetolerable.

"Wherewereyoubeforeyoucamehere?"askedPsmith."Youhaveheardmypainfulstory.Nowtellmeyours."

"Wrykyn.MypatertookmeawaybecauseIgotsuchalotofbadreports."

"MyreportsfromEtonweresimplyscurrilous.There'salibelactionineverysentence.Howdoyoulikethisplacefromwhatyou'veseenofit?"

"Rotten."

"Iamwithyou,ComradeJackson.Youwon'tmindmycallingyouComrade,willyou?I'vejustbecomeaSocialist.It'sagreatscheme.Yououghttobeone.Youworkfortheequaldistributionofproperty,andstartbycollaringallyoucanandsittingonit.Wemuststick

together.Wearecompanionsinmisfortune.Lostlambs.Sheepthathavegoneastray.Divided,wefall,togetherwemayworrythrough.HaveyouseenProfessorRadiumyet?IshouldsayMr.Outwood.Whatdoyouthinkofhim?"

"Hedoesn'tseemabadsortofchap.Bitoffhisnut.Jawedaboutapsesandthings."

"Andthereby,"saidPsmith,"hangsatale.I'vebeenmakinginquiriesofastoutsportsmaninasortofSalvationArmyuniform,whomImetinthegrounds--he'stheschoolsergeantorsomething,quiteasolidman--andIhearthatComradeOutwood'sanarchaeologicalcove.Goesaboutthecountrybeatingupoldruinsandfossilsandthings.There's

anArchaeologicalSocietyintheschool,runbyhim.Itgoesoutonhalf-holidays,prowlingabout,andisallowedtobreakboundsandgenerallysteepitselftotheeyebrowsinrecklessdevilry.And,markyou,laddie,ifyoubelongtotheArchaeologicalSocietyyougetoffcricket.Togetoffcricket,"saidPsmith,dustinghisrighttrouser-leg,"wasthedreamofmyyouthandtheaspirationofmyriperyears.Anoblegame,butabittoothickforme.AtEtonIusedtohavetofieldoutatthenetstillthesolesofmybootsworethrough.Isupposeyouareabloodatthegame?PlayfortheschoolagainstLoamshire,andsoon."



"I'mnotgoingtoplayhere,atanyrate,"saidMike.

Hehadmadeuphismindonthispointinthetrain.Thereisacertainfascinationaboutmakingtheveryworstofabadjob.Achillesknewhisbusinesswhenhesatinhistent.ThedeterminationnottoplaycricketforSedleighashecouldnotplayforWrykyngaveMikeasortofpleasure.Tostandbywithfoldedarmsandasombrefrown,asitwere,wasonewayoftreatingthesituation,andonenotwithoutitsmeedofcomfort.

Psmithapprovedtheresolve.

"Stoutfellow,"hesaid."'Tiswell.YouandI,handinhand,willsearchthecountrysideforruinedabbeys.Wewillsnaretheelusivefossiltogether.Aboveall,wewillgooutofbounds.Weshallthusimproveourminds,andhaveajollygoodtimeaswell.Ishouldn'twonderifonemightn'tborrowagunfromsomefriendlynative,anddoabitofrabbit-shootinghereandthere.FromwhatIsawofComradeOutwoodduringourbriefinterview,Ishouldn'tthinkhewasoneofthelynx-eyedcontingent.Withtactweoughttobeabletoslipawayfromthemerrythrongoffossil-chasers,anddoabitonourownaccount."

"Goodidea,"saidMike."Wewill.AchapatWrykyn,calledWyatt,usedtobreakoutatnightandshootatcatswithanair-pistol."

"Itwouldtakealottomakemedothat.Iamallagainstanythingthatinterfereswithmysleep.Butrabbitsinthedaytimeisascheme.We'llnoseaboutforagunattheearliestopp.Meanwhilewe'dbettergouptoComradeOutwood,andgetournamesshoveddownfortheSociety."

"Ivotewegetsometeafirstsomewhere."

"Thenlet'sbeatupastudy.Isupposetheyhavestudieshere.Let'sgoandlook."

Theywentupstairs.Onthefirstfloortherewasapassagewithdoorsoneitherside.Psmithopenedthefirstofthese.

"This'lldouswell,"hesaid.

Itwasabiggishroom,lookingoutovertheschoolgrounds.Therewereacoupleofdealtables,twoemptybookcases,andalooking-glass,hungonanail.

"Mighthavebeenmadeforus,"saidPsmithapprovingly.

"Isupposeitbelongstosomerotter."

"Notnow."

"Youaren'tgoingtocollarit!"

"That,"saidPsmith,lookingathimselfearnestlyinthemirror,andstraighteninghistie,"istheexactprogramme.Wemuststakeoutourclaims.ThisispracticalSocialism."

"Buttherealowner'sboundtoturnupsometimeorother."



"Hismisfortune,notours.Youcan'texpecttwomaster-mindslikeustopigitinthatroomdownstairs.Therearemomentswhenonewantstobealone.Itisimperativethatwehaveaplacetoretiretoafterafatiguingday.Andnow,ifyouwanttobereallyuseful,comeandhelpmefetchupmyboxfromdownstairs.It'sgotanEtnaandvariousthingsinit."

CHAPTERXXXIII

STAKINGOUTACLAIM

Psmith,inthematterofdecoratingastudyandpreparingteainit,wasratheracriticthananexecutant.Hewasfullofideas,buthepreferredtoallowMiketocarrythemout.Itwashewhosuggestedthatthewoodenbarwhichranacrossthewindowwasunnecessary,butitwasMikewhowrencheditfromitsplace.Similarly,itwasMikewhoabstractedthekeyfromthedoorofthenextstudy,thoughtheideawasPsmith's.

"Privacy,"saidPsmith,ashewatchedMikelighttheEtna,"iswhatwechieflyneedinthisageofpublicity.Ifyouleaveastudydoorunlockedinthesestrenuoustimes,thefirstthingyouknowis,somebodycomesrightin,sitsdown,andbeginstotalkabouthimself.Ithinkwithalittlecareweoughttobeabletomakethisroomquitedecentlycomfortable.Thatputridcalendarmustcomedown,though.Doyouthinkyoucouldmakealongarm,andhaulitofftheparenttin-tack?Thanks.Wemakeprogress.Wemakeprogress."

"Weshalljollywellmakeitoutofthewindow,"saidMike,spooningupteafromapaperbagwithapostcard,"ifasortofyoungHackenschmidtturnsupandclaimsthestudy.Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?"

"Don'tletusworryaboutit.Ihaveapresentimentthathewillbeaninsignificant-lookinglittleweed.Howareyougettingonwiththeeveningmeal?"

"Justready.WhatwouldyougivetobeatEtonnow?I'dgivesomethingtobeatWrykyn."

"Theseschoolreports,"saidPsmithsympathetically,"aretheverydickens.Manyabrightyoungladhasbeensouredbythem.Hullo.What'sthis,Iwonder."

Aheavybodyhadplungedagainstthedoor,evidentlywithouta

suspicionthattherewouldbeanyresistance.Arattlingatthehandlefollowed,andavoiceoutsidesaid,"Dashthedoor!"

"Hackenschmidt!"saidMike.

"Theweed,"saidPsmith."Youcouldn'tmakealongarm,couldyou,andturnthekey?Wehadbettergivethismerchantaudience.Remindmelatertogoonwithmyremarksonschoolreports.Ihadseveralbrightthingstosayonthesubject."



Mikeunlockedthedoor,andflungitopen.Framedintheentrancewasasmallish,freckledboy,wearingabowlerhatandcarryingabag.Onhisfacewasanexpressionofmingledwrathandastonishment.

Psmithrosecourteouslyfromhischair,andmovedforwardwithslowstatelinesstodothehonours.

"Whatthedickens,"inquiredthenewcomer,"areyoudoinghere?"

[Illustration:"WHATTHEDICKENSAREYOUDOINGHERE?"]

"Wewerehavingalittletea,"saidPsmith,"torestoreourtissuesafterourjourney.Comeinandjoinus.Wekeepopenhouse,wePsmiths.LetmeintroduceyoutoComradeJackson.Astoutfellow.Homelyinappearance,perhaps,butoneofus.IamPsmith.Yourownnamewilldoubtlesscomeupinthecourseofgeneralchit-chatoverthetea-cups."

"Myname'sSpiller,andthisismystudy."

Psmithleanedagainstthemantelpiece,putuphiseyeglass,andharanguedSpillerinaphilosophicalvein.

"Ofallsadwordsoftongueorpen,"saidhe,"thesaddestarethese:

'Itmighthavebeen.'Toolate!Thatisthebittercry.IfyouhadtornyourselffromthebosomoftheSpillerfamilybyanearliertrain,allmighthavebeenwell.Butno.Yourfatherheldyourhandandsaidhuskily,'Edwin,don'tleaveus!'Yourmotherclungtoyouweeping,andsaid,'Edwin,stay!'Yoursisters----"

"Iwanttoknowwhat----"

"Yoursistersfrozeontoyourkneeslikelittleoctopuses(oroctopi),andscreamed,'Don'tgo,Edwin!'Andso,"saidPsmith,deeplyaffectedbyhisrecital,"youstayedontillthelatertrain;and,onarrival,youfindstrangefacesinthefamiliarroom,apeoplethatknownotSpiller."Psmithwenttothetable,andcheeredhimselfwith

asipoftea.Spiller'ssadcasehadmovedhimgreatly.

ThevictimofFateseemedinnowayconsoled.

"It'sbeastlycheek,that'swhatIcallit.Areyounewchaps?"

"Theverylatestthing,"saidPsmith.

"Well,it'sbeastlycheek."

Mike'soutlookonlifewasofthesolid,practicalorder.Hewentstraighttotherootofthematter.

"Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?"heasked.

Spillerevadedthequestion.

"It'sbeastlycheek,"herepeated."Youcan'tgoabouttheplacebaggingstudies."

"Butwedo,"saidPsmith."Inthislife,ComradeSpiller,wemustbepreparedforeveryemergency.Wemustdistinguishbetweentheunusualandtheimpossible.Itisunusualforpeopletogoabouttheplace



baggingstudies,soyouhaverashlyorderedyourlifeontheassumptionthatitisimpossible.Error!Ah,Spiller,Spiller,letthisbealessontoyou."

"Lookhere,Itellyouwhatit----"

"Iwasinamotorwithamanonce.Isaidtohim:'Whatwouldhappenifyoutrodonthatpedalthinginsteadofthatotherpedalthing?'Hesaid,'Icouldn't.One'sthefoot-brake,andtheother'stheaccelerator.''Butsupposeyoudid?'Isaid.'Iwouldn't,'hesaid.'Nowwe'llletherrip.'Sohestampedontheaccelerator.Onlyitturnedouttobethefoot-brakeafterall,andwestoppeddead,andskiddedintoaditch.TheadviceIgivetoeveryyoungmanstartinglifeis:'Neverconfusetheunusualandtheimpossible.'Takethepresentcase.Ifyouhadonlyrealisedthepossibilityofsomebodysomedaycollaringyourstudy,youmighthavethoughtoutdozensofsoundschemesfordealingwiththematter.Asitis,youareunprepared.Thethingcomesonyouasasurprise.Thecrygoesround:'Spillerhasbeentakenunawares.Hecannotcopewiththesituation.'"

"Can'tI!I'll----"

"What_are_yougoingtodoaboutit?"saidMike.

"AllIknowis,I'mgoingtohaveit.ItwasSimpson'slastterm,andSimpson'sleft,andI'mnextonthehouselist,so,ofcourse,it'smystudy."

"Butwhatsteps,"saidPsmith,"areyougoingtotake?Spiller,themanofLogic,weknow.ButwhatofSpiller,theManofAction?Howdoyouintendtosetaboutit?Forceisuseless.IwassayingtoComradeJacksonbeforeyoucamein,thatIdidn'tmindbettingyouwereaninsignificant-lookinglittleweed.Andyou_are_aninsignificant-lookinglittleweed."

"We'llseewhatOutwoodsaysaboutit."

"Notanunsoundscheme.Bynomeansascalyproject.ComradeJacksonandmyselfwereabouttointerviewhimuponanotherpoint.Wemayaswellallgotogether."

ThetriomadetheirwaytothePresence,Spillerpinkanddetermined,Mikesullen,Psmithparticularlydebonair.Hehummedlightlyashewalked,andnowandthenpointedouttoSpillerobjectsofinterestbythewayside.

Mr.Outwoodreceivedthemwiththemotherlywarmthwhichwasevidentlytheleadingcharacteristicofhisnormalmanner.

"Ah,Spiller,"hesaid."AndSmith,andJackson.Iamgladtoseethat

youhavealreadymadefriends."

"Spiller's,sir,"saidPsmith,layingahandpatronisinglyonthestudy-claimer'sshoulder--aproceedingviolentlyresentedbySpiller--"isacharacteronecannothelpbutrespect.Hisnatureexpandsbeforeonelikesomebeautifulflower."

Mr.Outwoodreceivedthiseulogywithratherastartledexpression,andgazedattheobjectofthetributeinasurprisedway.



"Er--quiteso,Smith,quiteso,"hesaidatlast."Iliketoseeboysinmyhousefriendlytowardsoneanother."

"ThereisnoviceinSpiller,"pursuedPsmithearnestly."Hisheartistheheartofalittlechild."

"Please,sir,"burstoutthisparagonofallthevirtues,"I----"

"ButitwasnotentirelywithregardtoSpillerthatIwishedtospeaktoyou,sir,ifyouwerenottoobusy."

"Notatall,Smith,notatall.Isthereanything----"

"Please,sir--"beganSpiller.

"Iunderstand,sir,"saidPsmith,"thatthereisanArchaeologicalSocietyintheschool."

Mr.Outwood'seyessparkledbehindtheirpince-nez.Itwasadisappointmenttohimthatsofewboysseemedtowishtobelongtohischosenband.Cricketandfootball,gamesthatlefthimcold,appearedtobethemaininterestintheirlives.Itwasbutrarelythathecouldinducenewboystojoin.Hiscolleague,Mr.Downing,whopresidedovertheSchoolFireBrigade,neverhadanydifficultyin

findingsupport.Boyscamereadilyathiscall.Mr.Outwoodponderedwistfullyonthisattimes,notknowingthattheFireBrigadeoweditssupporttothefactthatitprovideditslight-heartedmemberswithperfectlyunparalleledopportunitiesforragging,whilehisownband,thoughsmall,wereinthemainearnest.

"Yes,Smith."hesaid."Yes.WehaveasmallArchaeologicalSociety.I--er--inameasurelookafterit.Perhapsyouwouldcaretobecomeamember?"

"Please,sir--"saidSpiller.

"Onemoment,Spiller.Doyouwanttojoin,Smith?"

"Intensely,sir.Archaeologyfascinatesme.Agrandpursuit,sir."

"Undoubtedly,Smith.Iamverypleased,verypleasedindeed.Iwillputdownyournameatonce."

"AndJackson's,sir."

"Jackson,too!"Mr.Outwoodbeamed."Iamdelighted.Mostdelighted.Thisiscapital.Thisenthusiasmismostcapital."

"Spiller,sir,"saidPsmithsadly,"Ihavebeenunabletoinducetojoin."

"Oh,heisoneofouroldestmembers."

"Ah,"saidPsmith,tolerantly,"thataccountsforit."


"Onemoment,Spiller.WeshallhavethefirstoutingofthetermonSaturday.WeintendtoinspecttheRomanCampatEmburyHill,twomilesfromtheschool."



"Weshallbethere,sir."

"Capital!"


"Onemoment,Spiller,"saidPsmith."Thereisjustoneothermatter,ifyoucouldsparethetime,sir."

"Certainly,Smith.Whatisthat?"

"WouldtherebeanyobjectiontoJacksonandmyselftakingSimpson'soldstudy?"

"Byallmeans,Smith.Averygoodidea."

"Yes,sir.Itwouldgiveusaplacewherewecouldworkquietlyintheevenings."

"Quiteso.Quiteso."

"Thankyouverymuch,sir.Wewillmoveourthingsin."

"Thankyouverymuch,sir,"saidMike."Please,sir,"shoutedSpiller,"aren'tItohaveit?I'mnextonthelist,sir.IcomenextafterSimpson.Can'tIhaveit?"

"I'mafraidIhavealreadypromisedittoSmith,Spiller.Youshouldhavespokenbefore."

"But,sir----"

Psmitheyedthespeakerpityingly.

"Thistendencytodelay,Spiller,"hesaid,"isyourbesettingfault.

Correctit,Edwin.Fightagainstit."

HeturnedtoMr.Outwood.

"Weshould,ofcourse,sir,alwaysbegladtoseeSpillerinourstudy.Hewouldalwaysfindacheerywelcomewaitingthereforhim.ThereisnoformalitybetweenourselvesandSpiller."

"Quiteso.Anexcellentarrangement,Smith.Ilikethisspiritofcomradeshipinmyhouse.ThenyouwillbewithusonSaturday?"

"OnSaturday,sir."

"Allthissortofthing,Spiller,"saidPsmith,astheyclosedthedoor,"isvery,verytryingforamanofculture.Lookusupinourstudyoneoftheseafternoons."

CHAPTERXXXIV

GUERRILLAWARFARE



"Therearefewpleasures,"saidPsmith,asheresumedhisfavouritepositionagainstthemantelpieceandsurveyedthecommandeeredstudywiththeprideofahouseholder,"keenertothereflectivemindthansittingunderone'sownroof-tree.ThisplacewouldhavebeenwastedonSpiller;hewouldnothaveappreciateditproperly."

Mikewasfinishinghistea."You'reajollyusefulchaptohavebyyouinacrisis,Smith,"hesaidwithapproval."Weoughttohaveknowneachotherbefore."

"Thelosswasmine,"saidPsmithcourteously."Wewillnow,withyourpermission,facethefutureforawhile.Isupposeyourealisethatwearenowtoacertainextentupagainstit.Spiller'shotSpanishbloodisnotgoingtosittightanddonothingunderablowlikethis."

"Whatcanhedo?Outwood'sgivenusthestudy."

"Whatwouldyouhavedoneifsomebodyhadbaggedyourstudy?"

"Madeitjollyhotforthem!"

"SowillComradeSpiller.Itakeitthathewillcollectagangand

makeanoffensivemovementagainstusdirectlyhecan.Toallappearancesweareinafairlytightplace.ItalldependsonhowbigComradeSpiller'sgangwillbe.Idon'tlikerows,butI'mpreparedtotakeonareasonablenumberofbravoesindefenceofthehome."

Mikeintimatedthathewaswithhimonthepoint."Thedifficultyis,though,"hesaid,"aboutwhenweleavethisroom.Imean,we'reallrightwhilewestickhere,butwecan'tstayallnight."

"That'sjustwhatIwasabouttopointoutwhenyouputitwithsuchadmirableclearness.Hereweareinastronghold,theycanonlygetatusthroughthedoor,andwecanlockthat."

"Andjamachairagainstit."

"_And_,asyourightlyremark,jamachairagainstit.Butwhatofthenightfall?Whatofthetimewhenweretiretoourdormitory?"

"Ordormitories.Isay,ifwe'reinseparateroomsweshallbeinthecart."

PsmitheyedMikewithapproval."Hethinksofeverything!You'retheman,ComradeJackson,toconductanaffairofthiskind--suchforesight!suchresource!Wemustseetothisatonce;iftheyputusindifferentroomswe'redone--weshallbedestroyedsinglyinthewatchesofthenight."

"We'dbetternipdowntothematronrightoff."

"Notthematron--ComradeOutwoodistheman.Weareassonstohim;thereisnothinghecandenyus.I'mafraidwearequitespoilinghisafternoonbytheseinterruptions,butwemustrouthimoutoncemore."

Astheygotup,thedoorhandlerattledagain,andthistimetherefollowedaknocking.



"ThismustbeanemissaryofComradeSpiller's,"saidPsmith."Letusparleywiththeman."

Mikeunlockedthedoor.Alight-hairedyouthwithacheerful,rathervacantfaceandarecedingchinstrolledintotheroom,andstoodgigglingwithhishandsinhispockets.

"Ijustcameuptohavealookatyou,"heexplained.

"Ifyoumovealittletotheleft,"saidPsmith,"youwillcatchthelightandshadeeffectsonJackson'sfacebetter."

Thenew-comergiggledwithrenewedvigour."Areyouthechapwiththeeyeglasswhojawsallthetime?"

"I_do_wearaneyeglass,"saidPsmith;"astotherestofthedescription----"

"Myname'sJellicoe."

"MineisPsmith--P-s-m-i-t-h--oneoftheShropshirePsmiths.TheobjectontheskylineisComradeJackson."

"OldSpiller,"giggledJellicoe,"iscursingyoulikeanything

downstairs.You_are_chaps!Doyoumeantosayyousimplybaggedhisstudy?He'smakingnoendofarowaboutit."

"Spiller'sfierynatureisabyword,"saidPsmith.

"What'shegoingtodo?"askedMike,inhispracticalway.

"He'sgoingtogetthechapstoturnyouout."

"AsIsuspected,"sighedPsmith,asonemourningoverthefrailtyofhumannature."Abouthowmanyhorny-handedassistantsshouldyousaythathewouldbelikelytobring?Willyou,forinstance,jointhegladthrong?"

"Me?Nofear!IthinkSpiller'sanass."

"There'snothinglikeacommonthoughtforbindingpeopletogether. _I_thinkSpiller'sanass."

"Howmany_will_therebe,then?"askedMike.

"Hemightgetabouthalfadozen,notmore,becausemostofthechapsdon'tseewhytheyshouldsweatthemselvesjustbecauseSpiller'sstudyhasbeenbagged."

"Sturdycommonsense,"saidPsmithapprovingly,"seemstobethechief

virtueoftheSedleighcharacter."

"Weshallbeabletotackleacrowdlikethat,"saidMike."Theonlythingiswemustgetintothesamedormitory."

"ThisiswhereComradeJellicoe'sknowledgeofthelocalgeographywillcomeinuseful.Doyouhappentoknowofanysnuglittleroom,with,say,aboutfourbedsinit?Howmanydormitoriesarethere?"

"Five--there'sonewiththreebedsinit,onlyitbelongstothree



chaps."

"Ibelieveintheequaldistributionofproperty.WewillgotoComradeOutwoodandstakeoutanotherclaim."

Mr.Outwoodreceivedthemevenmorebeaminglythanbefore."Yes,Smith?"hesaid.

"Wemustapologisefordisturbingyou,sir----"

"Notatall,Smith,notatall!Iliketheboysinmyhousetocometomewhentheywishformyadviceorhelp."

"Wewerewondering,sir,ifyouwouldhaveanyobjectiontoJackson,Jellicoeandmyselfsharingthedormitorywiththethreebedsinit.Averywarmfriendship--"explainedPsmith,pattingthegurglingJellicoekindlyontheshoulder,"hassprungupbetweenJackson,Jellicoeandmyself."

"Youmakefriendseasily,Smith.Iliketoseeit--Iliketoseeit."

"Andwecanhavetheroom,sir?"

"Certainly--certainly!Tellthematronasyougodown."

"Andnow,"saidPsmith,astheyreturnedtothestudy,"wemaysaythatweareinafairlywinningposition.AvoteofthankstoComradeJellicoeforhisvaluableassistance."

"You_are_achap!"saidJellicoe.

Thehandlebegantorevolveagain.

"Thatdoor,"saidPsmith,"isgettingaperfectincubus!Itcutsintoone'sleisurecruelly."

Thistimeitwasasmallboy."Theytoldmetocomeupandtellyouto

comedown,"hesaid.

Psmithlookedathimsearchinglythroughhiseyeglass.

"Who?"

"Theseniorday-roomchaps."

"Spiller?"

"SpillerandRobinsonandStone,andsomeotherchaps."

"Theywantustospeaktothem?"

"Theytoldmetocomeupandtellyoutocomedown."

"GoandgiveComradeSpillerourcomplimentsandsaythatwecan'tcomedown,butshallbedelightedtoseehimuphere.Things,"hesaid,asthemessengerdeparted,"arebeginningtomove.Betterleavethedooropen,Ithink;itwillsavetrouble.Ah,comein,ComradeSpiller,whatcanwedoforyou?"

Spilleradvancedintothestudy;theotherswaitedoutside,crowding



inthedoorway.

"Lookhere,"saidSpiller,"areyougoingtoclearoutofhereornot?"

"AfterMr.Outwood'skindlythoughtingivingustheroom?Yousuggestablackandungratefulaction,ComradeSpiller."

"You'llgetithot,ifyoudon't."

"We'llriskit,"saidMike.

Jellicoegiggledinthebackground;thedramaintheatmosphereappealedtohim.Hiswasasimpleandappreciativemind.

"Comeon,youchaps,"criedSpillersuddenly.

Therewasaninwardrushontheenemy'spart,butMikehadbeenwatching.HegrabbedSpillerbytheshouldersandranhimbackagainsttheadvancingcrowd.Foramomentthedoorwaywasblocked,thentheweightandimpetusofMikeandSpillerprevailed,theenemygaveback,andMike,steppingintotheroomagain,slammedthedoorandlockedit.

"Aneatpieceofwork,"saidPsmithapprovingly,adjustinghistieatthelooking-glass."Thepreliminariesmaynowbeconsideredover,thefirstshothasbeenfired.Thedogsofwararenowloose."

Aheavybodycrashedagainstthedoor.

"They'llhaveitdown,"saidJellicoe.

"Wemustact,ComradeJackson!MightItroubleyoujusttoturnthatkeyquietly,andthehandle,andthentostandbyforthenextattack."

Therewasascramblingoffeetinthepassageoutside,andthena

repetitionoftheonslaughtonthedoor.Thistime,however,thedoor,insteadofresisting,swungopen,andthehumanbattering-ramstaggeredthroughintothestudy.Mike,turningafterre-lockingthedoor,wasjustintimetoseePsmith,withadisplayofenergyofwhichonewouldnothavebelievedhimcapable,griptheinvaderscientificallybyanarmandaleg.

Mikejumpedtohelp,butitwasneedless;thecaptivewasalreadyonthewindow-sill.AsMikearrived,Psmithdroppedhimontotheflower-bedbelow.

PsmithclosedthewindowgentlyandturnedtoJellicoe."Whowasourguest?"heasked,dustingthekneesofhistrouserswheretheyhad

pressedagainstthewall.

"Robinson.Isay,you_are_achap!"

"Robinson,wasit?Well,wearealwaysgladtoseeComradeRobinson,always.Iwonderifanybodyelseisthinkingofcalling?"

Apparentlyfrontalattackhadbeenabandoned.Whisperingscouldbeheardinthecorridor.



Somebodyhammeredonthedoor.

"Yes?"calledPsmithpatiently.

"You'dbettercomeout,youknow;you'llonlygetithotterifyoudon't."

"Leaveus,Spiller;wewouldbealone."

Abellranginthedistance.

"Tea,"saidJellicoe;"weshallhavetogonow."

"Theywon'tdoanythingtillaftertea,Ishouldn'tthink,"saidMike."There'snoharmingoingout."

Thepassagewasemptywhentheyopenedthedoor;thecalltofoodwasevidentlyathingnottobetreatedlightlybytheenemy.

Inthedining-roomthebeleagueredgarrisonweretheobjectofgeneralattention.Everybodyturnedtolookatthemastheycamein.Itwasplainthatthestudyepisodehadbeenatopicofconversation.Spiller'sfacewascrimson,andRobinson'scoat-sleevestillboretracesofgardenmould.

Mikefeltratherconsciousoftheeyes,butPsmithwasinhiselement.Hisdemeanourthroughoutthemealwasthatofsomewhimsicalmonarchcondescendingforafreaktorevelwithhishumblesubjects.

TowardstheendofthemealPsmithscribbledanoteandpassedittoMike.Itread:"Directlythisisover,nipupstairsasquicklyasyoucan."

Mikefollowedtheadvice;theywerefirstoutoftheroom.Whentheyhadbeeninthestudyafewmoments,Jellicoeknockedatthedoor."Luckyyoutwocutawaysoquick,"hesaid."Theyweregoingtotryandgetyouintotheseniorday-roomandscragyouthere."

"This,"saidPsmith,leaningagainstthemantelpiece,"isexciting,butitcan'tgoon.Wehavegotforoursinstobeinthisplaceforawholeterm,andifwearegoingtodotheHuntedFawnbusinessallthetime,lifeinthetruesenseofthewordwillbecomeanimpossibility.Mynervesaresodelicatelyattunedthatthestrainwouldsimplyreducethemtohash.Wearenotpreparedtocarryonalongcampaign--thethingmustbesettledatonce."

"Shallwegodowntotheseniorday-room,andhaveitout?"saidMike.

"No,wewillplaythefixtureonourownground.IthinkwemaytakeitastolerablycertainthatComradeSpillerandhishiredruffians

willtrytocornerusinthedormitoryto-night.Well,ofcourse,wecouldfakeupsomesortofbarricadeforthedoor,butthenweshouldhaveallthetroubleoveragainto-morrowandthedayafterthat.PersonallyIdon'tproposetobechivviedaboutindefinitelylikethis,soIproposethatweletthemcomeintothedormitory,andseewhathappens.Isthismeetingwithme?"

"Ithinkthat'ssound,"saidMike."Weneedn'tdragJellicoeintoit."

"Asamatteroffact--ifyoudon'tmind--"beganthatmanofpeace.



"Quiteright,"saidPsmith;"thisisnotComradeJellicoe'ssceneatall;hehasgottospendthetermintheseniorday-room,whereaswehaveourlittlewooden_chÃ¢let_toretiretointimesofstress.ComradeJellicoemuststandoutofthegamealtogether.Weshallbegladofhismoralsupport,butotherwise,_nepas_.Andnow,astherewon'tbeanythingdoingtillbedtime,IthinkI'llcollarthistableandwritehomeandtellmypeoplethatalliswellwiththeirRupert."

CHAPTERXXXV

UNPLEASANTNESSINTHESMALLHOURS

Jellicoe,thathumanencyclopaedia,consultedontheprobablemovementsoftheenemy,deposedthatSpiller,retiringatten,wouldmakeforDormitoryOneinthesamepassage,whereRobinsonalsohadabed.Therestoftheopposingforcesweredistributedamongotherandmoredistantrooms.Itwasprobable,therefore,thatDormitoryOnewouldbetherendezvous.Astothetimewhenanattackmightbe

expected,itwasunlikelythatitwouldoccurbeforehalf-pasteleven.Mr.Outwoodwenttheroundofthedormitoriesateleven.

"Andtouching,"saidPsmith,"thematterofnoise,mustthisbusinessbeconductedinasubduedand_sottovoce_manner,ormayweletourselvesgoabithereandthere?"

"Ishouldn'tthinkoldOutwood'slikelytohearyou--hesleepsmilesawayontheothersideofthehouse.Heneverhearsanything.Weoftenraghalfthenightandnothinghappens."

Thisappearstobeathoroughlynice,well-conductedestablishment.WhatwouldmymothersayifshecouldseeherRupertinthemidstof

theserecklessyouths!"

"Allthebetter,"saidMike;"wedon'twantanybodybuttinginandstoppingtheshowbeforeit'shalfstarted."

"ComradeJackson'sBerserkbloodisup--Icanhearitsizzling.Iquiteagreethesethingsareallverydisturbingandpainful,butit'saswelltodothemthoroughlywhenone'sonceinforthem.Istherenobodyelsewhomightinterferewithourgambols?"

"Barnesmight,"saidJellicoe,"onlyhewon't."

"WhoisBarnes?"

"Headofthehouse--arotter.He'sinafunkofStoneandRobinson;theyraghim;he'llsimplysittight."

"ThenIthink,"saidPsmithplacidly,"wemaylookforwardtoaverypleasantevening.Shallwebemoving?"

Mr.Outwoodpaidhisvisitateleven,aspredictedbyJellicoe,beamingvaguelyintothedarknessoveracandle,anddisappearedagain,closingthedoor.



"Howaboutthatdoor?"saidMike."Shallweleaveitopenforthem?"

"Notso,butfarotherwise.Ifit'sshutweshallhearthematitwhentheycome.Subjecttoyourapproval,ComradeJackson,Ihaveevolvedthefollowingplanofaction.Ialwaysaskmyselfontheseoccasions,'WhatwouldNapoleonhavedone?'IthinkNapoleonwouldhavesatinachairbyhiswashhand-stand,whichisclosetothedoor;hewouldhavepostedyoubyyourwashhand-stand,andhewouldhaveinstructedComradeJellicoe,directlyheheardthedoor-handleturned,togivehiscelebratedimitationofadormitorybreathingheavilyinitssleep.Hewouldthen----"

"Itellyouwhat,"saidMike,"howabouttyingastringatthetopofthesteps?"

"Yes,Napoleonwouldhavedonethat,too.HatsofftoComradeJackson,themanwiththebigbrain!"

Thefloorofthedormitorywasbelowthelevelofthedoor.Therewerethreestepsleadingdowntoit.Psmithlitacandleandtheyexaminedtheground.ThelegofawardrobeandthelegofJellicoe'sbedmadeitpossibleforthestringtobefastenedinasatisfactorymanneracrossthelowerstep.Psmithsurveyedtheresultwithapproval.

"Dashedneat!"hesaid."PracticallythesunkenroadwhichdishedtheCuirassiersatWaterloo.IseemtoseeComradeSpillercomingoneofthefinestpurlersintheworld'shistory."

"Ifthey'vegotacandle----"

"Theywon'thave.Iftheyhave,standbywithyourwater-juganddouseitatonce;thenthey'llchargeforwardandallwillbewell.Iftheyhavenocandle,flingthewaterataventure--fireintothebrown!Lestweforget,I'llcollarComradeJellicoe'sjugnowandkeepithandy.Acoupleofsheetswouldalsonotbeamiss--wewillenmeshtheenemy!"

"Rightho!"saidMike.

"Thesehumanepreparationsbeingconcluded,"saidPsmith,"wewillretiretoourpostsandwait.ComradeJellicoe,don'tforgettobreathelikeanasthmaticsheepwhenyouhearthedooropened;theymaywaitatthetopofthesteps,listening."

"You_are_achap!"saidJellicoe.

Waitinginthedarkforsomethingtohappenisalwaysatryingexperience,especiallyif,asonthisoccasion,silenceisessential.Mikefoundhisthoughtswanderingbacktothevigilhehadkeptwith

Mr.WainatWrykynonthenightwhenWyatthadcomeinthroughthewindowandfoundauthoritysittingonhisbed,waitingforhim.Mikewastiredafterhisjourney,andhehadbeguntodozewhenhewasjerkedbacktowakefulnessbythestealthyturningofthedoor-handle;thefaintestrustlefromPsmith'sdirectionfollowed,andaslightgiggle,succeededbyaseriesofdeepbreaths,showedthatJellicoe,too,hadheardthenoise.

Therewasacreakingsound.



Itwaspitch-darkinthedormitory,butMikecouldfollowtheinvaders'movementsasclearlyasifithadbeenbroaddaylight.Theyhadopenedthedoorandwerelistening.Jellicoe'sbreathinggrewmoreasthmatic;hewasflinginghimselfintohispartwiththewhole-heartednessofthetrueartist.

Thecreakwasfollowedbyasoundofwhispering,thenanothercreak.Theenemyhadadvancedtothetopstep....Anothercreak....Thevanguardhadreachedthesecondstep....Inanothermoment----

CRASH!

Andatthatpointtheproceedingsmaybesaidtohaveformallyopened.

AstrugglingmassbumpedagainstMike'sshinsasherosefromhischair;heemptiedhisjugontothismass,andayellofanguishshowedthatthecontentshadgottotherightaddress.

Thenahandgrabbedhisankleandhewentdown,amillionsparksdancingbeforehiseyesasafist,flyingoutataventure,caughthimonthenose.

Mikehadnotbeenwell-disposedtowardstheinvadersbefore,butnowheranamok,hittingoutrightandleftatrandom.Hisrightmissed,

buthisleftwenthomehardonsomeportionofsomebody'sanatomy.Akickfreedhisankleandhestaggeredtohisfeet.AtthesamemomentasuddenincreaseinthegeneralvolumeofnoisespokeeloquentlyofgoodworkthatwasbeingputinbyPsmith.

Evenatthatcrisis,MikecouldnothelpfeelingthatifarowofthiscalibredidnotdrawMr.Outwoodfromhisbed,hemustbeanunusualkindofhouse-master.

Heplungedforwardagainwithoutstretchedarms,andstumbledandfelloveroneoftheon-the-floorsectionoftheopposingforce.TheyseizedeachotherearnestlyandrolledacrosstheroomtillMike,contrivingtosecurehisadversary'shead,bumpeditonthefloorwith

suchabandonthat,withamuffledyell,theotherletgo,andforthesecondtimeherose.Ashedidsohewasconsciousofacuriousthuddingsoundthatmadeitselfheardthroughtheotherassortednoisesofthebattle.

Allthistimethefighthadgoneonintheblackestdarkness,butnowalightshoneontheproceedings.Interestedoccupantsofotherdormitories,rousedfromtheirslumbers,hadcometoobservethesport.Theywerecrowdinginthedoorwaywithacandle.

BythelightofthisMikegotaswiftviewofthetheatreofwar.Theenemyappearedtonumberfive.ThewarriorwhoseheadMikehadbumpedonthefloorwasRobinson,whowassittingupfeelinghisskullina

gingerlyfashion.ToMike'sright,almosttouchinghim,wasStone.Inthedirectionofthedoor,Psmith,wieldinginhisrighthandthecordofadressing-gown,wasengagingtheremainingthreewithapatientsmile.Theywerecladinpyjamas,andappearedtobefeelingthedressing-gowncordacutely.

Thesuddenlightdazedbothsidesmomentarily.Thedefencewasthefirsttorecover,Mike,withaswing,upsettingStone,andPsmith,havingseizedandemptiedJellicoe'sjugoverSpiller,gettingtoworkagainwiththecordinamannerthatrousedtheutmostenthusiasmof



thespectators.

[Illustration:PSMITHSEIZEDANDEMPTIEDJELLICOE'SJUGOVERSPILLER]

AgilityseemedtobetheleadingfeatureofPsmith'stactics.Hewaseverywhere--onMike'sbed,onhisown,onJellicoe's(drawingapassionatecomplaintfromthatnon-combatant,onwhosefaceheinadvertentlytrod),onthefloor--herangedtheroom,sowingdestruction.

Theenemyweredisheartened;theyhadstartedwiththeideathatthiswastobeasurpriseattack,anditwasdisconcertingtofindthegarrisonarmedatallpoints.Graduallytheyedgedtothedoor,andafinalrushsentthemthrough.

"Holdthedoorforasecond,"criedPsmith,andvanished.Mikewasaloneinthedoorway.

Itwasasituationwhichexactlysuitedhisframeofmind;hestoodaloneindirectoppositiontothecommunityintowhichFatehadpitchforkedhimsoabruptly.Helikedthefeeling;forthefirsttimesincehisfatherhadgivenhimhisviewsuponschoolreportsthatmorningintheEasterholidays,hefeltsatisfiedwithlife.Hehoped,outnumberedashewas,thattheenemywouldcomeonagainandnotgive

thethingupindisgust;hewantedmore.Onanoccasionlikethisthereisrarelyanythingapproachingconcertedactiononthepartoftheaggressors.Whentheattackcame,itwasnotacombinedattack;Stone,whowasnearesttothedoor,madeasuddendashforward,andMikehithimunderthechin.

Stonedrewback,andtherewasanotherintervalforrestandreflection.

ItwasinterruptedbythereappearanceofPsmith,whostrolledbackalongthepassageswinginghisdressing-gowncordasifitweresomecloudedcane.

"Sorrytokeepyouwaiting,ComradeJackson,"hesaidpolitely."Dutycalledmeelsewhere.Withthekindlyaidofaguidewhoknowsthelieoftheland,Ihavebeenmakingashorttourofthedormitories.IhavepoureddiversjugfulsofwateroverComradeSpiller'sbed,ComradeRobinson'sbed,ComradeStone's--Spiller,Spiller,theseareharshwords;whereyoupickthemupIcan'tthink--notfromme.Well,well,Isupposetheremustbeanendtothepleasantestoffunctions.Good-night,good-night."

ThedoorclosedbehindMikeandhimself.Fortenminutesshufflingsandwhisperingswentoninthecorridor,butnobodytouchedthehandle.

Thentherewasasoundofretreatingfootsteps,andsilencereigned.

Onthefollowingmorningtherewasanoticeonthehouse-board.Itran:

INDOORGAMES

Dormitory-raidersareinformedthatinfutureneitherMr.PsmithnorMr.Jacksonwillbeathometovisitors.



Briefly,hewasaworker.Hehadheart.

AboyofAdair'stypeisalwaysaforceinaschool.Inabigpublicschoolofsixorsevenhundred,hisinfluenceisfeltless;butinasmallschoollikeSedleighheislikeatidalwave,sweepingallbeforehim.ThereweretwohundredboysatSedleigh,andtherewasnotoneoftheminallprobabilitywhohadnot,directlyorindirectly,beeninfluencedbyAdair.Asasmallboyhisspherewasnotlarge,buttheeffectsofhisworkbegantobeapparenteventhen.Itishumannaturetowanttogetsomethingwhichsomebodyelseobviouslyvaluesverymuch;andwhenitwasobservedbymembersofhisformthatAdairwasgoingtogreattroubleandinconveniencetosecureaplaceintheformelevenorfifteen,theynaturallybegantothink,too,thatitwasworthbeinginthoseteams.Theconsequencewasthathisformalwaysplayedhard.Thismadeotherformsplayhard.Andthenetresultwasthat,whenAdairsucceededtothecaptaincyoffootballandcricketinthesameyear,Sedleigh,asMr.Downing,Adair'shouse-masterandthenearestapproachtoacricket-masterthatSedleighpossessed,hadafondnessforsaying,wasakeenschool.Asawhole,itbothworkedandplayedwithenergy.

Allitwantednowwasopportunity.

ThisAdairwasdeterminedtogiveit.Hehadthatpassionatefondnessforhisschoolwhicheveryboyispopularlysupposedtohave,butwhichreallyisimplantedinaboutoneineverythousand.Theaveragepublic-schoolboy_likes_hisschool.HehopesitwilllickBedfordatfooterandMalvernatcricket,butheratherbetsitwon't.Heissorrytoleave,andhelikesgoingbackattheendoftheholidays,butasforanypassionate,deep-seatedloveoftheplace,hewouldthinkitratherbadformthanotherwise.Ifanybodycameuptohim,slappedhimontheback,andcried,"Comealong,Jenkins,myboy!Playupfortheoldschool,Jenkins!Thedearoldschool!Theoldplaceyouloveso!"hewouldfeelseriouslyill.

Adairwastheexception.

ToAdair,Sedleighwasalmostareligion.Bothhisparentsweredead;hisguardian,withwhomhespenttheholidays,wasamanwithneuralgiaatoneendofhimandgoutattheother;andtheonlyreallypleasanttimesAdairhadhad,asfarbackashecouldremember,heowedtoSedleigh.Theplacehadgrownonhim,absorbedhim.WhereMike,violentlytransplantedfromWrykyn,sawonlyawretchedlittleholenottobementionedinthesamebreathwithWrykyn,Adair,dreamingofthefuture,sawacolossalestablishment,apublicschoolamongpublicschools,alumpofhumanradium,shootingoutBluesandBalliolScholarsyearafteryearwithoutceasing.

Itwouldnotbesotilllongafterhewasgoneandforgotten,buthe

didnotmindthat.HisdevotiontoSedleighwaspurelyunselfish.Hedidnotwantfame.Allheworkedforwasthattheschoolshouldgrowandgrow,keenerandbetteratgamesandmoreprosperousyearbyyear,tillitshouldtakeitsrankamong_the_schools,andtobeanOldSedleighanshouldbeabadgepassingitsownereverywhere.

"He'scaptainofcricketandfooter,"saidJellicoeimpressively."He'sintheshootingeight.He'swonthemileandhalftwoyearsrunning.HewouldhaveboxedatAldershotlastterm,onlyhesprainedhiswrist.Andheplaysfivesjollywell!"



"Sortoflittletingod,"saidMike,takingaviolentdisliketoAdairfromthatmoment.

Mike'sactualacquaintancewiththisall-roundmandatedfromthedinner-hourthatday.MikewaswalkingtothehousewithPsmith.Psmithwasalittleruffledonaccountofaslightpassage-of-armshehadhadwithhisform-masterduringmorningschool.

"'There'saPbeforetheSmith,'Isaidtohim.'Ah,P.Smith,Isee,'repliedthegoat.'NotPeasmith,'Ireplied,exercisingwonderfulself-restraint,'justPsmith.'Ittookmetenminutestodrivethethingintotheman'shead;andwhenI_had_drivenitin,hesentmeoutoftheroomforlookingathimthroughmyeye-glass.ComradeJackson,Ifearmewehavefallenamongbadmen.Isuspectthatwearegoingtobemuchpersecutedbyscoundrels."

"Bothyouchapsplaycricket,Isuppose?"

Theyturned.ItwasAdair.Seeinghimfacetoface,Mikewasawareofapairofverybrightblueeyesandasquarejaw.InanyotherplaceandmoodhewouldhavelikedAdairatsight.Hisprejudice,however,againstallthingsSedleighanwastoomuchforhim."Idon't,"hesaidshortly.

"Haven'tyou_ever_played?"

"MylittlesisterandIsometimesplaywithasoftballathome."

Adairlookedsharplyathim.Atemperwasevidentlyoneofhisnumerousqualities.

"Oh,"hesaid."Well,perhapsyouwouldn'tmindturningoutthisafternoonandseeingwhatyoucandowithahardball--ifyoucanmanagewithoutyourlittlesister."

"Ishouldthinktheformatthisplacewouldbeaboutonalevelwith

hers.ButIdon'thappentobeplayingcricket,asIthinkItoldyou."

Adair'sjawgrewsquarerthanever.Mikewaswearingagloomyscowl.

Psmithjoinedsuavelyinthedialogue.

"Mydearoldcomrades,"hesaid,"don'tletusbrawloverthismatter.Thisisatimeforthehoneyedword,thekindlyeye,andthepleasantsmile.LetmeexplaintoComradeAdair.SpeakingforComradeJacksonandmyself,weshouldbothbedelightedtojoininthemimicwarfareofourNationalGame,asyousuggest,onlythefactis,wehappentobetheYoungArchaeologists.Wegaveinournameslastnight.Whenyou

arebeingcarriedbacktothepavilionafteryourcenturyagainstLoamshire--doyouplayLoamshire?--weshallbegrubbinginthehardgroundforruinedabbeys.TheoldchoicebetweenPleasureandDuty,ComradeAdair.ABoy'sCross-Roads."

"Thenyouwon'tplay?"

"No,"saidMike.

"Archaeology,"saidPsmith,withadeprecatorywaveofthehand,"will



brooknodividedallegiancefromherdevotees."

Adairturned,andwalkedon.

Scarcelyhadhegone,whenanothervoicehailedthemwithpreciselythesamequestion.

"Bothyoufellowsaregoingtoplaycricket,eh?"

Itwasamaster.Ashort,wirylittlemanwithasharpnoseandageneralresemblance,bothinmannerandappearance,toanexcitablebullfinch.

"IsawAdairspeakingtoyou.Isupposeyouwillbothplay.Ilikeeverynewboytobeginatonce.Themorenewbloodwehave,thebetter.Wewantkeennesshere.Weare,aboveall,akeenschool.Iwanteveryboytobekeen."

"Weare,sir,"saidPsmith,withfervour.

"Excellent."

"Onarchaeology."

Mr.Downing--foritwasnolessacelebrity--started,asonewhoperceivesaloathlycaterpillarinhissalad.

"Archaeology!"

"WegaveinournamestoMr.Outwoodlastnight,sir.Archaeologyisapassionwithus,sir.Whenweheardthattherewasasocietyhere,wewentsingingaboutthehouse."

"Icallitanunnaturalpursuitforboys,"saidMr.Downingvehemently."Idon'tlikeit.ItellyouIdon'tlikeit.Itisnotformetointerferewithoneofmycolleaguesonthestaff,butItellyoufranklythatinmyopinionitisanabominablewasteoftimefora

boy.Itgetshimintoidle,loafinghabits."

"Ineverloaf,sir,"saidPsmith.

"Iwasnotalludingtoyouinparticular.Iwasreferringtotheprincipleofthething.Aboyoughttobeplayingcricketwithotherboys,notwanderingatlargeaboutthecountry,probablysmokingandgoingintolowpublic-houses."

"Averywildlot,sir,Ifear,theArchaeologicalSocietyhere,"sighedPsmith,shakinghishead.

"Ifyouchoosetowasteyourtime,IsupposeIcan'thinderyou.But

inmyopinionitisfoolery,nothingelse."

Hestumpedoff.

"Now_he's_cross,"saidPsmith,lookingafterhim."I'mafraidwe'regettingourselvesdislikedhere."

"Goodjob,too."

"Atanyrate,ComradeOutwoodlovesus.Let'sgoonandseewhatsort



ofalunchthatlarge-heartedfossil-fancierisgoingtogiveus."

CHAPTERXXXVII

MIKEFINDSOCCUPATION

TherewasmorethanonemomentduringthefirstfortnightoftermwhenMikefoundhimselfregrettingtheattitudehehadimposeduponhimselfwithregardtoSedleighancricket.Hebegantorealisetheeternaltruthoftheproverbabouthalfaloafandnobread.Inthefirstflushofhisresentmentagainsthisnewsurroundingshehadrefusedtoplaycricket.Andnowhepositivelyachedforagame.Anysortofagame.AninningsforaKindergarten_v._theSecondElevenofaHomeofRestforCentenarianswouldhavesoothedhim.Thereweretimes,whenthesunshone,andhecaughtsightofwhiteflannelsonagreenground,andheardthe"plonk"ofbatstrikingball,whenhefeltlikerushingtoAdairandshouting,"I_will_begood.IwasintheWrykynteamthreeyears,andhadanaverageofoverfiftythelasttwoseasons.Leadmetothenearestnet,andletmefeelabatinmyhandsagain."

Buteverytimeheshrankfromsuchaclimbdown.Itcouldn'tbedone.

Whatmadeitworsewasthathesaw,afterwatchingbehindthenetsonceortwice,thatSedleighcricketwasnotthechildishburlesqueofthegamewhichhehadbeenrashenoughtoassumethatitmustbe.Numbersdonotmakegoodcricket.Theyonlymakethepresenceofgoodcricketersmorelikely,bythelawofaverages.

MikesoonsawthatcricketwasbynomeansanunknownartatSedleigh.Adair,tobeginwith,wasaverygoodbowlerindeed.HewasnotaBurgess,butBurgesswastheonlyWrykynbowlerwhom,inhisthreeyears'experienceoftheschool,Mikewouldhaveplacedabovehim.He

wasalongwaybetterthanNeville-Smith,andWyatt,andMilton,andtheotherswhohadtakenwicketsforWrykyn.

Thebattingwasnotsogood,butthereweresomequitecapablemen.Barnes,theheadofOutwood's,hewhopreferrednottointerferewithStoneandRobinson,wasamild,rathertimid-lookingyouth--notunlikewhatMr.Outwoodmusthavebeenasaboy--butheknewhowtokeepballsoutofhiswicket.Hewasagoodbatoftheoldploddingtype.

StoneandRobinsonthemselves,thatswash-bucklingpair,whonowtreatedMikeandPsmithwithcoldbutconsistentpoliteness,werebothfairbatsmen,andStonewasagoodslowbowler.

Therewereotherexponentsofthegame,mostlyinDowning'shouse.

Altogether,quiteworthycolleaguesevenforamanwhohadbeenastaratWrykyn.

*****

OnesolitaryovertureMikemadeduringthatfirstfortnight.Hedidnotrepeattheexperiment.ItwasonaThursdayafternoon,after



school.Thedaywaswarm,butfreshenedbyanalmostimperceptiblebreeze.Theairwasfullofthescentofthecutgrasswhichlayinlittleheapsbehindthenets.Thisistherealcricketscent,whichcallstooneliketheveryvoiceofthegame.

Mike,ashesattherewatching,couldstanditnolonger.

HewentuptoAdair.

"MayIhaveaninningsatthisnet?"heasked.Hewasembarrassedandnervous,andwastryingnottoshowit.Thenaturalresultwasthathismannerwasoffensivelyabrupt.

Adairwastakingoffhispadsafterhisinnings.Helookedup."Thisnet,"itmaybeobserved,wasthefirstelevennet.

"What?"hesaid.

Mikerepeatedhisrequest.Moreabruptlythistime,fromincreasedembarrassment.

"Thisisthefirstelevennet,"saidAdaircoldly."GoinafterLodgeoverthere."

"Overthere"wastheendnet,wherefrenziednoviceswerebowlingonacorrugatedpitchtoared-hairedyouthwithenormousfeet,wholookedasifheweretakinghisfirstlessonatthegame.

Mikewalkedawaywithoutaword.

*****

TheArchaeologicalSocietyexpeditions,eventhoughtheycarriedwiththemtheprivilegeoflisteningtoPsmith'sviewsonlife,provedbutapoorsubstituteforcricket.Psmith,whohadnocounter-attractionshoutingtohimthatheoughttobeelsewhere,seemedtoenjoythemhugely,butMikealmostcriedsometimesfromboredom.Itwasnot

alwayspossibletoslipawayfromthethrong,forMr.Outwoodevidentlylookeduponthemasamongtheveryfaithful,andkeptthembyhisaide.

Mikeontheseoccasionswassilentandjumpy,hisbrow"sickliedo'erwiththepalecastofcare."ButPsmithfollowedhisleaderwiththepleasedandindulgentairofafatherwhoseinfantsonisshowinghimroundthegarden.Psmith'sattitudetowardsarchaeologicalresearchstruckanewnoteinthehistoryofthatneglectedscience.Hewasamiable,butpatronising.Hepatronisedfossils,andhepatronisedruins.IfhehadbeenconfrontedwiththeGreatPyramid,hewouldhavepatronisedthat.

Heseemedtobeconsumedbyathirstforknowledge.

Thatthiswasnotaltogetheragenuinethirstwasprovedonthethirdexpedition.Mr.OutwoodandhisbandwerepeckingawayatthesiteofanoldRomancamp.PsmithapproachedMike.

"Havinginspiredconfidence,"hesaid,"bythedocilityofourdemeanour,letusslipaway,andbroodapartforawhile.Romancamps,tobeabsolutelyaccurate,givemethepip.AndIneverwanttoseeanotherputridfossilinmylife.Letusfindsomeshadynookwherea



manmaylieonhisbackforabit."

Mike,overwhomtheproceedingsconnectedwiththeRomancamphadlongsincebeguntoshedabluedepression,offerednoopposition,andtheystrolledawaydownthehill.

Lookingback,theysawthatthearchaeologistswerestillhardatit.Theirdeparturehadpassedunnoticed.

"Afatiguingpursuit,thisgrubbingformementoesofthepast,"saidPsmith."And,aboveall,dashedbadforthekneesofthetrousers.Minearelikesomefurrowedfield.It'sagreatgrieftoamanofrefinement,Icantellyou,ComradeJackson.Ah,thislooksalikelyspot."

Theyhadpassedthroughagateintothefieldbeyond.Atthefurtherendtherewasabrook,shadedbytreesandrunningwithapleasantsoundoverpebbles.

"Thusfar,"saidPsmith,hitchingupthekneesofhistrousers,andsittingdown,"andnofarther.Wewillresthereawhile,andlistentothemusicofthebrook.Infact,unlessyouhaveanythingimportanttosay,IratherthinkI'llgotosleep.Inthisbusylifeofoursthesenapsbythewaysideareinvaluable.Callmeinaboutanhour."And

Psmith,heavingthecomfortablesighoftheworkerwhobytoilhasearnedrest,laydown,withhisheadagainstamossytree-stump,andclosedhiseyes.

Mikesatonforafewminutes,listeningtothewaterandmakingcenturiesinhismind,andthen,findingthisalittledull,hegotup,jumpedthebrook,andbegantoexplorethewoodontheotherside.

Hehadnotgonemanyyardswhenadogemergedsuddenlyfromtheundergrowth,andbegantobarkvigorouslyathim.

Mikelikeddogs,and,onacquaintance,theyalwayslikedhim.Butwhenyoumeetadoginsomeoneelse'swood,itisaswellnottostopin

orderthatyoumaygettounderstandeachother.Mikebegantothreadhiswaybackthroughthetrees.

Hewastoolate.

"Stop!Whatthedickensareyoudoinghere?"shoutedavoicebehindhim.

Inthesamesituationafewyearsbefore,Mikewouldhavecarriedon,andtrustedtospeedtosavehim.Butnowthereseemedalackofdignityintheaction.Hecamebacktowherethemanwasstanding.

"I'msorryifI'mtrespassing,"hesaid."Iwasjusthavingalook

round."

"Thedickensyou--Why,you'reJackson!"

Mikelookedathim.Hewasashort,broadyoungmanwithafairmoustache.Mikeknewthathehadseenhimbeforesomewhere,buthecouldnotplacehim.

"Iplayedagainstyou,fortheFreeForesterslastsummer.Inpassing,youseemtobeabitofafreeforesteryourself,dancinginamongmy



nestingpheasants."

"I'mfrightfullysorry."

"That'sallright.Wheredoyouspringfrom?"

"Ofcourse--Irememberyounow.You'rePrendergast.Youmadefifty-eightnotout."

"Thanks.Iwasafraidtheonlythingyouwouldrememberaboutmewasthatyoutookacenturymostlyoffmybowling."

"Yououghttohavehadmesecondball,onlycoverdroppedit."

"Don'trakeupforgottentragedies.Howisityou'renotatWrykyn?Whatareyoudoingdownhere?"

"I'veleftWrykyn."

Prendergastsuddenlychangedtheconversation.Whenafellowtellsyouthathehasleftschoolunexpectedly,itisnotalwaystactfultoinquirethereason.Hebegantotalkabouthimself.

"Ihangoutdownhere.Idoalittlefarmingandagooddealof

potteringabout.""Getanycricket?"askedMike,turningtothesubjectnexthisheart.

"Onlyvillage.Verykeen,butnogreatshakes.Bytheway,howareyouoffforcricketnow?Haveyouevergotaspareafternoon?"

Mike'sheartleaped.

"AnyWednesdayorSaturday.Lookhere,I'lltellyouhowitis."

Andhetoldhowmattersstoodwithhim.

"So,yousee,"heconcluded,"I'msupposedtobehuntingforruinsandthings"--Mike'sideasonthesubjectofarchaeologywerevague--"butIcouldalwaysslipaway.Weallstartouttogether,butIcouldnipback,getontomybike--I'vegotitdownhere--andmeetyouanywhereyouliked.ByJove,I'msimplydyingforagame.Icanhardlykeepmyhandsoffabat."

"I'llgiveyouallyouwant.Whatyou'dbetterdoistoridestraighttoLowerBorlock--that'sthenameoftheplace--andI'llmeetyouontheground.AnyonewilltellyouwhereLowerBorlockis.It'sjustofftheLondonroad.There'sasign-postwhereyouturnoff.CanyoucomenextSaturday?"

"Rather.Isupposeyoucanfixmeupwithabatandpads?Idon'twanttobringmine."

"I'lllendyoueverything.Isay,youknow,wecan'tgiveyouaWrykynwicket.TheLowerBorlockpitchisn'tashirt-front."

"I'llplayonarockery,ifyouwantmeto,"saidMike.

*****



"You'regoingtowhat?"askedPsmith,sleepily,onbeingawakenedandtoldthenews.

"I'mgoingtoplaycricket,foravillagenearhere.Isay,don'ttellasoul,willyou?Idon'twantittogetabout,orImaygetluggedintoplayfortheschool."

"Mylipsaresealed.IthinkI'llcomeandwatchyou.CricketIdislike,butwatchingcricketisoneofthefinestofBritain'smanlysports.I'llborrowJellicoe'sbicycle."

*****

ThatSaturday,LowerBorlocksmotethemenofChidfordhipandthigh.Theirvictorywasduetoahurricaneinningsofseventy-fivebyanew-comertotheteam,M.Jackson.

CHAPTERXXXVIII

THEFIREBRIGADEMEETING

Cricketisthegreatsafety-valve.Ifyoulikethegame,andareinapositiontoplayitatleasttwiceaweek,lifecanneverbeentirelygrey.Astimewenton,andhisaverageforLowerBorlockreachedthefiftiesandstayedthere,Mikebegan,thoughhewouldnothaveadmittedit,toenjoyhimself.ItwasnotWrykyn,butitwasaverydecentsubstitute.

TheonlyreallyconsiderableelementmakingfordiscomfortnowwasMr.Downing.BybadluckitwasinhisformthatMikehadbeenplacedonarrival;andMr.Downing,neveraneasyform-mastertogetonwith,provedmorethanusuallydifficultinhisdealingswithMike.

Theyhadtakenadisliketoeachotherattheirfirstmeeting;anditgrewwithfurtheracquaintance.ToMike,Mr.Downingwasallthatamasteroughtnottobe,fussy,pompous,andopenlyinfluencedinhisofficialdealingswithhisformbyhisownprivatelikesanddislikes.ToMr.Downing,Mikewassimplyanunamiableloafer,whodidnothingfortheschoolandapparentlyhadnoneoftheinstinctswhichshouldbeimplantedinthehealthyboy.Mr.Downingwasratherstrongonthehealthyboy.

Thetwolivedinastateofsimmeringhostility,punctuatedatintervalsbycrises,whichusuallyresultedinLowerBorlockhavingtoplaysomeunskilledlabourerinplaceoftheirstarbatsman,employeddoing"over-time."

Oneofthemostacuteofthesecrises,andthemostimportant,inthatitwasthedirectcauseofMike'sappearanceinSedleighcricket,hadtodowiththethirdweeklymeetingoftheSchoolFireBrigade.

Itmayberememberedthatthiswell-supportedinstitutionwasunderMr.Downing'sspecialcare.Itwas,indeed,hispethobbyandtheappleofhiseye.

JustasyouhadtojointheArchaeologicalSocietytosecurethe



esteemofMr.Outwood,sotobecomeamemberoftheFireBrigadewasasafepassporttotheregardofMr.Downing.Toshowakeennessforcricketwasgood,buttojointheFireBrigadewasbestofall.TheBrigadewascarefullyorganised.AtitsheadwasMr.Downing,asortofhighpriest;underhimwasacaptain,andunderthecaptainavice-captain.Thesetwoofficialswerethosesportiveallies,StoneandRobinson,ofOutwood'shouse,who,havingperceivedataveryearlydatethegorgeousopportunitiesforraggingwhichtheBrigadeofferedtoitsmembers,hadjoinedyoungandworkedtheirwayup.

Underthemweretherankandfile,aboutthirtyinall,ofwhomperhapssevenwereearnestworkers,wholookedontheBrigadeintheright,orDowning,spirit.Therestwereentirelyfrivolous.

Theweeklymeetingswerealwaysfulloflifeandexcitement.

AtthispointitisaswelltointroduceSammytothereader.

Sammy,shortforSampson,wasayoungbull-terrierbelongingtoMr.Downing.Ifitispossibleforamantohavetwoapplesofhiseye,Sammywastheother.Hewasalarge,light-hearteddogwithawhitecoat,anengagingexpression,thetongueofanant-eater,andamannerwhichwasahappyblendofhurricaneandcircularsaw.Hehadlonglegs,atenorvoice,andwasapparentlymadeofindia-rubber.

Sammywasagreatfavouriteintheschool,andaparticularfriendofMike's,theWrykynianbeingalwaysafirmallyofeverydoghemetaftertwominutes'acquaintance.

Inpassing,Jellicoeownedaclock-workrat,muchinrequestduringFrenchlessons.

Wewillnowproceedtothepainfuldetails.

*****

ThemeetingsoftheFireBrigadewereheldafterschoolinMr.

Downing'sform-room.Theproceedingsalwaysbeganinthesameway,bythereadingoftheminutesofthelastmeeting.Afterthattheentertainmentvariedaccordingtowhetherthemembershappenedtobefertileornotinideasforthedisturbingofthepeace.

To-daytheywereinveryfairform.

AssoonasMr.Downinghadclosedtheminute-book,Wilson,oftheSchoolHouse,helduphishand.

"Well,Wilson?"

"Please,sir,couldn'twehaveauniformfortheBrigade?"

"Auniform?"Mr.Downingpondered

"Red,withgreenstripes,sir,"

Red,withathingreenstripe,wastheSedleighcolour.

"ShallIputittothevote,sir?"askedStone.

"Onemoment,Stone."



"Thoseinfavourofthemotionmovetotheleft,thoseagainstittotheright."

Ascufflingoffeet,aslammingofdesk-lidsandanupsetblackboard,andthemeetinghaddivided.

Mr.Downingrappedirritablyonhisdesk.

"Sitdown!"hesaid,"sitdown!Iwon'thavethisnoiseanddisturbance.Stone,sitdown--Wilson,getbacktoyourplace."

"Please,sir,themotioniscarriedbytwenty-fivevotestosix."

"Please,sir,mayIgoandgetmeasuredthisevening?"

"Please,sir----"

"Si-_lence_!Theideaofauniformis,ofcourse,outofthequestion."

"Oo-oo-oo-oo,sir-r-r!"

"Be_quiet!_Entirelyoutofthequestion.Wecannotplungeinto

needlessexpense.Stone,listentome.Icannothavethisnoiseanddisturbance!Anothertimewhenapointarisesitmustbesettledbyashowofhands.Well,Wilson?"

"Please,sir,maywehavehelmets?"

"Veryusefulasaprotectionagainstfallingtimbers,sir,"saidRobinson.

"Idon'tthinkmypeoplewouldbepleased,sir,iftheyknewIwasgoingouttofireswithoutahelmet,"saidStone.

Thewholestrengthofthecompany:"Please,sir,maywehavehelmets?"

"Thoseinfavour--"beganStone.

Mr.Downingbangedonhisdesk."Silence!Silence!!Silence!!!Helmetsare,ofcourse,perfectlypreposterous."

"Oo-oo-oo-oo,sir-r-r!"

"But,sir,thedanger!"

"Please,sir,thefallingtimbers!"

TheFireBrigadehadbeeninactiononceandonceonlyinthememory

ofman,andthattimeitwasahaystackwhichhadburntitselfoutjustastherescuershadsucceededinfasteningthehosetothehydrant.

"Silence!"

"Then,please,sir,couldn'twehaveanhonourcap?Itwouldn'tbeexpensive,anditwouldbejustasgoodasahelmetforallthetimbersthatarelikelytofallonourheads."



Mr.Downingsmiledawrysmile.

"OurWilsonisfacetious,"heremarkedfrostily.

"Sir,no,sir!Iwasn'tfacetious!Orcouldn'twehavefooter-tops,likethefirstfifteenhave?They----"

"Wilson,leavetheroom!"

"Sir,_please_,sir!"

"Thismoment,Wilson.And,"ashereachedthedoor,"domeonehundredlines."

Apained"OO-oo-oo,sir-r-r,"wascutoffbytheclosingdoor.

Mr.Downingproceededtoimprovetheoccasion."Ideplorethisgrowingspiritofflippancy,"hesaid."ItellyouIdeploreit!Itisnotright!IfthisFireBrigadeistobeofsoliduse,theremustbelessofthisflippancy.Wemusthavekeenness.Iwantyouboysabovealltobekeen.I--Whatisthatnoise?"

Fromtheothersideofthedoorproceededasoundlikewatergurglingfromabottle,mingledwithcrieshalf-suppressed,asifsomebodywere

beingpreventedfromutteringthembyahandlaidoverhismouth.Thesuffererappearedtohaveahighvoice.

TherewasatapatthedoorandMikewalkedin.Hewasnotalone.Thosenearenoughtosee,sawthathewasaccompaniedbyJellicoe'sclock-workrat,whichmovedrapidlyoverthefloorinthedirectionoftheoppositewall.

"MayIfetchabookfrommydesk,sir?"askedMike.

"Verywell--bequick,Jackson;wearebusy."

BeinginterruptedinoneofhisaddressestotheBrigadeirritatedMr.

Downing.

Themuffledcriesgrewmoredistinct.

"What--is--that--noise?"shrilledMr.Downing.

"Noise,sir?"askedMike,puzzled.

"Ithinkit'ssomethingoutsidethewindow,sir,"saidStonehelpfully.

"Abird,Ithink,sir,"saidRobinson.

"Don'tbeabsurd!"snappedMr.Downing."It'soutsidethedoor.Wilson!"

"Yes,sir?"saidavoice"off."

"Areyoumakingthatwhiningnoise?"

"Whiningnoise,sir?No,sir,I'mnotmakingawhiningnoise."

"What_sort_ofnoise,sir?"inquiredMike,asmanyWrykynians



hadaskedbeforehim.ItwasaquestioninventedbyWrykynforuseinjustsuchacaseasthis.

"Idonotpropose,"saidMr.Downingacidly,"toimitatethenoise;youcanallhearitperfectlyplainly.Itisacuriouswhiningnoise."

"Theyaremowingthecricketfield,sir,"saidtheinvisibleWilson."Perhapsthat'sit."

"Itmaybeoneofthedeskssqueaking,sir,"putinStone."Theydosometimes."

"Orsomebody'sboots,sir,"addedRobinson.

"Silence!Wilson?"

"Yes,sir?"bellowedtheunseenone.

"Don'tshoutatmefromthecorridorlikethat.Comein."

"Yes,sir!"

Ashespokethemuffledwhiningchangedsuddenlytoaseriesoftenorshrieks,andtheindia-rubberformofSammyboundedintotheroomlike

anexcitedkangaroo.Willinghandshadbythistimedeflectedtheclockworkratfromthewalltowhichithadbeensteering,andpointeditupthealley-waybetweenthetworowsofdesks.Mr.Downing,risingfromhisplace,wasjustintimetoseeSammywithalastleapspringonhispreyandbeginworryingit.

Chaosreigned.

"Arat!"shoutedRobinson.

Thetwenty-threemembersoftheBrigadewhowerenotearnestinstantly

dealtwiththesituation,eachinthemannerthatseemedpropertohim.Someleapedontoforms,othersflungbooks,allshouted.Itwasastirring,bustlingscene.

Sammyhadbythistimedisposedoftheclock-workrat,andwasnowstanding,likeMarius,amongtheruinsbarkingtriumphantly.

ThebangingonMr.Downing'sdeskresembledthunder.Itroseabovealltheothernoisestillintimetheygaveupthecompetitionanddiedaway.

Mr.Downingshotoutorders,threats,andpenaltieswiththerapidityofaMaximgun.

"Stone,sitdown!Donovan,ifyoudonotsitdown,youwillbeseverelypunished.Henderson,onehundredlinesforgrossdisorder!Windham,thesame!Gotoyourseat,Vincent.Whatareyoudoing,Broughton-Knight?Iwillnothavethisdisgracefulnoiseanddisorder!Themeetingisatanend;goquietlyfromtheroom,allofyou.JacksonandWilson,remain._Quietly_,Isaid,Durand!Don'tshuffleyourfeetinthatabominableway."

Crash!



"Wolferstan,Idistinctlysawyouupsetthatblack-boardwithamovementofyourhand--onehundredlines.Goquietlyfromtheroom,everybody."

Themeetingdispersed.

"JacksonandWilson,comehere.What'sthemeaningofthisdisgracefulconduct?Putthatdogoutoftheroom,Jackson."

MikeremovedtheyellingSammyandshutthedooronhim.

"Well,Wilson?"

"Please,sir,Iwasplayingwithaclock-workrat----"

"Whatbusinesshaveyoutobeplayingwithclock-workrats?"

"ThenIremembered,"saidMike,"thatIhadleftmyHoraceinmydesk,soIcamein----"

"Andbyafluke,sir,"saidWilson,asonewhotellsofstrangethings,"therathappenedtobepointinginthesamedirection,sohecamein,too."

"ImetSammyonthegraveloutsideandhefollowedme."

"Itriedtocollarhim,butwhenyoutoldmetocomein,sir,Ihadtolethimgo,andhecameinaftertherat."

ItwasplaintoMr.Downingthattheburdenofsinwassharedequallybybothculprits.Wilsonhadsuppliedtherat,Mikethedog;butMr.DowninglikedWilsonanddislikedMike.WilsonwasintheFireBrigade,frivolousattimes,itwastrue,butneverthelessamember.Alsohekeptwicketfortheschool.MikewasamemberoftheArchaeologicalSociety,andhadrefusedtoplaycricket.

Mr.Downingallowedthesefactstoinfluencehiminpassingsentence.

"Onehundredlines,Wilson,"hesaid."Youmaygo."

Wilsondepartedwiththeairofamanwhohashadagreatdealoffun,andpaidverylittleforit.

Mr.DowningturnedtoMike."YouwillstayinonSaturdayafternoon,Jackson;itwillinterferewithyourArchaeologicalstudies,Ifear,butitmayteachyouthatwehavenoroomatSedleighforboyswhospendtheirtimeloafingaboutandmakingthemselvesanuisance.Weareakeenschool;thisisnoplaceforboyswhodonothingbutwastetheirtime.Thatwilldo,Jackson."

AndMr.Downingwalkedoutoftheroom.Inaffairsofthiskindamasterhasahabitofgettingthelastword.

CHAPTERXXXIX

ACHILLESLEAVESHISTENT



Theysaymisfortunesnevercomesingly.AsMikesatbroodingoverhiswrongsinhisstudy,aftertheSammyincident,Jellicoecameintotheroom,and,withoutpreamble,askedfortheloanofasovereign.

Whenonehasbeeninthehabitofconfiningone'slendingsandborrowingstosixpencesandshillings,arequestforasovereigncomesassomethingofablow.

"Whatonearthfor?"askedMike.

"Isay,doyoumindifIdon'ttellyou?Idon'twanttotellanybody.Thefactis,I'minabeastlyhole."

"Oh,sorry,"saidMike."Asamatteroffact,Idohappentohaveaquid.Youcanfreezeontoit,ifyoulike.Butit'saboutallIhavegot,sodon'tbeshyaboutpayingitback."

Jellicoewasprofuseinhisthanks,anddisappearedinacloudofgratitude.

MikefeltthatFatewastreatinghimbadly.BeingkeptinonSaturdaymeantthathewouldbeunabletoturnoutforLittleBorlockagainst

Claythorpe,thereturnmatch.Inthepreviousgamehehadscoredninety-eight,andtherewasalobbowlerintheClaythorperankswhomhewasparticularlyanxioustomeetagain.HavingtoyieldasovereigntoJellicoe--whyonearthdidthemanwantallthat?--meantthat,unlessacarefullywordedlettertohisbrotherBobatOxfordhadthedesiredeffect,hewouldbepracticallypennilessforweeks.

InagloomyframeofmindhesatdowntowritetoBob,whowasplayingregularlyforthe'Varsitythisseason,andonlythepreviousweekhadmadeacenturyagainstSussex,somightbeexpectedtobeinasufficientlysoftenedmoodtoadvancetheneedful.(Which,itmaybestatedatonce,hedid,byreturnofpost.)

Mikewasstrugglingwiththeopeningsentencesofthisletter--hewasneveraveryreadywriter--whenStoneandRobinsonburstintotheroom.

Mikeputdownhispen,andgotup.Hewasinwarlikemood,andwelcomedtheintrusion.IfStoneandRobinsonwantedbattle,theyshouldhaveit.

Butthemotivesoftheexpeditionwereobviouslyfriendly.Stonebeamed.Robinsonwaslaughing.

"You'reasportsman,"saidRobinson.

"Whatdidhegiveyou?"askedStone.

Theysatdown,Robinsononthetable,StoneinPsmith'sdeck-chair.Mike'sheartwarmedtothem.Thelittledisturbanceinthedormitorywasathingofthepast,donewith,forgotten,contemporarywithJuliusCaesar.Hefeltthathe,StoneandRobinsonmustlearntoknowandappreciateoneanother.

Therewas,asamatteroffact,nothingmuchwrongwithStoneandRobinson.Theywerejustordinaryraggersofthetypefoundatevery



publicschool,smallandlarge.Theywereabsolutelyfreefrombrain.Theyhadacertainamountofmuscle,andavaststoreofanimalspirits.Theylookedonschoollifepurelyasavehicleforragging.TheStonesandRobinsonsaretheswashbucklersoftheschoolworld.Theygoabout,loudandboisterous,withawhole-heartedandcheerfulindifferencetootherpeople'sfeelings,treadingonthetoesoftheirneighbourandshovinghimoffthepavement,andalwayswithaneyewideopenforanyadventure.Astothekindofadventure,theyarenotparticularsolongasitpromisesexcitement.Sometimestheygothroughtheirwholeschoolcareerwithoutaccident.Moreoftentheyrunupagainstasnagintheshapeofsomeserious-mindedandmuscularpersonwhoobjectstohavinghistoestroddenonandbeingshovedoffthepavement,andthentheyusuallysoberdown,tothemutualadvantageofthemselvesandtherestofthecommunity.

One'sopinionofthistypeofyouthvariesaccordingtoone'spointofview.Smallboyswhomtheyhadoccasiontokick,eitherfrompurehighspiritsorasapunishmentforsomeslipfromthenarrowpathwhichtheidealsmallboyshouldtread,regardedStoneandRobinsonasbulliesofthegenuine"Eric"and"St.Winifred's"brand.Masterswereratherafraidofthem.Adairhadasmoulderingdislikeforthem.Theywereusefulatcricket,butaptnottotakeSedleighasseriouslyashecouldhavewished.

AsforMike,henowfoundthempleasantcompany,andbegantogetoutthetea-things.

"ThoseFireBrigademeetings,"saidStone,"arearag.Youcandowhatyoulike,andyounevergetmorethanahundredlines."

"Don'tyou!"saidMike."IgotSaturdayafternoon."

"What!"

"IsWilsonintoo?"

"No.Hegotahundredlines."

StoneandRobinsonwerequiteconcerned.

"Whatabeastlyswindle!"

"That'sbecauseyoudon'tplaycricket.OldDowningletsyoudowhatyoulikeifyoujointheFireBrigadeandplaycricket."

"'Weare,aboveall,akeenschool,'"quotedStone."Don'tyoueverplay?"

"Ihaveplayedabit,"saidMike.

"Well,whydon'tyouhaveashot?Wearen'tsuchflyershere.Ifyouknowoneendofabatfromtheother,youcouldgetintosomesortofateam.Wereyouatschoolanywherebeforeyoucamehere?"

"IwasatWrykyn."

"Whyonearthdidyouleave?"askedStone."Wereyousacked?"

"No.Mypatertookmeaway."



"Wrykyn?"saidRobinson."AreyouanyrelationoftheJacksonsthere--J.W.andtheothers?"

"Brother."

"What!"

"Well,didn'tyouplayatallthere?"

"Yes,"saidMike,"Idid.Iwasintheteamthreeyears,andIshouldhavebeencaptainthisyear,ifI'dstoppedon."

Therewasaprofoundandgratifyingsensation.Stonegaped,andRobinsonnearlydroppedhistea-cup.

Stonebrokethesilence.

"ButImeantosay--lookhere!WhatImeanis,whyaren'tyouplaying?Whydon'tyouplaynow?"

"Ido.Iplayforavillagenearhere.PlacecalledLittleBorlock.AmanwhoplayedagainstWrykynfortheFreeForesterscaptainsthem.HeaskedmeifI'dlikesomegamesforthem."

"Butwhynotfortheschool?""WhyshouldI?It'smuchbetterfunforthevillage.Youdon'tgetorderedaboutbyAdair,forastart."

"Adairsticksonside,"saidStone.

"Enoughforsix,"agreedRobinson.

"ByJove,"saidStone,"I'vegotanidea.Myword,whatarag!"

"What'swrongnow?"inquiredMikepolitely.

"Why,lookhere.To-morrow'sMid-termServiceday.It'snowherenearthemiddleoftheterm,buttheyalwayshaveitinthefourthweek.There'schapelathalf-pastninetillhalf-pastten.Thentherestoftheday'sawholeholiday.Therearealwayshousematches.We'replayingDowning's.Whydon'tyouplayandlet'ssmashthem?"

"ByJove,yes,"saidRobinson."Whydon'tyou?They'realwaysstickingonsidebecausethey'vewonthehousecupthreeyearsrunning.Isay,doyoubatorbowl?"

"Bat.Why?"

Robinsonrockedonthetable.

"Why,oldDowningfancieshimselfasabowler.You_must_play,andknockthecoveroffhim."

"Mastersdon'tplayinhousematches,surely?"

"Thisisn'tarealhousematch.Onlyafriendly.DowningalwaysturnsoutonMid-termServiceday.Isay,doplay."

"Thinkoftherag."



"Buttheteam'sfull,"saidMike.

"Thelistisn'tupyet.We'llnipacrosstoBarnes'study,andmakehimalterit."

Theydashedoutoftheroom.FromdownthepassageMikeheardyellsof"_Barnes_!"theclosingofadoor,andamurmurofexcitedconversation.Thenfootstepsreturningdownthepassage.

Barnesappeared,onhisfacethelookofonewhohasseenvisions.

"Isay,"hesaid,"isittrue?OrisStonerotting?AboutWrykyn,Imean."

"Yes,Iwasintheteam."

Barneswasanenthusiasticcricketer.Hestudiedhis_Wisden_,andhehadanimmenserespectforWrykyncricket.

"AreyoutheM.Jackson,then,whohadanaverageoffifty-onepointnoughtthreelastyear?"

[Illustration:"AREYOUTHEM.JACKSON,THEN,WHOHADANAVERAGEOF

FIFTY-ONEPOINTNOUGHTTHREELASTYEAR?"]"Yes."

Barnes'smannerbecamelikethatofacuratetalkingtoabishop.

"Isay,"hesaid,"then--er--willyouplayagainstDowning'sto-morrow?"

"Rather,"saidMike."Thanksawfully.Havesometea?"

CHAPTERXL

THEMATCHWITHDOWNING'S

Itisthecuriousinstinctwhichpromptsmostpeopletorubathinginthatmakesthelotoftheaverageconvertanunhappyone.Onlytheveryself-controlledcanrefrainfromimprovingtheoccasionandscoringofftheconvert.Mostleapattheopportunity.

ItwassoinMike'scase.Mikewasnotagenuineconvert,buttoMr.Downinghehadtheoutwardaspectofone.Whenyouhavebeenimpressinguponanon-cricketingboyfornearlyamonththat

(_a_)theschoolisaboveallakeenschool,(_b_)thatallmembersofitshouldplaycricket,and(_c_)thatbynotplayingcricketheisruininghischancesinthisworldandimperillingtheminthenext;andwhen,quiteunexpectedly,youcomeuponthisboydressedincricketflannels,wearingcricketbootsandcarryingacricketbag,itseemsonlynaturaltoassumethatyouhaveconvertedhim,thattheseedsofyoureloquencehavefallenonfruitfulsoilandsprouted.

Mr.Downingassumedit.



HewaswalkingtothefieldwithAdairandanothermemberofhisteamwhenhecameuponMike.

"What!"hecried."OurJacksoncladinsuitofmailandarmedforthefray!"

ThiswasMr.Downing'sNo.2manner--theplayful.

"ThisisindeedSaulamongtheprophets.WhythissuddenenthusiasmforagamewhichIunderstoodthatyoudespised?Areouropponentssoreduced?"

Psmith,whowaswithMike,tookchargeoftheaffairwithalanguidgracewhichhadmaddenedhundredsinitstime,andwhichneverfailedtoruffleMr.Downing.

"Weare,aboveall,sir,"hesaid,"akeenhouse.Dronesarenotwelcomedbyus.Weareessentiallyversatile.Jackson,thearchaeologistofyesterday,becomesthecricketerofto-day.Itistherightspirit,sir,"saidPsmithearnestly."Iliketoseeit."

"Indeed,Smith?Youarenotplayingyourself,Inotice.Yourenthusiasmhasbounds."

"Inourhouse,sir,competitionisfierce,andtheSelectionCommitteeunfortunatelypassedmeover."

*****

Therewereanumberofpitchesdottedaboutoverthefield,fortherewasalwaysatouchoftheLondonParkaboutitonMid-termServiceday.Adair,ascaptainofcricket,hadnaturallyselectedthebestforhisownmatch.Itwasagoodwicket,Mikesaw.AsamatteroffactthewicketsatSedleighwerenearlyalwaysgood.Adairhadinfectedtheground-manwithsomeofhisownkeenness,withtheresultthatthatonce-leisurelyofficialnowfoundhimselfsometimes,withakindof

mildsurprise,workingreallyhard.AtthebeginningofthepreviousseasonSedleighhadplayedascratchteamfromaneighbouringtownonawicketwhich,exceptforthecreases,wasabsolutelyundistinguishablefromthesurroundingturf,andbehindthepavilionafterthematchAdairhadspokencertainhometruthstotheground-man.Thelatter'sreformationhaddatedfromthatmoment.

*****

Barnes,timidlyjubilant,cameuptoMikewiththenewsthathehadwonthetoss,andtherequestthatMikewouldgoinfirstwithhim.

Instoriesofthe"NotReallyaDuffer"type,wherethenervousnew

boy,whohasbeenfoundcryingintheboot-roomoverthephotographofhissister,contrivestogetaninningsinagame,nobodysuspectsthatheisreallyaprodigytillhehitstheBully'sfirstballoutofthegroundforsix.

WithMikeitwasdifferent.TherewasnopityingsmileonAdair'sfaceashestartedhisrunpreparatorytosendingdownthefirstball.Mike,onthecricketfield,couldnothavelookedanythingbutacricketerifhehadturnedoutinatweedsuitandhobnailboots.Cricketerwaswrittenalloverhim--inhiswalk,inthewayhetook



guard,inhisstandatthewickets.Adairstartedtobowlwiththefeelingthatthiswassomebodywhohadmorethanalittleknowledgeofhowtodealwithgoodbowlingandpunishbad.

Mikestartedcautiously.Hewasmorethanusuallyanxioustomakerunsto-day,andhemeanttotakenoriskstillhecouldaffordtodoso.HehadseenAdairbowlatthenets,andheknewthathewasgood.

Thefirstoverwasamaiden,sixdangerousballsbeautifullyplayed.Thefieldsmenchangedover.

ThegeneralinteresthadnowsettledonthematchbetweenOutwood'sandDowning's.ThefactinMike'scasehadgoneroundthefield,and,asseveraloftheothergameshadnotyetbegun,quitealargecrowdhadcollectednearthepaviliontowatch.Mike'smasterlytreatmentoftheopeningoverhadimpressedthespectators,andtherewasapopulardesiretoseehowhewoulddealwithMr.Downing'sslows.Itwasgenerallyanticipatedthathewoulddosomethingspecialwiththem.

Offthefirstballofthemaster'soveraleg-byewasrun.

Miketookguard.

Mr.Downingwasabowlerwithastyleofhisown.Hetooktwoshort

steps,twolongsteps,gaveajump,tookthreemoreshortsteps,andendedwithacombinationofstepandjump,duringwhichtheballemergedfrombehindhisbackandstartedonitsslowcareertothewicket.Thewholebusinesshadsomeofthedignityoftheold-fashionedminuet,subtlyblendedwiththecarelessvigourofacake-walk.Theball,whendelivered,wasbilledtobreakfromleg,buttheprogrammewassubjecttoalterations.

IfthespectatorshadexpectedMiketobeginanyfireworkeffectswiththefirstball,theyweredisappointed.HeplayedtheoverthroughwithagraceworthyofhisbrotherJoe.Thelastballheturnedtolegforasingle.

HistreatmentofAdair'snextoverwasfreer.Hehadgotasightoftheballnow.Half-waythroughtheoverabeautifulsquarecutforcedapassagethroughthecrowdbythepavilion,anddashedupagainsttherails.Hedrovethesixthballpastcoverforthree.

Thecrowdwasnowreluctantlydispersingtoitsowngames,butitstoppedasMr.Downingstartedhisminuet-cake-walk,inthehopethatitmightseesomethingmoresensational.

Thistimethehopewasfulfilled.

Theballwaswellup,slow,andoffthewicketontheon-side.Perhapsifithadbeenallowedtopitch,itmighthavebrokeninandbecome

quitedangerous.Mikewentoutatit,andhititacoupleoffeetfromtheground.Theballdroppedwithathudandaspurtingofdustintheroadthatranalongonesideofthecricketfield.

Itwasreturnedontheinstalmentsystembyhelpersfromothergames,andthebowlerbeganhismanoeuvresagain.Ahalf-volleythistime.Mikeslammeditback,andmid-on,whoseheartwasobviouslynotinthething,failedtostopit.

"Gettothem,Jenkins,"saidMr.Downingirritably,astheballcame



backfromtheboundary."Gettothem."

"Sir,please,sir----"

"Don'ttalkinthefield,Jenkins."

Havinghadafull-pitchhitforsixandahalf-volleyforfour,therewasastrongprobabilitythatMr.Downingwouldpitchhisnextballshort.

Theexpectedhappened.Thethirdballwasaslowlong-hop,andhittheroadataboutthesamespotwherethefirsthadlanded.Ahowlofuntunefulapplauserosefromthewatchersinthepavilion,andMike,withthefeelingthatthissortofbowlingwastoogoodtobetrue,waitedinpositionfornumberfour.

Therearemomentswhenasortofpanicseizesabowler.ThishappenednowwithMr.Downing.Hesuddenlyabandonedscienceandranamok.Hisrunlostitsstatelinessandincreaseditsvigour.Hechargeduptothewicketasawoundedbuffalosometimeschargesagun.Hiswholeideanowwastobowlfast.

Whenaslowbowlerstartstobowlfast,itisusuallyaswelltobebatting,ifyoucanmanageit.

Bythetimetheoverwasfinished,Mike'sscorehadbeenincreasedbysixteen,andthetotalofhisside,inaddition,bythreewides.

Andashrillsmallvoice,fromtheneighbourhoodofthepavilion,utteredwithpainfuldistinctnessthewords,"Takehimoff!"

Thatwashowthemostsensationalday'scricketbeganthatSedleighhadknown.

Adescriptionofthedetailsofthemorning'splaywouldbemonotonous.Itisenoughtosaythattheyranonmuchthesamelinesasthethirdandfourthoversofthematch.Mr.Downingbowledone

moreover,offwhichMikehelpedhimselftosixteenruns,andthenretiredmoodilytocover-point,where,inAdair'sfifthover,hemissedBarnes--thefirstoccasionsincethegamebeganonwhichthatmildbatsmanhadattemptedtoscoremorethanasingle.Scaredbythisescape,Outwood'scaptainshrankbackintohisshell,satonthesplicelikealimpet,and,offeringnomorechances,wasnotoutatlunchtimewithascoreofeleven.

Mikehadthenmadeahundredandthree.

*****

AsMikewastakingoffhispadsinthepavilion,Adaircameup.

"Whydidyousayyoudidn'tplaycricket?"heaskedabruptly.

[Illustration:"WHYDIDYOUSAYYOUDIDN'TPLAYCRICKET?"HEASKED]

Whenonehasbeenbowlingthewholemorning,andbowlingwell,withouttheslightestsuccess,oneisinclinedtobeabrupt.

Mikefinishedunfasteninganobstinatestrap.Thenhelookedup.



"Ididn'tsayanythingofthekind.IsaidIwasn'tgoingtoplayhere.There'sadifference.Asamatteroffact,IwasintheWrykynteambeforeIcamehere.Threeyears."

Adairwassilentforamoment.

"WillyouplayforusagainsttheOldSedleighansto-morrow?"hesaidatlength.

Miketossedhispadsintohisbagandgotup.

"No,thanks."

Therewasasilence.

"Aboveit,Isuppose?"

"Notabit.Notuptoit.IshallwantalotofcoachingatthatendnetofyoursbeforeI'mfittoplayforSedleigh."

Therewasanotherpause.

"Thenyouwon'tplay?"askedAdair.

"I'mnotkeepingyou,amI?"saidMike,politely.ItwasremarkablewhatanumberofmembersofOutwood'shouseappearedtocherishapersonalgrudgeagainstMr.Downing.Ithadbeenthatmaster'ssomewhatinjudiciouspracticeformanyyearstotreathisownhouseasasortofChosenPeople.Ofallmasters,themostunpopularishewhobythesilenttribunalofaschoolisconvictedoffavouritism.Andthedislikedeepensifitisahousewhichhefavoursandnotmerelyindividuals.Onoccasionswhenboysinhisownhouseandboysfromotherhouseswereaccomplicesandpartnersinwrong-doing,Mr.Downingdistributedhisthunderboltsunequally,andtheschoolnoticedit.Theresultwasthatnotonlyhehimself,butalso--whichwasratherunfair--hishouse,too,hadacquireda

gooddealofunpopularity.

ThegeneralconsensusofopinioninOutwood'sduringtheluncheonintervalwasthat,havinggotDowning'supatree,theywouldbefoolsnottomakethemostofthesituation.

Barnes'sremarkthathesupposed,unlessanythinghappenedandwicketsbegantofallabitfaster,theyhadbetterthinkofdeclaringsomewhereabouthalf-pastthreeorfour,wasmetwithastormofopposition.

"Declare!"saidRobinson."GreatScott,whatonearthareyoutalkingabout?"

"Declare!"Stone'svoicewasalmostawailofindignation."Ineversawsuchachump."

"They'llberathersickifwedon't,won'tthey?"suggestedBarnes.

"Sick!Ishouldthinktheywould,"saidStone."That'sjustthegayidea.Can'tyouseethatbyamiraclewe'vegotachanceofgettingajollygoodbitofourownbackagainstthoseDowning'sticks?Whatwe'vegottodoistojollywellkeeptheminthefieldalldayifwe



can,andbejollygladit'ssobeastlyhot.IftheyloseaboutadozenpoundseachthroughsweatingaboutinthesunafterJackson'sdrives,perhapsthey'llstickonlesssideaboutthingsingeneralinfuture.Besides,IwantaninningsagainstthatbilgeofoldDowning's,ifIcangetit."

"SodoI,"saidRobinson.

"Ifyoudeclare,IswearIwon'tfield.NorwillRobinson."

"Rathernot."

"Well,Iwon'tthen,"saidBarnesunhappily."Onlyyouknowthey'rerathersickalready."

"Don'tyouworryaboutthat,"saidStonewithawidegrin."They'llbealotsickerbeforewe'vefinished."

AndsoitcameaboutthatthatparticularMid-termService-daymatchmadehistory.BigscoreshadoftenbeenputuponMid-termServiceday.Gameshadfrequentlybeenone-sided.Butithadneverhappenedbeforeintheannalsoftheschoolthatoneside,goinginfirstearlyinthemorning,hadneithercompleteditsinningsnordeclareditclosedwhenstumpsweredrawnat6.30.InnopreviousSedleighmatch,

afterafullday'splay,hadthepatheticwords"Didnotbat"beenwrittenagainstthewholeofoneofthecontendingteams.

Thesearethethingswhichmarkepochs.

Playwasresumedat2.15.ForaquarterofanhourMikewascomparativelyquiet.Adair,fortifiedbyfoodandrest,wasbowlingreallywell,andhisfirsthalf-dozenovershadtobewatchedcarefully.Butthewicketwastoogoodtogivehimachance,andMike,playinghimselfinagain,proceededtogettobusinessoncemore.Bowlerscameandwent.Adairpoundedawayatoneendwithbriefintervalsbetweentheattacks.Mr.Downingtookacouplemoreovers,inoneofwhichahorse,passingintheroad,nearlyhaditsuseful

lifecutsuddenlyshort.Change-bowlersofvariousactionsandpaces,eachweirderandmorefutilethanthelast,triedtheirluck.Butstillthefirst-wicketstandcontinued.

Thebowlingofahouseteamisallheadandnobody.Thefirstpairprobablyhavesomeideaoflengthandbreak.Thefirst-changepairarepoor.Andtherest,thesmallchange,aresimplythesortofthingsoneseesindreamsafteraheavysupper,orwhenoneisoutwithoutone'sgun.

Time,mercifully,generallybreaksupabigstandatcricketbeforethefieldhassufferedtoomuch,andthatiswhathappenednow.Atfouro'clock,whenthescorestoodattwohundredandtwenty

fornowicket,Barnes,greatlydaring,smotelustilyataratherwidehalf-volleyandwascaughtatshort-slipforthirty-three.Heretiredblushfullytothepavilion,amidstapplause,andStonecameout.

AsMikehadthenmadeahundredandeighty-seven,itwasassumedbythefield,thatdirectlyhehadtoppedhissecondcentury,theclosurewouldbeappliedandtheirordealfinished.Therewasalmostasighofreliefwhenfranticcheeringfromthecrowdtoldthatthefeathadbeenaccomplished.Thefieldsmenclappedinquiteanindulgentsortof



way,aswhoshouldsay,"Capital,capital.Andnowlet'sstart _our_innings."Someevenbegantoedgetowardsthepavilion.Butthenextballwasbowled,andthenextover,andthenextafterthat,andstillBarnesmadenosign.(Theconscience-strickencaptainofOutwood'swas,asamatteroffact,beingpracticallyhelddownbyRobinsonandotherruffiansbyforce.)

Agreydismaysettledonthefield.

Thebowlinghadnowbecomealmostunbelievablybad.Lobswerebeingtried,andStone,nearlyweepingwithpurejoy,wasplayinganinningsoftheHow-to-brighten-crickettype.Hehadanunorthodoxstyle,butanexcellenteye,andtheroadatthisperiodofthegamebecameabsolutelyunsafeforpedestriansandtraffic.

Mike'spacehadbecomeslower,aswasonlynatural,buthisscore,too,wasmountingsteadily.

"Thisisfoolery,"snappedMr.Downing,asthethreehundredandfiftywentupontheboard."Barnes!"hecalled.

Therewasnoreply.AcommitteeofthreewasatthatmomentengagedinsittingonBarnes'sheadinthefirstelevenchanging-room,inordertocorrectamorethanusuallyfeverishattackofconscience.

"Barnes!"

"Please,sir,"saidStone,somespeciesoftelepathytellinghimwhatwasdetaininghiscaptain."IthinkBarnesmusthaveleftthefield.Hehasprobablygoneovertothehousetofetchsomething."

"Thisisabsurd.Youmustdeclareyourinningsclosed.Thegamehasbecomeafarce."

"Declare!Sir,wecan'tunlessBarnesdoes.Hemightbeawfullyannoyedifwedidanythinglikethatwithoutconsultinghim."

"Absurd."

"He'sverytouchy,sir."

"Itisperfectfoolery."

"IthinkJenkinsisjustgoingtobowl,sir."

Mr.Downingwalkedmoodilytohisplace.

*****

Inaneatwoodenframeintheseniorday-roomatOutwood's,justabove

themantelpiece,therewasonview,aweeklater,aslipofpaper.Thewritingonitwasasfollows:

OUTWOOD'S_v_.DOWNING'S

_Outwood's.Firstinnings._

J.P.Barnes,_c_.Hammond,_b_.Hassall...33M.Jackson,notout........................277W.J.Stone,notout.......................124



Extras...............................37-----Total(foronewicket)......471

Downing'sdidnotbat.

CHAPTERXLI

THESINGULARBEHAVIOUROFJELLICOE

Outwood'srollickedconsiderablythatnight.Mike,ifhehadcaredtotakethepart,couldhavebeenthePettedHero.Butacordialinvitationfromtheseniorday-roomtobetheguestoftheeveningataboutthebiggestragofthecenturyhadbeenrefusedonthepleaoffatigue.Onedoesnotmaketwohundredandseventy-sevenrunsonahotdaywithoutfeelingtheeffects,evenifonehasscoredmainlybythemediumofboundaries;andMike,ashelaybackinPsmith'sdeck-chair,feltthatallhewantedwastogotobedandstaythereforaweek.Hishandsandarmsburnedasiftheywerered-hot,andhiseyesweresotiredthathecouldnotkeepthemopen.

Psmith,leaningagainstthemantelpiece,discoursedinadesultorywayontheday'shappenings--thescoreoffMr.Downing,theundeniableannoyanceofthatbatteredbowler,andtheprobabilityofhisventinghisannoyanceonMikenextday.

"Intheory,"saidhe,"themanlywhat-d'you-call-itofcricketandallthatsortofthingoughttomakehimfallonyourneckto-morrowandweepoveryouasafoemanworthyofhissteel.ButIampreparedtobetareasonablesumthathewillgivenoJiu-jitsuexhibitionofthiskind.Infact,fromwhatIhaveseenofourbrightlittlefriend,Ishouldsaythat,inasmallway,hewilldohisbesttomakeitdistinctlyhotforyou,hereandthere."

"Idon'tcare,"murmuredMike,shiftinghisachinglimbsinthechair.

"Inanordinaryway,Isuppose,amancanputupwithhavinghisbowlinghitalittle.Butyourperformancewascrueltytoanimals.Twenty-eightoffoneover,nottomentionthreewides,wouldhavemadeJobfoamatthemouth.Youwillprobablygetsacked.Ontheotherhand,it'sworthit.Youhavelitacandlethisdaywhichcanneverbeblownout.YouhaveshowntheladsofthevillagehowComradeDowning'sbowlingoughttobetreated.Idon'tsupposehe'llevertakeanotherwicket."

"Hedoesn'tdeserveto."

Psmithsmoothedhishairattheglassandturnedroundagain.

"Theonlyblotonthisdayofmirthandgood-willis,"hesaid,"thesingularconductofourfriendJellicoe.Whenalltheplacewasringingwithsongandmerriment,ComradeJellicoecrepttomyside,and,slippinghislittlehandinmine,touchedmeforthreequid."

ThisinterestedMike,faggedashewas.



"What!Threequid!"

"Threejingling,clinkingsovereigns.Hewantedfour."

"ButthemanmustbelivingattherateofIdon'tknowwhat.Itwasonlyyesterdaythatheborrowedaquidfrom_me_!"

"Hemustbesavingmoneyfast.ThereappeartobethemakingsofafinancieraboutComradeJellicoe.Well,Ihope,whenhe'scollectedenoughforhisneeds,he'llpaymebackabit.I'mprettywellcleanedout."

"IgotsomefrommybrotheratOxford."

"Perhapshe'ssavinguptogetmarried.Wemaybehelpingtowardsfurnishingthehome.TherewasaSiameseprincefellowatmydame'satEtonwhohadfourwiveswhenhearrived,andgatheredinafifthduringhisfirstsummerholidays.Itwasdoneonthecorrespondencesystem.HisPrimeMinisterfixeditupattheotherend,andsenthimthegladnewsonapicturepost-card.IthinkaneyeoughttobekeptonComradeJellicoe."

*****

Miketumbledintobedthatnightlikealog,buthecouldnotsleep.Heachedallover.Psmithchattedforatimeonhumanaffairsingeneral,andthendroppedgentlyoff.Jellicoe,whoappearedtobewrappedingloom,contributednothingtotheconversation.

AfterPsmithhadgonetosleep,Mikelayforsometimerunningoverinhismind,asthebestsubstituteforsleep,thevariouspointsofhisinningsthatday.Hefeltveryhotanduncomfortable.

Justashewaswonderingwhetheritwouldnotbeagoodideatogetupandhaveacoldbath,avoicespokefromthedarknessathisside.

"Areyouasleep,Jackson?"

"Who'sthat?"

"Me--Jellicoe.Ican'tgettosleep."

"NorcanI.I'mstiffallover."

"I'llcomeoverandsitonyourbed."

Therewasacreaking,andthenaweightdescendedintheneighbourhoodofMike'stoes.

Jellicoewasapparentlynotinconversationalmood.Heutterednoword

forquitethreeminutes.Attheendofwhichtimehegaveasoundmidwaybetweenasnortandasigh.

"Isay,Jackson!"hesaid.

"Yes?"

"Haveyou--oh,nothing."

Silenceagain.



"Jackson."

"Hullo?"

"Isay,whatwouldyourpeoplesayifyougotsacked?"

"Allsortsofthings.Especiallymypater.Why?"

"Oh,Idon'tknow.Sowouldmine."

"Everybody'swould,Iexpect."

"Yes."

Thebedcreaked,asJellicoedigestedthesegreatthoughts.Thenhespokeagain.

"Itwouldbeajollybeastlythingtogetsacked."

Mikewastootiredtogivehismindtothesubject.Hewasnotreallylistening.Jellicoedronedoninadepressedsortofway.

"You'dgethomeinthemiddleoftheafternoon,Isuppose,andyou'd

driveuptothehouse,andtheservantwouldopenthedoor,andyou'dgoin.Theymightallbeout,andthenyou'dhavetohangabout,andwait;andpresentlyyou'dhearthemcomein,andyou'dgooutintothepassage,andthey'dsay'Hullo!'"

Jellicoe,inordertogiveverisimilitude,asitwere,toanotherwisebaldandunconvincingnarrative,flungsomuchagitatedsurpriseintothelastwordthatitwokeMikefromatroubleddozeintowhichhehadfallen.

"Hullo?"hesaid."What'sup?"

"Thenyou'dsay.'Hullo!'Andthenthey'dsay,'Whatareyoudoing

here?'Andyou'dsay----"

"Whatonearthareyoutalkingabout?"

"Aboutwhatwouldhappen."

"Happenwhen?"

"Whenyougothome.Afterbeingsacked,youknow."

"Who'sbeensacked?"Mike'smindwasstillunderacloud.

"Nobody.Butifyouwere,Imeant.AndthenIsupposethere'dbean

awfulrowandgeneralsickness,andallthat.Andthenyou'dbesentintoabank,ortoAustralia,orsomething."

Mikedozedoffagain.

"Mypaterwouldbefrightfullysick.Mymaterwouldbesick.Mysisterwouldbejollysick,too.Haveyougotanysisters,Jackson?Isay,Jackson!"

"Hullo!What'sthematter?Who'sthat?"



"Me--Jellicoe."

"What'sup?"

"Iaskedyouifyou'dgotanysisters."

"Any_what_?"

"Sisters."

"Whosesisters?"

"Yours.Iaskedifyou'dgotany."

"Anywhat?"

"Sisters."

"Whataboutthem?"

TheconversationwasbecomingtoointricateforJellicoe.Hechangedthesubject.

"Isay,Jackson!""Well?"

"Isay,youdon'tknowanyonewhocouldlendmeapound,doyou?"

"What!"criedMike,sittingupinbedandstaringthroughthedarknessinthedirectionwhencethenumismatist'svoicewasproceeding."Do _what_?"

"Isay,lookout.You'llwakeSmith."

"Didyousayyouwantedsomeonetolendyouaquid?"

"Yes,"saidJellicoeeagerly."Doyouknowanyone?"

Mike'sheadthrobbed.Thisthingwastoomuch.Thehumanbraincouldnotbeexpectedtocopewithit.Herewasayouthwhohadborrowedapoundfromonefriendthedaybefore,andthreepoundsfromanotherfriendthatveryafternoon,alreadylookingabouthimforfurtherloans.Wasitahobby,orwashesavinguptobuyanaeroplane?

"Whatonearthdoyouwantapoundfor?"

"Idon'twanttotellanybody.Butit'sjollyserious.IshallgetsackedifIdon'tgetit."

Mikepondered.

ThosewhohavefollowedMike'scareerassetforthbythepresenthistorianwillhaverealisedbythistimethathewasagoodlongwayfrombeingperfect.AstheBlue-EyedHerohewouldhavebeenarankfailure.Exceptonthecricketfield,wherehewasanaturalgenius,hewasjustordinary.Heresembledninetypercent.ofothermembersofEnglishpublicschools.Hehadsomevirtuesandagoodmanydefects.Hewasasobstinateasamule,thoughpeoplewhomheliked



coulddoastheypleasedwithhim.Hewasgood-naturedasageneralthing,butonoccasionhistempercouldbeoftheworst,andhad,inhischildhood,beenthesubjectofmuchadversecommentamonghisaunts.Hewasrigidlytruthful,wheretheissueconcernedonlyhimself.Whereitwasacaseofsavingafriend,hewaspreparedtoactinamannerreminiscentofanAmericanexpertwitness.

Hehad,inaddition,onegoodqualitywithoutanydefecttobalanceit.Hewasalwaysreadytohelppeople.Andwhenhesethimselftodothis,hewasneverputoffbydiscomfortorrisk.Hewentatthethingwithasinglenessofpurposethataskednoquestions.

Bob'spostalorder,whichhadarrivedthatevening,wasreposinginthebreast-pocketofhiscoat.

Itwasawrench,but,ifthesituationwassoseriouswithJellicoe,ithadtobedone.

*****

TwominuteslaterthenightwasbeingmadehideousbyJellicoe'salmosttearfulprotestationsofgratitude,andthepostalorderhadmovedfromonesideofthedormitorytotheother.

CHAPTERXLII

JELLICOEGOESONTHESICK-LIST

MikewokenextmorningwithaconfusedmemoryofhavinglistenedtoagreatdealofincoherentconversationfromJellicoe,andapainfullyvividrecollectionofhandingoverthebulkofhisworldlywealthtohim.Thethoughtdepressedhim,thoughitseemedtopleaseJellicoe,forthelattercarolledinagayundertoneashedressed,tillPsmith,

whohadasensitiveear,askedasafavourthatthesefarm-yardimitationsmightceaseuntilhewasoutoftheroom.

TherewereotherthingstomakeMikelow-spiritedthatmorning.Tobeginwith,hewasindetention,whichinitselfisenoughtospoiladay.Itwasaparticularlyfineday,whichmadethematterworse.Inadditiontothis,hehadneverfeltstifferinhislife.Itseemedtohimthatthecreakingofhisjointsashewalkedmustbeaudibletoeveryonewithinaradiusofseveralyards.Finally,therewastheinterviewwithMr.Downingtocome.Thatwouldprobablybeunpleasant.AsPsmithhadsaid,Mr.Downingwasthesortofmasterwhowouldbelikelytomaketrouble.Thegreatmatchhadnotbeenanordinarymatch.Mr.Downingwasacuriousmaninmanyways,buthedidnotmake

afussonordinaryoccasionswhenhisbowlingprovedexpensive.Yesterday'sperformance,however,stoodinaclassbyitself.Itstoodforthwithoutdisguiseasadeliberaterag.Onesidedoesnotkeepanotherinthefieldthewholedayinaone-daymatchexceptasagrislykindofpracticaljoke.AndMr.Downingandhishouserealisedthis.Thehouse'swayofsignifyingitscomprehensionofthefactwastobecoldanddistantasfarastheseniorswereconcerned,andabusiveandpugnaciousasregardsthejuniors.Youngbloodhadbeenshedovernight,andmoreflowedduringtheeleveno'clockintervalthatmorningtoavengetheinsult.



Mr.Downing'smethodsofretaliationwouldhavetobe,ofnecessity,moreelusive;butMikedidnotdoubtthatinsomewayorotherhisform-masterwouldendeavourtogetabitofhisownback.

Aseventsturnedout,hewasperfectlyright.Whenamasterhasgothisknifeintoaboy,especiallyamasterwhoallowshimselftobeinfluencedbyhislikesanddislikes,heisinclinedtosinglehimoutintimesofstress,andsavagehimasifheweretheofficialrepresentativeoftheevildoers.Justas,atsea,theskipper,whenhehastroublewiththecrew,worksitoffontheboy.

Mr.DowningwasinasarcasticmoodwhenhemetMike.Thatistosay,hebeganinasarcasticstrain.Butthissortofthingisdifficulttokeepup.Bythetimehehadreachedhisperoration,therapierhadgivenplacetothebludgeon.Forsarcasmtobeeffective,theuserofitmustbemethalf-way.Hishearermustappeartobeconsciousofthesarcasmandmovedbyit.Mike,whenmasterswaxedsarcastictowardshim,alwaysassumedanairofstolidstupidity,whichwasasasuitofmailagainstsatire.

SoMr.Downingcamedownfromtheheightswitharun,andbegantoexpresshimselfwithasimplestrengthwhichitdidhisformgoodtolistento.Veteranswhohadbeenintheformfortermssaidafterwards

thattherehadbeennothingtotouchit,intheirexperienceoftheorator,sincethegloriousdaywhenDunster,thatprinceofraggers,whohadleftatChristmastogotoacrammer's,hadintroducedthreelivelygrass-snakesintotheroomduringaLatinlesson.

"Youaresurrounded,"concludedMr.Downing,snappinghispencilintwoinhisemotion,"byanimpenetrablemassofconceitandvanityandselfishness.Itdoesnotoccurtoyoutoadmityourcapabilitiesasacricketerinanopen,straightforwardwayandplacethematthedisposaloftheschool.No,thatwouldnotbedramaticenoughforyou.Itwouldbetoocommonplacealtogether.Fartoocommonplace!"Mr.Downinglaughedbitterly."No,youmustconcealyourcapabilities.Youmustactalie.Youmust--whoisthatshufflinghisfeet?Iwillnot

haveit,I_will_havesilence--youmusthangbackinordertomakeamoreeffectiveentrance,likesomewretchedactorwho--Iwill _not_havethisshuffling.Ihavespokenofthisbefore.Macpherson,areyoushufflingyourfeet?"

"Sir,no,sir."

"Please,sir."

"Well,Parsons?"

"Ithinkit'sthenoiseofthedraughtunderthedoor,sir."

InstantdepartureofParsonsfortheouterregions.And,intheexcitementofthisside-issue,thespeakerlosthisinspiration,andabruptlyconcludedhisremarksbyputtingMikeontotranslateinCicero.WhichMike,whohappenedtohavepreparedthefirsthalf-page,didwithmuchsuccess.

*****

TheOldBoys'matchwastimedtobeginshortlyaftereleveno'clock.Duringtheintervalmostoftheschoolwalkedacrossthefieldtolook



atthepitch.OneortwooftheOldBoyshadalreadychangedandwerepractisinginfrontofthepavilion.

ItwasthroughoneofthesebatsmenthatanaccidentoccurredwhichhadagooddealofinfluenceonMike'saffairs.

Mikehadstrolledoutbyhimself.Half-wayacrossthefieldJellicoejoinedhim.Jellicoewascheerful,andratherembarrassinglygrateful.Hewasjustinthemiddleofhisharanguewhentheaccidenthappened.

Totheirleft,astheycrossedthefield,alongyouth,withthefaintbeginningsofamoustacheandablazerthatlitupthesurroundinglandscapelikeaglowingbeacon,waslashingoutrecklesslyatafriend'sbowling.Alreadyhehadgonewithinanaceofslayingasmallboy.AsMikeandJellicoeproceededontheirway,therewasashoutof"Heads!"

Thealmostuniversalhabitofbatsmenofshouting"Heads!"atwhateverheightfromthegroundtheballmaybe,isnotalittleconfusing.Theaverageperson,onhearingtheshout,putshishandsoverhisskull,crouchesdownandtruststoluck.Thisisanexcellentplaniftheballisfalling,butisnotmuchprotectionagainstaskimmingdrivealongtheground.

When"Heads!"wascalledonthepresentoccasion,MikeandJellicoeinstantlyassumedthecrouchingattitude.

Jellicoewasthefirsttoabandonit.Heutteredayellandsprangintotheair.Afterwhichhesatdownandbegantonursehisankle.

Thebright-blazeredyouthwalkedup.

"Awfullysorry,youknow,man.Hurt?"

Jellicoewaspressingtheinjuredspottenderlywithhisfinger-tips,utteringsharphowlswhenever,zealoutrunningdiscretion,heproddedhimselftooenergetically.

"Sillyass,Dunster,"hegroaned,"slammingaboutlikethat."

"Awfullysorry.ButIdidyell."

"It'sswellinguprather,"saidMike."You'dbettergetovertothehouseandhaveitlookedat.Canyouwalk?"

Jellicoetried,butsatdownagainwithaloud"Ow!"Atthatmomentthebellrang.

"Ishallhavetobegoingin,"saidMike,"orI'dhavehelpedyouover."

"I'llgiveyouahand,"saidDunster.

Hehelpedthesufferertohisfeetandtheystaggeredofftogether,Jellicoehopping,Dunsteradvancingwithasortofpolkastep.Mikewatchedthemstartandthenturnedtogoin.



CHAPTERXLIII

MIKERECEIVESACOMMISSION

Thereisonlyonethingtobesaidinfavourofdetentiononafinesummer'safternoon,andthatisthatitisverypleasanttocomeoutof.Thesunneverseemssobrightortheturfsogreenasduringthefirstfiveminutesafteronehascomeoutofthedetention-room.Onefeelsasifonewereenteringanewandverydelightfulworld.ThereisalsoatouchoftheRipvanWinklefeeling.Everythingseemstohavegoneonandleftonebehind.Mike,ashewalkedtothecricketfield,feltverymuchbehindthetimes.

ArrivingonthefieldhefoundtheOldBoysbatting.HestoppedandwatchedanoverofAdair's.Thefifthballbowledaman.Mikemadehiswaytowardsthepavilion.

Beforehegotthereheheardhisnamecalled,andturning,foundPsmithseatedunderatreewiththebright-blazeredDunster.

"Returnoftheexile,"saidPsmith."Ajoyfuloccasiontingedwithmelancholy.Haveacherry?--takeoneortwo.Theselittleactsofunrememberedkindnessarewhatoneneedsafteracoupleofhoursin

extrapupil-room.Restoreyourtissues,ComradeJackson,andwhenyouhavefinishedthose,applyagain.

"IsyournameJackson?"inquiredDunster,"becauseJellicoewantstoseeyou."

"Alas,poorJellicoe!"saidPsmith."Heisnowproneonhisbedinthedormitory--thereasheerhulkliespoorTomJellicoe,thedarlingofthecrew,faithfulbelowhedidhisduty,butComradeDunsterhasbroachedhimto.Ihavejustbeenhearingthemelancholydetails."

"OldSmithandI,"saidDunster,"wereataprivateschooltogether.I'dnoideaIshouldfindhimhere."

"Itwasawonderfullystirringsightwhenwemet,"saidPsmith;"notunlikethemeetingofUlyssesandthehoundArgos,ofwhomyouhavedoubtlessreadinthecourseofyourdabblingsintheclassics.IwasUlysses;Dunstergavealife-likerepresentationofthefaithfuldawg."

"Youstilljawasmuchasever,Inotice,"saidtheanimaldelineator,fondlingthebeginningsofhismoustache.

"More,"sighedPsmith,"more.Isanythingirritatingyou?"headded,eyeingtheother'smanoeuvreswithinterest.

"Youneedn'tbeafunnyass,man,"saidDunster,pained;"heapsofpeopletellmeIoughttohaveitwaxed."

"Whatitreallywantsistop-dressingwithguano.Hullo!anothermanout.Adair'sbowlingbetterto-daythanhedidyesterday."

"Iheardaboutyesterday,"saidDunster."Itmusthavebeenarag!Couldn'tweworkoffsomeotherragonsomebodybeforeIgo?IshallbestoppingheretillMondayinthevillage.Wellhit,sir--Adair'sbowlingisperfectlysimpleifyougoouttoit."



"ComradeDunsterwentouttoitfirstball,"saidPsmithtoMike.

"Oh!chuckit,man;thesunwasinmyeyes.IhearAdair'sgotamatchonwiththeM.C.C.atlast."

"Hashe?"saidPsmith;"Ihadn'theard.ArchaeologyclaimssomuchofmytimethatIhavelittleleisureforlisteningtocricketchit-chat."

"WhatwasitJellicoewanted?"askedMike;"wasitanythingimportant?"

"Heseemedtothinkso--hekepttellingmetotellyoutogoandseehim."

"IfearComradeJellicoeisabitofaweak-mindedblitherer----"

"DidyoueverhearofaragweworkedoffonJellicoeonce?"askedDunster."Themanhasabsolutelynosenseofhumour--can'tseewhenhe'sbeingrotted.Wellitwaslikethis--Hullo!We'reallout--Ishallhavetobegoingouttofieldagain,Isuppose,dashit!I'lltellyouwhenIseeyouagain."

"Ishallcounttheminutes,"saidPsmith.Mikestretchedhimself;thesunwasverysoothingafterhistwohoursinthedetention-room;hefeltdisinclinedforexertion.

"Idon'tsupposeit'sanythingspecialaboutJellicoe,doyou?"hesaid."Imean,it'llkeeptilltea-time;it'snocatchhavingtosweatacrosstothehousenow."

"Don'tdreamofmoving,"saidPsmith."IhaveseveralratherprofoundobservationsonlifetomakeandIcan'tmakethemwithoutanaudience.Soliloquyisaknack.Hamlethadgotit,butprobablyonlyafteryearsofpatientpractice.Personally,Ineedsomeonetolisten

whenItalk.IliketofeelthatIamdoinggood.Youstaywhereyouare--don'tinterrupttoomuch."

MiketiltedhishatoverhiseyesandabandonedJellicoe.

Itwasnotuntilthelock-upbellrangthatherememberedhim.Hewentovertothehouseandmadehiswaytothedormitory,wherehefoundtheinjuredoneinaparlousstate,notsomuchphysicalasmental.Thedoctorhadseenhisankleandreportedthatitwouldbeontheactivelistinacoupleofdays.ItwasJellicoe'smindthatneededattentionnow.

Mikefoundhiminaconditionborderingoncollapse.

"Isay,youmighthavecomebefore!"saidJellicoe.

"What'sup?Ididn'tknowtherewassuchahurryaboutit--whatdidyouwant?"

"It'snogoodnow,"saidJellicoegloomily;"it'stoolate,Ishallgetsacked."

"Whatonearthareyoutalkingabout?What'stherow?"



"It'saboutthatmoney."

"Whataboutit?"

"Ihadtopayittoamanto-day,orhesaidhe'dwritetotheHead--thenofcourseIshouldgetsacked.Iwasgoingtotakethemoneytohimthisafternoon,onlyIgotcrocked,soIcouldn'tmove.Iwantedtogetholdofyoutoaskyoutotakeitforme--it'stoolatenow!"

Mike'sfacefell."Oh,hangit!"hesaid,"I'mawfullysorry.I'dnoideaitwasanythinglikethat--whatafoolIwas!Dunsterdidsayhethoughtitwassomethingimportant,onlylikeanassIthoughtitwoulddoifIcameoveratlock-up."

"Itdoesn'tmatter,"saidJellicoemiserably;"itcan'tbehelped."

"Yes,itcan,"saidMike."IknowwhatI'lldo--it'sallright.I'llgetoutofthehouseafterlights-out."

Jellicoesatup."Youcan't!You'dgetsackedifyouwerecaught."

"Whowouldcatchme?TherewasachapatWrykynIknewwhousedto

breakouteverynightnearlyandgoandpotatcatswithanair-pistol;it'saseasyasanything."

Thetoad-under-the-harrowexpressionbegantofadefromJellicoe'sface."Isay,doyouthinkyoucould,really?"

"OfcourseIcan!It'llberatherarag."

"Isay,it'sfrightfullydecentofyou."

"Whatabsoluterot!"

"But,lookhere,areyoucertain----"

"Ishallbeallright.Wheredoyouwantmetogo?"

"It'saplaceaboutamileortwofromhere,calledLowerBorlock."

"LowerBorlock?"

"Yes,doyouknowit?"

"Rather!I'vebeenplayingcricketforthemalltheterm."

"Isay,haveyou?DoyouknowamancalledBarley?"

"Barley?Rather--herunsthe'WhiteBoar'."

"He'sthechapIowethemoneyto."

"OldBarley!"

Mikeknewthelandlordofthe"WhiteBoar"well;hewasthewagofthevillageteam.Everyvillageteam,forsomemysteriousreason,hasitscomicman.IntheLowerBorlockelevenMr.Barleyfilledthepost.Hewasalarge,stoutman,witharedandcheerfulface,wholooked



exactlylikethejovialinn-keeperofmelodrama.HewasthelastmanMikewouldhaveexpectedtodothe"moneybyMonday-weekorIwritetotheheadmaster"business.

Buthereflectedthathehadonlyseenhiminhisleisuremoments,whenhemightnaturallybeexpectedtounbendandbefullofthemilkofhumankindness.Probablyinbusinesshourshewasquitedifferent.Afterall,pleasureisonethingandbusinessanother.

Besides,fivepoundsisalargesumofmoney,andifJellicoeowedit,therewasnothingstrangeinMr.Barley'sdoingeverythinghecouldtorecoverit.

HewonderedalittlewhatJellicoecouldhavebeendoingtorunupabillasbigasthat,butitdidnotoccurtohimtoask,whichwasunfortunate,asitmighthavesavedhimagooddealofinconvenience.ItseemedtohimthatitwasnoneofhisbusinesstoinquireintoJellicoe'sprivateaffairs.Hetooktheenvelopecontainingthemoneywithoutquestion.

"Ishallbikethere,Ithink,"hesaid,"ifIcangetintotheshed."

Theschool'sbicycleswerestoredinashedbythepavilion.

"Youcanmanagethat,"saidJellicoe;"it'slockedupatnight,butIhadakeymadetofititlastsummer,becauseIusedtogooutintheearlymorningsometimesbeforeitwasopened."

"Gotitonyou?"

"Smith'sgotit."

"I'llgetitfromhim."

"Isay!"

"Well?"

"Don'ttellSmithwhyyouwantit,willyou?Idon'twantanybodytoknow--ifathingoncestartsgettingaboutit'sallovertheplaceinnotime."

"Allright,Iwon'ttellhim."

"Isay,thanksmostawfully!Idon'tknowwhatIshouldhavedone,I----"

"Oh,chuckit!"saidMike.

CHAPTERXLIV

ANDFULFILSIT

MikestartedonhisridetoLowerBorlockwithmixedfeelings.Itispleasanttobeoutonafinenightinsummer,butthepleasureistoacertainextentmodifiedwhenonefeelsthattobedetectedwillmean



expulsion.

Mikedidnotwanttobeexpelled,formanyreasons.NowthathehadgrownusedtotheplacehewasenjoyinghimselfatSedleightoacertainextent.HestillharbouredafeelingofresentmentagainsttheschoolingeneralandAdairinparticular,butitwaspleasantinOutwood'snowthathehadgottoknowsomeofthemembersofthehouse,andhelikedplayingcricketforLowerBorlock;also,hewasfairlycertainthathisfatherwouldnotlethimgotoCambridgeifhewereexpelledfromSedleigh.Mr.Jacksonwaseasy-goingwithhisfamily,butoccasionallyhisfootcamedownlikeasteam-hammer,aswitnesstheWrykynschoolreportaffair.

SoMikepedalledalongrapidly,beingwishfultogetthejobdonewithoutdelay.

Psmithhadyieldedupthekey,buthisinquiriesastowhyitwasneededhadbeenembarrassing.Mike'sstatementthathewantedtogetupearlyandhavearidehadbeenreceivedbyPsmith,withwhomearlyrisingwasnotahobby,withhonestamazementandafloodofadviceandwarningonthesubject.

"OneoftheGeorges,"saidPsmith,"Iforgetwhich,oncesaidthatacertainnumberofhours'sleepaday--Icannotrecallforthemoment

howmany--madeamansomething,whichforthetimebeinghasslippedmymemory.However,thereyouare.I'vegivenyouthemainideaofthething;andaGermandoctorsaysthatearlyrisingcausesinsanity.Still,ifyou'rebentonit----"Afterwhichhehadhandedoverthekey.

MikewishedhecouldhavetakenPsmithintohisconfidence.Probablyhewouldhavevolunteeredtocome,too;Mikewouldhavebeengladofacompanion.

ItdidnottakehimlongtoreachLowerBorlock.The"WhiteBoar"stoodatthefarendofthevillage,bythecricketfield.Herodepastthechurch--standingoutblackandmysteriousagainstthelight

sky--andtherowsofsilentcottages,untilhecametotheinn.

Theplacewasshut,ofcourse,andallthelightswereout--itwassometimepasteleven.

Theadvantageaninnhasoveraprivatehouse,fromthepointofviewofthepersonwhowantstogetintoitwhenithasbeenlockedup,isthatanocturnalvisitisnotsounexpectedinthecaseoftheformer.Preparationshavebeenmadetomeetsuchanemergency.Wherewithaprivatehouseyouwouldprobablyhavetowanderroundheavingrocksandendbyclimbingupawater-spout,whenyouwanttogetintoaninnyousimplyringthenight-bell,which,communicatingwiththeboots'room,hasthathard-workedmenialupanddoinginnotime.

AfterMikehadwaitedforafewminutestherewasarattlingofchainsandashootingofboltsandthedooropened.

"Yes,sir?"saidtheboots,appearinginhisshirt-sleeves."Why,'ullo!Mr.Jackson,sir!"

MikewaswellknowntoalldwellersinLowerBorlock,hisscoresbeingthechieftopicofconversationwhentheday'slabourswereover.



"IwanttoseeMr.Barley,Jack."

"He'sbininbedthishalf-hourback,Mr.Jackson."

"Imustseehim.Canyougethimdown?"

Thebootslookeddoubtful."Rousttheguv'norouterbed?"hesaid.

Mikequiteadmittedthegravityofthetask.Thelandlordofthe"WhiteBoar"wasoneofthosemenwhoneedabeautysleep.

"Iwishyouwould--it'sathingthatcan'twait.I'vegotsomemoneytogivetohim."

"Oh,ifit's_that_--"saidtheboots.

Fiveminuteslaterminehostappearedinperson,lookingmorethanusuallyportlyinacheckdressing-gownandredbedroomslippersofthe_Dreadnought_type.

"Youcanpopoff,Jack."

Exitbootstohisslumbersoncemore.

"Well,Mr.Jackson,what'sitallabout?""Jellicoeaskedmetocomeandbringyouthemoney."

"Themoney?Whatmoney?"

"Whatheowesyou;thefivepounds,ofcourse."

"Thefive--"Mr.Barleystaredopen-mouthedatMikeforamoment;thenhebrokeintoaroaroflaughterwhichshookthesportingprintsonthewallanddrewbarksfromdogsinsomedistantpartofthehouse.HestaggeredaboutlaughingandcoughingtillMikebegantoexpectafitofsomekind.Thenhecollapsedintoachair,which

creakedunderhim,andwipedhiseyes.

"Ohdear!"hesaid,"ohdear!thefivepounds!"

Mikewasnotalwaysabreastoftherusticideaofhumour,andnowhefeltparticularlyfogged.Forthelifeofhimhecouldnotseewhattherewastoamuseanyonesomuchinthefactthatapersonwhoowedfivepoundswasreadytopayitback.Itwasanoccasionforrejoicing,perhaps,butratherforasolemn,thankful,eyes-raised-to-heavenkindofrejoicing.

"What'sup?"heasked.

"Fivepounds!"

"Youmighttellusthejoke."

Mr.Barleyopenedtheletter,readit,andhadanotherattack;whenthiswasfinishedhehandedthelettertoMike,whowaswaitingpatientlyby,hopingforlight,andrequestedhimtoreadit.

"Dear,dear!"chuckledMr.Barley,"fivepounds!TheymayteachyouyounggentlementotalkLatinandGreekandwhatnotatyourschool,



tofindthisoutforhimself.

HisfirstactonarrivingatSedleighwastoreplacehisbicycleintheshed.Thisheaccomplishedwithsuccess.Itwaspitch-darkintheshed,andashewheeledhismachinein,hisfoottouchedsomethingonthefloor.Withoutwaitingtodiscoverwhatthismightbe,heleanedhisbicycleagainstthewall,wentout,andlockedthedoor,afterwhichheranacrosstoOutwood's.

Fortunehadfavouredhisundertakingbydecreeingthatastoutdrain-pipeshouldpassupthewallwithinafewinchesofhisandPsmith'sstudy.Onthefirstdayofterm,itmayberememberedhehadwrenchedawaythewoodenbarwhichbisectedthewindow-frame,thusrenderingexitandentrancealmostassimpleastheyhadbeenforWyattduringMike'sfirsttermatWrykyn.

Heproceededtoscalethiswater-pipe.

Hehadgotabouthalf-wayupwhenavoicefromsomewherebelowcried,"Who'sthat?"

CHAPTERXLVPURSUIT

ThesethingsareLife'sLittleDifficulties.Onecannevertellpreciselyhowonewillactinasuddenemergency.TherightthingforMiketohavedoneatthiscrisiswastohaveignoredthevoice,carriedonupthewater-pipe,andthroughthestudywindow,andgonetobed.Itwasextremelyunlikelythatanybodycouldhaverecognisedhimatnightagainstthedarkbackgroundofthehouse.ThepositionthenwouldhavebeenthatsomebodyinMr.Outwood'shousehadbeenseenbreakinginafterlights-out;butitwouldhavebeenvery

difficultfortheauthoritiestohavenarrowedthesearchdownanyfurtherthanthat.Therewerethirty-fourboysinOutwood's,ofwhomaboutfourteenweremuchthesamesizeandbuildasMike.

Thesuddenness,however,ofthecallcausedMiketolosehishead.Hemadethestrategicerrorofslidingrapidlydownthepipe,andrunning.

ThereweretwogatestoMr.Outwood'sfrontgarden.Thecarriagedriveraninasemicircle,ofwhichthehousewasthecentre.Itwasfromtheright-handgate,nearesttoMr.Downing'shouse,thatthevoicehadcome,and,asMikecametotheground,hesawastoutfiguregallopingtowardshimfromthatdirection.Heboltedlikearabbitfor

theothergate.Ashedidso,hispursueragaingavetongue.

"Oo-oo-ooyer!"wastheexactremark.

WherebyMikerecognisedhimastheschoolsergeant.

"Oo-oo-ooyer!"wasthatmilitantgentleman'shabitualwayofbeginningaconversation.

Withthisknowledge,Mikefelteasierinhismind.SergeantCollard



wasamanofmanyfinequalities,(notablyatalentforwhathewaswonttocall"spott'n,"amysteriousgiftwhichheexercisedontheriflerange),buthecouldnotrun.TherehadbeenatimeinhishotyouthwhenhehadsprintedlikeanuntamedmustanginpursuitofvolatilePathansinIndianhillwars,butTime,increasinghisgirth,hadtakenfromhimthetasteforsuchexercise.Whenhemovednowitwasatastatelywalk.Thefactthatheranto-nightshowedhowtheexcitementofthechasehadenteredintohisblood.

"Oo-oo-ooyer!"heshoutedagain,asMike,passingthroughthegate,turnedintotheroadthatledtotheschool.Mike'sattentiveearnotedthatthebrightspeechwasashademorepuffilydeliveredthistime.Hebegantofeelthatthiswasnotsuchbadfunafterall.Hewouldhavelikedtobeinbed,but,ifthatwasoutofthequestion,thiswascertainlythenextbestthing.

Heranon,takingthingseasily,withthesergeantpantinginhiswake,tillhereachedtheentrancetotheschoolgrounds.Hedashedinandtookcoverbehindatree.

Presentlythesergeantturnedthecorner,goingbadlyandevidentlycuredofagooddealofthefeverofthechase.Mikeheardhimtoilonforafewyardsandthenstop.Asoundofpantingwasbornetohim.

Thenthesoundoffootstepsreturning,thistimeatawalk.Theypassedthegateandwentondowntheroad.

Thepursuerhadgiventhethingup.

Mikewaitedforseveralminutesbehindhistree.Hisprogrammenowwassimple.HewouldgiveSergeantCollardabouthalfanhour,incasethelattertookitintohisheadto"guardhome"bywaitingatthegate.Thenhewouldtrotsoftlyback,shootupthewater-pipeoncemore,andsotobed.Ithadjuststruckaquartertosomething--twelve,hesupposed--ontheschoolclock.Hewouldwaittillaquarterpast.

Meanwhile,therewasnothingtobegainedfromlurkingbehindatree.

Helefthiscover,andstartedtostrollinthedirectionofthepavilion.Havingarrivedthere,hesatonthesteps,lookingoutontothecricketfield.

Histhoughtsweremilesaway,atWrykyn,whenhewasrecalledtoSedleighbythesoundofsomebodyrunning.Focussinghisgaze,hesawadimfiguremovingrapidlyacrossthecricketfieldstraightforhim.

Hisfirstimpression,thathehadbeenseenandfollowed,disappearedastherunner,insteadofmakingforthepavilion,turnedaside,andstoppedatthedoorofthebicycleshed.LikeMike,hewasevidentlypossessedofakey,forMikehearditgrateinthelock.Atthispointheleftthepavilionandhailedhisfellowramblerbynightina

cautiousundertone.

Theotherappearedstartled.

"Whothedickensisthat?"heasked."Isthatyou,Jackson?"

MikerecognisedAdair'svoice.Thelastpersonhewouldhaveexpectedtomeetatmidnightobviouslyonthepointofgoingforabicycleride.



"Whatareyoudoingouthere,Jackson?"

"Whatareyou,ifitcomestothat?"

Adairwaslightinghislamp.

"I'mgoingforthedoctor.Oneofthechapsinourhouseisbad."

"Oh!"

"Whatareyoudoingouthere?"

"Justbeenforastroll."

"Hadn'tyoubetterbegettingback?"

"Plentyoftime."

"Isupposeyouthinkyou'redoingsomethingtremendouslybraveanddashing?"

"Hadn'tyoubetterbegoingtothedoctor?"

"IfyouwanttoknowwhatIthink----"

"Idon't.Solong."

Miketurnedaway,whistlingbetweenhisteeth.Afteramoment'spause,Adairrodeoff.Mikesawhislightpassacrossthefieldandthroughthegate.Theschoolclockstruckthequarter.

ItseemedtoMikethatSergeantCollard,evenifhehadstartedtowaitforhimatthehouse,wouldnotkeepupthevigilformorethanhalfanhour.Hewouldbesafenowintryingforhomeagain.

Hewalkedinthatdirection.

NowithappenedthatMr.Downing,arousedfromhisfirstsleepbythenews,conveyedtohimbyAdair,thatMacPhee,oneofthejuniormembersofAdair'sdormitory,wasgroaningandexhibitingothersymptomsofacuteillness,wasdisturbedinhismind.Mosthousemastersfeeluneasyintheeventofillnessintheirhouses,andMr.Downingwasapttogetjumpybeyondtheordinaryonsuchoccasions.AllthatwaswrongwithMacPhee,asamatteroffact,wasaveryfairstomach-ache,thedirectandlegitimateresultofeatingsixbuns,halfacocoa-nut,threedoughnuts,twoices,anapple,andapoundofcherries,andwashingthelotdownwithtea.ButMr.Downingsawinhisattackthebeginningsofsomedeadlyscourgewhichwouldsweepthroughanddecimatethehouse.HehaddespatchedAdairforthedoctor,and,afterspendingafewminutesprowlingrestlesslyabout

hisroom,wasnowstandingathisfrontgate,waitingforAdair'sreturn.

Itcameabout,therefore,thatMike,sprintinglightlyinthedirectionofhomeandsafety,hadhisalreadyshakennervesfurthermaltreatedbybeinghailed,atarangeofabouttwoyards,withacryof"Isthatyou,Adair?"ThenextmomentMr.Downingemergedfromhisgate.

Mikestoodnotupontheorderofhisgoing.Hewasofflikean



arrow--aflyingfigureofGuilt.Mr.Downing,afterthefirstsurprise,seemedtograspthesituation.Ejaculatingatintervalsthewords,"Whoisthat?Stop!Whoisthat?Stop!"hedashedafterthemuch-enduringWrykynianatanextremelycreditablerateofspeed.Mr.Downingwasbywayofbeingasprinter.HehadwonhandicapeventsatCollegesportsatOxford,and,ifMikehadnotgotsuchagoodstart,theracemighthavebeenoverinthefirstfiftyyards.Asitwas,thatvictimofFate,goingwell,keptahead.Attheentrancetotheschoolgroundsheledbyadozenyards.Theprocessionpassedintothefield,Mikeheadingasbeforeforthepavilion.

Astheyracedacrossthesoftturf,anideaoccurredtoMikewhichhewasaccustomedinafteryearstoattributetogenius,theoneflashofitwhichhadeverilluminedhislife.

Itwasthis.

OneofMr.Downing'sfirstacts,onstartingtheFireBrigadeatSedleigh,hadbeentoinstituteanalarmbell.Ithadbeenrubbedintotheschoolofficially--inspeechesfromthedaÃ‾s--bytheheadmaster,andunofficially--inearnestprivateconversations--byMr.Downing,thatatthesoundofthisbell,atwhateverhourofdayornight,everymemberoftheschoolmustleavehishouseinthequickest

possibleway,andmakefortheopen.Thebellmightmeanthattheschoolwasonfire,oritmightmeanthatoneofthehouseswasonfire.Inanycase,theschoolhaditsorders--togetoutintotheopenatonce.

Normustitbesupposedthattheschoolwaswithoutpracticeatthisfeat.Everynowandthenanoticewouldbefoundpostedupontheboardtotheeffectthattherewouldbefiredrillduringthedinnerhourthatday.Sometimestheperformancewasbrightandinteresting,asontheoccasionwhenMr.Downing,marshallingthebrigadeathisfrontgate,hadsaid,"Myhouseissupposedtobeonfire.Nowlet'sdoarecord!"whichtheBrigade,headedbyStoneandRobinson,obliginglydid.Theyfastenedthehosetothehydrant,smasheda

windowonthegroundfloor(Mr.Downinghavingretiredforamomenttotalkwiththeheadmaster),andpouredastreamofwaterintotheroom.WhenMr.Downingwasatlibertytoturnhisattentiontothematter,hefoundthattheroomselectedwashisprivatestudy,mostofthelightfurnitureofwhichwasfloatingonaminiaturelake.Thatepisodehadratherdiscouragedhispassionforrealism,andfiredrillsincethenhadtakentheform,forthemostpart,of"practisingescaping."Thiswasdonebymeansofcanvasshoots,keptinthedormitories.Atthesoundofthebelltheprefectofthedormitorywouldheaveoneendoftheshootoutofwindow,theotherendbeingfastenedtothesill.Hewouldthengodownithimself,usinghiselbowsasabrake.Thenthesecondmanwouldfollowhisexample,andthesetwo,standingbelow,wouldholdtheendoftheshootsothatthe

restofthedormitorycouldflyrapidlydownitwithoutinjury,excepttotheirdigestions.

Afterthefirstnoveltyofthethinghadwornoff,theschoolhadtakenarooteddisliketofiredrill.Itwasamatterforself-congratulationamongthemthatMr.Downinghadneverbeenabletoinducetheheadmastertoallowthealarmbelltobesoundedforfiredrillatnight.Theheadmaster,amanwhohadhisviewsontheamountofsleepnecessaryforthegrowingboy,haddrawnthelineatnightoperations."Sufficientuntotheday"hadbeenthegistof



hisreply.Ifthealarmbellweretoringatnightwhentherewasnofire,theschoolmightmistakeagenuinealarmoffireforabogusone,andrefusetohurrythemselves.

SoMr.Downinghadhadtobecontentwithdaydrill.

Thealarmbellhunginthearchwayleadingintotheschoolgrounds.Theendoftherope,whennotinuse,wasfastenedtoahookhalf-wayupthewall.

Mike,asheracedoverthecricketfield,madeuphismindinaflashthathisonlychanceofgettingoutofthistanglewastoshakehispursueroffforaspaceoftimelongenoughtoenablehimtogettotheropeandtugit.Thentheschoolwouldcomeout.Hewouldmixwiththem,andinthesubsequentconfusiongetbacktobedunnoticed.

Thetaskwaseasierthanitwouldhaveseemedatthebeginningofthechase.Mr.Downing,owingtothetwofactsthathewasnotinthestrictesttraining,andthatitisonlyanAlfredShrubbwhocanrunforanylengthoftimeattopspeedshouting"Whoisthat?Stop!Whoisthat?Stop!"wasbeginningtofeeldistressed.TherewerebellowstomendintheDowningcamp.Mikeperceivedthis,andforcedthepace.Heroundedthepaviliontenyardstothegood.Then,headingforthegate,heputallheknewintoonelastsprint.Mr.Downingwasnot

equaltotheeffort.Heworkedgamelyforafewstrides,thenfellbehind.WhenMikereachedthegate,agoodfortyyardsseparatedthem.

AsfarasMikecouldjudge--hewasnotinaconditiontomakenicecalculations--hehadaboutfoursecondsinwhichtogetbusywiththatbellrope.

Probablynobodyhasevercrammedmoreenergeticworkintofoursecondsthanhedidthen.

ThenightwasasstillasonlyanEnglishsummernightcanbe,andthefirstclangoftheclappersoundedlikeamillionirongirdersfallingfromaheightontoasheetoftin.Hetuggedawayfuriously,withan

eyeonthenowrapidlyadvancingandloudlyshoutingfigureofthehousemaster.

Andfromthedarkenedhousebeyondtherecameagraduallyswellinghum,asifavasthiveofbeeshadbeendisturbed.

Theschoolwasawake.

CHAPTERXLVI

THEDECORATIONOFSAMMY

Smithleanedagainstthemantelpieceintheseniorday-roomatOutwood's--sinceMike'sinningsagainstDowning'stheLostLambshadbeenreceivedasbrothersbythatcentreofdisorder,sothatevenSpillerwascompelledtolookonthehatchetasburied--andgavehisviewsontheeventsoftheprecedingnight,or,rather,ofthatmorning,foritwasneareronethantwelvewhenpeacehadoncemorefallenontheschool.



"Nothingthathappensinthisluny-bin,"saidPsmith,"haspowertosurprisemenow.TherewasatimewhenImighthavethoughtitalittleunusualtohavetoleavethehousethroughacanvasshootatoneo'clockinthemorning,butIsupposeit'squitetheregularthinghere.Oldschooltradition,&c.Menleavetheschool,andfindthatthey'vegotsoaccustomedtojumpingoutofwindowthattheylookonitasasortofaffectationtogooutbythedoor.Isupposenoneofyoumerchantscangivemeanyideawhenthenextknockaboutentertainmentofthiskindislikelytotakeplace?"

"Iwonderwhorangthatbell!"saidStone."Jollysportingidea."

"IbelieveitwasDowninghimself.Ifitwas,Ihopehe'ssatisfied."

Jellicoe,whowasappearinginsocietysupportedbyastick,lookedmeaninglyatMike,andgiggled,receivinginanswerastonystare.MikehadinformedJellicoeofthedetailsofhisinterviewwithMr.Barleyatthe"WhiteBoar,"andJellicoe,afteramomentarysplutterofwrathagainstthepracticaljoker,wasnowinaparticularlylight-heartedmood.Hehobbledabout,gigglingatnothingandatpeacewithalltheworld.

"Itwasastirringscene,"saidPsmith."Theagilitywithwhich

ComradeJellicoeboostedhimselfdowntheshootwasatriumphofmindovermatter.Heseemedtoforgethisankle.ItwasthenearestthingtoaBonelessAcrobaticWonderthatIhaveeverseen."

"Iwasinabeastlyfunk,Icantellyou."

Stonegurgled.

"SowasI,"hesaid,"forabit.Then,whenIsawthatitwasallarag,Ibegantolookaboutforwaysofdoingthethingreallywell.Iemptiedaboutsixjugsofwateronagangofkidsundermywindow."

"IrushedintoDowning's,andraggedsomeofthebeds,"saidRobinson.

"Itwasaninvigoratingtime,"saidPsmith."Asortofpageant.Iwasparticularlystruckwiththewaysomeofthebrightladscaughtholdoftheidea.Therewasnoskimping.Someofthekids,tomycertainknowledge,wentdowntheshootadozentimes.There'snothinglikedoingathingthoroughly.Isawthemcomedown,rushupstairs,andbesavedagain,timeaftertime.Thethingbecamechronicwiththem.IshouldsayComradeDowningoughttobesatisfiedwiththehighstateofefficiencytowhichhehasbroughtus.AtanyrateIhope----"

Therewasasoundofhurriedfootstepsoutsidethedoor,andSharpe,amemberoftheseniorday-room,burstexcitedlyin.Heseemedamused.

"Isay,haveyouchapsseenSammy?"

"Seenwho?"saidStone."Sammy?Why?"

"You'llknowinasecond.He'sjustoutside.Here,Sammy,Sammy,Sammy!Sam!Sam!"

Abarkandapatteroffeetoutside.

"Comeon,Sammy.Gooddog."



Therewasamoment'ssilence.Thenagreatyelloflaughterburstforth.EvenPsmith'smassivecalmwasshattered.AsforJellicoe,hesobbedinacorner.

Sammy'sbeautifulwhitecoatwasalmostentirelyconcealedbyathickcoveringofbrightredpaint.Hishead,withtheexceptionoftheears,wasuntouched,andhisserious,friendlyeyesseemedtoemphasisetheweirdnessofhisappearance.Hestoodinthedoorway,barkingandwagginghistail,plainlypuzzledathisreception.Hewasapopulardog,andwasalwayswellreceivedwhenhevisitedanyofthehouses,buthehadneverbeforemetwithenthusiasmlikethis.

"GoodoldSammy!"

"Whatonearth'sbeenhappeningtohim?"

"Whodidit?"

Sharpe,theintroducer,hadnoviewsonthematter.

"IfoundhimoutsideDowning's,withacrowdroundhim.Everybodyseemstohaveseenhim.Iwonderwhoonearthhasgoneandmuckedhimuplikethat!"

Mikewasthefirsttoshowanysympathyforthemaltreatedanimal.

"PooroldSammy,"hesaid,kneelingonthefloorbesidethevictim,andscratchinghimundertheear."Whatabeastlyshame!It'lltakehourstowashallthatoffhim,andhe'llhateit."

"Itseemstome,"saidPsmith,regardingSammydispassionatelythroughhiseyeglass,"thatit'snotacaseformerewashing.They'lleitherhavetoskinhimbodily,orleavethethingtotime.Time,theGreatHealer.Inayearortwohe'llfadetoadelicatepink.Idon'tseewhyyoushouldn'thaveapinkbull-terrier.Itwouldlendatouchofdistinctiontotheplace.Crowdswouldcomeinexcursiontrainstosee

him.Bychargingasmallfeeyoumightmakehimself-supporting.IthinkI'llsuggestittoComradeDowning."

"There'llbearowaboutthis,"saidStone.

"Rowsarerathersportwhenyou'renotmixedupinthem,"saidRobinson,philosophically."There'llbeanotherifwedon'tstartoffforchapelsoon.It'saquarterto."

Therewasageneralmove.Mikewasthelasttoleavetheroom.Ashewasgoing,Jellicoestoppedhim.JellicoewasstayinginthatSunday,owingtohisankle.

"Isay,"saidJellicoe,"Ijustwantedtothankyouagainaboutthat----"

"Oh,that'sallright."

"No,butitreallywasawfullydecentofyou.Youmighthavegotintoafrightfulrow.Wereyounearlycaught?"

"Jollynearly."



"It_was_youwhorangthebell,wasn'tit?"

"Yes,itwas.Butforgoodnesssakedon'tgogassingaboutit,orsomebodywillgettohearwhooughtn'tto,andIshallbesacked."

"Allright.But,Isay,you_are_achap!"

"What'sthematternow?"

"ImeanaboutSammy,youknow.It'sajollygoodscoreoffoldDowning.He'llbefrightfullysick."

"Sammy!"criedMike."Mygoodman,youdon'tthinkIdidthat,doyou?Whatabsoluterot!Inevertouchedthepoorbrute."

"Oh,allright,"saidJellicoe."ButIwasn'tgoingtotellanyone,ofcourse."

"Whatdoyoumean?"

"You_are_achap!"giggledJellicoe.

Mikewalkedtochapelratherthoughtfully.

CHAPTERXLVII

MR.DOWNINGONTHESCENT

Therewasjustonemoment,themomentinwhich,ongoingdowntothejuniorday-roomofhishousetoquellanunseemlydisturbance,hewasboisterouslygreetedbyavermilionbullterrier,whenMr.Downingwasseizedwithahideousfearlesthehadlosthissenses.Glaringdownatthecrimsonanimalthatwaspawingathisknees,heclutchedathis

reasonforonesecondasadrowningmanclutchesatalifebelt.

Thenthehappylaughteroftheyoungonlookersreassuredhim.

"Who--"heshouted,"WHOhasdonethis?"

[Illustration:"WHO--"HESHOUTED,"WHOHASDONETHIS?"]

"Please,sir,wedon'tknow,"shrilledthechorus.

"Please,sir,hecameinlikethat."

"Please,sir,weweresittingherewhenhesuddenlyranin,allred."

Avoicefromthecrowd:"LookatoldSammy!"

Thesituationwasimpossible.Therewasnothingtobedone.Hecouldnotfindoutbyverbalinquirywhohadpaintedthedog.ThepossibilityofSammybeingpaintedredduringthenighthadneveroccurredtoMr.Downing,andnowthatthethinghadhappenedhehadnoschemeofaction.AsPsmithwouldhavesaid,hehadconfusedtheunusualwiththeimpossible,andtheresultwasthathewastakenbysurprise.



WhilehewasponderingonthisthesituationwasrenderedstillmoredifficultbySammy,who,takingadvantageofthedoorbeingopen,escapedandrushedintotheroad,thuspublishinghisconditiontoallandsundry.Youcanhushupapainteddogwhileitconfinesitselftoyourownpremises,butonceithasmixedwiththegreatpublicthisbecomesoutofthequestion.Sammy'sstateadvancedfromaprivatetroubleintoarow.Mr.Downing'snextmovewasinthesamedirectionthatSammyhadtaken,only,insteadofrunningabouttheroad,hewentstraighttotheheadmaster.

TheHead,whohadhadtoleavehishouseinthesmallhoursinhispyjamasandadressing-gown,wasnotinthebestoftempers.Hehadacoldinthehead,andalsoarootedconvictionthatMr.Downing,inspiteofhisstrictorders,hadrungthebellhimselfonthepreviousnightinordertotesttheefficiencyoftheschoolinsavingthemselvesintheeventoffire.Hereceivedthehousemasterfrostily,butthawedasthelatterrelatedtheeventswhichhadleduptotheringingofthebell.

"Dearme!"hesaid,deeplyinterested."Oneoftheboysattheschool,youthink?"

"Iamcertainofit,"saidMr.Downing.

"Washewearingaschoolcap?"

"Hewasbare-headed.Aboywhobreaksoutofhishouseatnightwouldhardlyruntheriskofwearingadistinguishingcap."

"No,no,Isupposenot.Abigboy,yousay?"

"Verybig."

"Youdidnotseehisface?"

"Itwasdarkandheneverlookedback--hewasinfrontofmeallthe

time."

"Dearme!"

"Thereisanothermatter----"

"Yes?"

"Thisboy,whoeverhewas,haddonesomethingbeforeherangthebell--hehadpaintedmydogSampsonred."

Theheadmaster'seyesprotrudedfromtheirsockets."He--he--_what_,Mr.Downing?"

"Hepaintedmydogred--brightred."Mr.Downingwastooangrytoseeanythinghumorousintheincident.Sincethepreviousnighthehadbeenwoundedinhistenderestfeelings.HisFireBrigadesystemhadbeenmostshamefullyabusedbybeingturnedintoamereinstrumentinthehandsofamalefactorforescapingjustice,andhisdoghadbeenhelduptoridiculetoalltheworld.Hedidnotwanttosmile,hewantedrevenge.

Theheadmaster,ontheotherhand,didwanttosmile.Itwasnothis



dog,hecouldlookontheaffairwithanunbiasedeye,andtohimtherewassomethingludicrousinawhitedogsuddenlyappearingasareddog.

"Itisascandalousthing!"saidMr.Downing.

"Quiteso!Quiteso!"saidtheheadmasterhastily."Ishallpunishtheboywhodiditmostseverely.IwillspeaktotheschoolintheHallafterchapel."

Whichhedid,butwithoutresult.Acordialinvitationtothecriminaltocomeforwardandbeexecutedwasreceivedinwoodensilencebytheschool,withtheexceptionofJohnsonIII.,ofOutwood's,who,suddenlyremindedofSammy'sappearancebytheheadmaster'swords,brokeintoawildscreechoflaughter,andwasinstantlyawardedtwohundredlines.

TheschoolfiledoutoftheHalltotheirvariouslunches,andMr.Downingwasleftwiththeconvictionthat,ifhewantedthecriminaldiscovered,hewouldhavetodiscoverhimforhimself.

Thegreatthinginaffairsofthiskindistogetagoodstart,andFate,feelingperhapsthatithadbeenalittleharduponMr.Downing,gavehimamostmagnificentstart.Insteadofhavingtohuntfora

needleinahaystack,hefoundhimselfinamomentinthepositionofbeingsettofinditinameretrussofstraw.

ItwasMr.Outwoodwhohelpedhim.SergeantCollardhadwaylaidthearchaeologicalexpertonhiswaytochapel,andinformedhimthatatcloseontwelvethenightbeforehehadobservedayouth,unidentified,attemptingtogetintohishouse_via_thewater-pipe.Mr.Outwood,whosethoughtswereoccupiedwithapsesandplinths,nottomentioncromlechs,atthetime,thankedthesergeantwithabsent-mindedpolitenessandpassedon.Laterherememberedthefact_Ãpropos_ ofsomereflectionsonthesubjectofburglarsinmediaevalEngland,andpasseditontoMr.Downingastheywalkedbacktolunch.

"Thentheboywasinyourhouse!"exclaimedMr.Downing.

"Notactuallyin,asfarasIunderstand.Igatherfromthesergeantthatheinterruptedhimbefore----"

"Imeanhemusthavebeenoneoftheboysinyourhouse."

"Butwhatwashedoingoutatthathour?"

"Hehadbrokenout."

"Impossible,Ithink.Ohyes,quiteimpossible!Iwentroundthedormitoriesasusualateleveno'clocklastnight,andalltheboys

wereasleep--allofthem."

Mr.Downingwasnotlistening.Hewasinastateofsuppressedexcitementandexultationwhichmadeithardforhimtoattendtohiscolleague'sslowutterances.Hehadaclue!NowthatthesearchhadnarroweditselfdowntoOutwood'shouse,therestwascomparativelyeasy.PerhapsSergeantCollardhadactuallyrecognisedtheboy.Orreflectionhedismissedthisasunlikely,forthesergeantwouldscarcelyhavekeptathinglikethattohimself;buthemightverywellhaveseenmoreofhimthanhe,Downing,hadseen.Itwasonly



withaneffortthathecouldkeephimselffromrushingtothesergeantthenandthere,andleavingthehouselunchtolookafteritself.Heresolvedtogothemomentthatmealwasatanend.

Sundaylunchatapublic-schoolhouseisprobablyoneofthelongestfunctionsinexistence.Itdragsitsslowlengthalonglikealanguidsnake,butitfinishesintime.InduecourseMr.Downing,aftersittingstillandeyeingwithacutedislikeeverybodywhoaskedforasecondhelping,foundhimselfatliberty.

Regardlessoftheclaimsofdigestion,herushedforthonthetrail.

*****

SergeantCollardlivedwithhiswifeandafamilyofunknowndimensionsinthelodgeattheschoolfrontgate.DinnerwasjustoverwhenMr.Downingarrived,asablindmancouldhavetold.

Thesergeantreceivedhisvisitorwithdignity,ejectingthefamily,whoweretorpidafterroastbeefandresentedhavingtomove,inordertoensureprivacy.

Havingrequestedhishosttosmoke,whichthelatterwasabouttodounasked,Mr.Downingstatedhiscase.

"Mr.Outwood,"hesaid,"tellsmethatlastnight,sergeant,yousawaboyendeavouringtoenterhishouse."

Thesergeantblewacloudofsmoke."Oo-oo-oo,yer,"hesaid;"Idid,sir--spotted'im,Idid.Feefleegoodatspottin',Iam,sir.DookofConnaught,heusedtosay,''ErecomesSergeantCollard,'heusedtosay,''e'sfeefleegoodatspottin'.'"

"Whatdidyoudo?"

"Do?Oo-oo-oo!Ishouts'Oo-oo-ooyer,yeryoungmonkey,whatyerdoin'there?'"

"Yes?"

"But'ewasoffinaflash,andIdoublesafter'imprompt."

"Butyoudidn'tcatchhim?"

"No,sir,"admittedthesergeantreluctantly.

"Didyoucatchsightofhisface,sergeant?"

"No,sir,'ewasdoublin'awayintheoppositedirection."

"Didyounoticeanythingatallabouthisappearance?"

"'Ewasalongyoungchap,sir,withapairoflegsonhim--feefleefast'erun,sir.Oo-oo-oo,feeflee!"

"Younoticednothingelse?"

"'Ewasn'twearingnocapofanysort,sir."

"Ah!"



"Bare-'eaded,sir,"addedthesergeant,rubbingthepointin.

"Itwasundoubtedlythesameboy,undoubtedly!Iwishyoucouldhavecaughtaglimpseofhisface,sergeant."

"SodoI,sir."

"Youwouldnotbeabletorecognisehimagainifyousawhim,youthink?"

"Oo-oo-oo!Wouldn'tgosofarastosaythat,sir,'cosyersee,I'mfeefleegoodatspottin',butitwasadarknight."

Mr.Downingrosetogo.

"Well,"hesaid,"thesearchisnowconsiderablynarroweddown,considerably!ItiscertainthattheboywasoneoftheboysinMr.Outwood'shouse."

"Youngmonkeys!"interjectedthesergeanthelpfully.

"Good-afternoon,sergeant."

"Good-afternoontoyou,sir.""Praydonotmove,sergeant."

Thesergeanthadnotshowntheslightestinclinationofdoinganythingofthekind.

"Iwillfindmywayout.Veryhotto-day,isitnot?"

"Feefleewarm,sir;weather'sgoin'tobreak--workin'upforthunder."

"Ihopenot.TheschoolplaystheM.C.C.onWednesday,anditwouldbeapityifrainweretospoilourfirstfixturewiththem.Good

afternoon."

AndMr.Downingwentoutintothebakingsunlight,whileSergeantCollard,havingrequestedMrs.Collardtotakethechildrenoutforawalkatonce,andfurthermoretogiveyoungErnieaclipsideofthe'ead,ifhepersistedinmakingsomuchnoise,putahandkerchiefoverhisface,restedhisfeetonthetable,andsleptthesleepofthejust.

CHAPTERXLVIII

THESLEUTH-HOUND

FortheDoctorWatsonsofthisworld,asopposedtotheSherlockHolmeses,successintheprovinceofdetectiveworkmustalwaysbe,toaverylargeextent,theresultofluck.SherlockHolmescanextractacluefromawispofstraworaflakeofcigar-ash.ButDoctorWatsonhasgottohaveittakenoutforhim,anddusted,andexhibitedclearly,withalabelattached.



bicyclefromtheshed.

"Yourbicycle?"snappedMr.Downing.Muchthinkinghadmadehimirritable."Whatdoyouwantwithyourbicycle?"

Riglettshuffled,stoodfirstonhisleftfoot,thenonhisright,blushed,andfinallyremarked,asifitwerenotsomuchasoundreasonasasortoffeebleexcuseforthelowandblackguardlyfactthathewantedhisbicycle,thathehadgotleaveforteathatafternoon.

ThenMr.Downingremembered.Rigletthadanauntresidentaboutthreemilesfromtheschool,whomhewasaccustomedtovisitoccasionallyonSundayafternoonsduringtheterm.

Hefeltforhisbunchofkeys,andmadehiswaytotheshed,Riglettshamblingbehindatanintervaloftwoyards.

Mr.Downingunlockedthedoor,andthereonthefloorwastheClue!

AcluethatevenDr.Watsoncouldnothaveoverlooked.

Mr.Downingsawit,butdidnotimmediatelyrecogniseitforwhatitwas.WhathesawatfirstwasnotaClue,butjustamess.Hehada

tidysoulandabhorredmesses.Andthiswasaparticularlymessymess.Thegreaterpartoftheflooringintheneighbourhoodofthedoorwasaseaofredpaint.Thetinfromwhichithadflowedwaslyingonitssideinthemiddleoftheshed.Theairwasfullofthepungentscent.

"Pah!"saidMr.Downing.

Thensuddenly,beneaththedisguiseofthemess,hesawtheclue.Afoot-mark!Noless.Acrimsonfoot-markonthegreyconcrete!

Riglett,whohadbeenwaitingpatientlytwoyardsaway,nowcoughedplaintively.ThesoundrecalledMr.Downingtomundanematters.

"Getyourbicycle,Riglett,"hesaid,"andbecarefulwhereyoutread.Somebodyhasupsetapotofpaintonthefloor."

Riglett,walkingdelicatelythroughdryplaces,extractedhisbicyclefromtherack,andpresentlydepartedtogladdentheheartofhisaunt,leavingMr.Downing,hisbrainfizzingwiththeenthusiasmofthedetective,tolockthedoorandresumehisperambulationofthecricketfield.

GiveDr.Watsonafairstart,andheisademonatthegame.Mr.Downing'sbrainwasnowworkingwitharapidityandclearnesswhichaprofessionalsleuthmighthaveenvied.

Paint.Redpaint.ObviouslythesamepaintwithwhichSammyhadbeendecorated.Afoot-mark.Whosefoot-mark?Plainlythatofthecriminalwhohaddonethedeedofdecoration.

Yoicks!

Thereweretwothings,however,tobeconsidered.Yourcarefuldetectivemustconsidereverything.Inthefirstplace,thepaintmighthavebeenupsetbytheground-man.Itwastheground-man'spaint.Hehadbeengivingafreshcoatingtothewood-workinfrontof



hisshirt-sleeves,blinkingasifhehadjustwokeup,aswasindeedthecase.

"Oh,Markby!"

"Sir?"

"Yourememberthatyouwerepaintingthescoring-boxinthepavilionlastnightafterthematch?"

"Yes,sir.Itwantedalickofpaintbad.Theyounggentlemenwillscrambleaboutandgetthroughthewindow.Makesitlookshabby,sir.SoIthoughtI'dbettergiveitacoatingsoastolookship-shapewhentheMarylebonecomedown."

"Justso.Anexcellentidea.Tellme,Markby,whatdidyoudowiththepotofpaintwhenyouhadfinished?"

"Putitinthebicycleshed,sir."

"Onthefloor?"

"Onthefloor,sir?No.Ontheshelfatthefarend,withthecanofwhiteningwhatIuseformarkingoutthewickets,sir."

"Ofcourse,yes.Quiteso.JustasIthought."

"Doyouwantit,sir?"

"No,thankyou,Markby,no,thankyou.Thefactis,somebodywhohadnobusinesstodosohasmovedthepotofpaintfromtheshelftothefloor,withtheresultthatithasbeenkickedover,andspilt.Youhadbettergetsomemoreto-morrow.Thankyou,Markby.ThatisallIwishedtoknow."

Mr.Downingwalkedbacktotheschoolthoroughlyexcited.Hewashotonthescentnow.Theonlyotherpossibletheorieshadbeentestedand

successfullyexploded.Thethinghadbecomesimpletoadegree.AllhehadtodowastogotoMr.Outwood'shouse--theideaofsearchingafellow-master'shousedidnotappeartohimatalladelicatetask;somehowonegrewunconsciouslytofeelthatMr.Outwooddidnotreallyexistasamancapableofresentingliberties--findthepaint-splashedboot,ascertainitsowner,anddenouncehimtotheheadmaster.Picture,BlueFireand"GodSavetheKing"bythefullstrengthofthecompany.Therecouldbenodoubtthatapaint-splashedbootmustbeinMr.Outwood'shousesomewhere.Aboycannottreadinapoolofpaintwithoutshowingsomesignsofhavingdoneso.ItwasSunday,too,sothatthebootwouldnotyethavebeencleaned.Yoicks!AlsoTally-ho!Thisreallywasbeginningtobesomethinglikebusiness.

Regardlessoftheheat,thesleuth-houndhurriedacrosstoOutwood'sasfastashecouldwalk.

CHAPTERXLIX

ACHECK



TheonlytwomembersofthehousenotoutinthegroundswhenhearrivedwereMikeandPsmith.Theywerestandingonthegraveldriveinfrontoftheboys'entrance.Mikehadadeck-chairinonehandandabookintheother.Psmith--foreventhegreatestmindswillsometimesunbend--wasplayingdiabolo.Thatistosay,hewastryingwithoutsuccesstoraisethespoolfromtheground.

"There'sakidinFrance,"saidMikedisparagingly,asthebobbinrolledoffthestringforthefourthtime,"whocandoitthreethousandsevenhundredandsomethingtimes."

Psmithsmoothedacreaseoutofhiswaistcoatandtriedagain.HehadjustsucceededingettingthethingtospinwhenMr.Downingarrived.ThesoundofhisfootstepsdisturbedPsmithandbroughttheefforttonothing.

"Enoughofthisspoolery,"saidhe,flingingthesticksthroughtheopenwindowoftheseniorday-room."Iwasanassevertotryit.Thephilosophicalmindneedscompletereposeinitshoursofleisure.Hullo!"

Hestaredafterthesleuth-hound,whohadjustenteredthehouse.

"Whatthedickens,"saidMike,"doeshemeanbybarginginasifhe'dboughttheplace?"

"ComradeDowninglookspleasedwithhimself.Whatbringshimroundinthisdirection,Iwonder!Still,nomatter.Thefewarticleswhichhemaysneakfromourstudyareofinconsiderablevalue.Heiswelcometothem.DoyoufeelinclinedtowaitawhiletillIhavefetchedachairandbook?"

"I'llbegoingon.Ishallbeunderthetreesatthefarendoftheground."

"'Tiswell.Iwillbewithyouinabouttwoticks."

Mikewalkedontowardsthefield,andPsmith,strollingupstairstofetchhisnovel,foundMr.Downingstandinginthepassagewiththeairofonewhohaslosthisbearings.

"Awarmafternoon,sir,"murmuredPsmithcourteously,ashepassed.

"Er--Smith!"

"Sir?"

"I--er--wishtogoroundthedormitories."

ItwasPsmith'sguidingruleinlifenevertobesurprisedatanything,sohemerelyinclinedhisheadgracefully,andsaidnothing.

"Ishouldbegladifyouwouldfetchthekeysandshowmewheretheroomsare."

"Withacutepleasure,sir,"saidPsmith."OrshallIfetchMr.Outwood,sir?"

"DoasItellyou,Smith,"snappedMr.Downing.



Psmithsaidnomore,butwentdowntothematron'sroom.Thematronbeingout,heabstractedthebunchofkeysfromhertableandrejoinedthemaster.

"ShallIleadtheway,sir?"heasked.

Mr.Downingnodded.

"Here,sir,"saidPsmith,openingadoor,"wehaveBarnes'dormitory.Anairyroom,constructedonthesoundesthygienicprinciples.Eachboy,Iunderstand,hasquiteaconsiderablenumberofcubicfeetofairalltohimself.ItisMr.Outwood'sboastthatnoboyhaseveraskedforacubicfootofairinvain.Hearguesjustly----"

Hebrokeoffabruptlyandbegantowatchtheother'smanoeuvresinsilence.Mr.Downingwaspeeringrapidlybeneatheachbedinturn.

"AreyoulookingforBarnes,sir?"inquiredPsmithpolitely."Ithinkhe'soutinthefield."

Mr.Downingrose,havingexaminedthelastbed,crimsoninthefacewiththeexercise.

"Showmethenextdormitory,Smith,"hesaid,pantingslightly."This,"saidPsmith,openingthenextdoorandsinkinghisvoicetoanawedwhisper,"iswhere_I_sleep!"

Mr.Downingglancedswiftlybeneaththethreebeds."Excuseme,sir,"saidPsmith,"butarewechasinganything?"

"Begoodenough,Smith,"saidMr.Downingwithasperity,"tokeepyourremarkstoyourself."

"Iwasonlywondering,sir.ShallIshowyouthenextinorder?"

"Certainly."

Theymovedonupthepassage.

Drawingblankatthelastdormitory,Mr.Downingpaused,baffled.Psmithwaitedpatientlyby.Anideastruckthemaster.

"Thestudies,Smith,"hecried.

"Aha!"saidPsmith."Ibegyourpardon,sir.Theobservationescapedmeunawares.Thefrenzyofthechaseisbeginningtoenterintomyblood.Herewehave----"

Mr.Downingstoppedshort.

"Isthisimpertinencestudied,Smith?"

"Ferguson'sstudy,sir?No,sir.That'sfurtherdownthepassage.ThisisBarnes'."

Mr.Downinglookedathimclosely.Psmith'sfacewaswoodeninitsgravity.Themastersnortedsuspiciously,thenmovedon.



"Whoseisthis?"heasked,rappingadoor.

"This,sir,ismineandJackson's."

"What!Haveyouastudy?Youarelowdownintheschoolforit."

"Ithink,sir,thatMr.Outwoodgaveitusratherasatestimonialtoourgeneralworththantoourproficiencyinschool-work."

Mr.Downingrakedtheroomwithakeeneye.Theabsenceofbarsfromthewindowattractedhisattention.

"Haveyounobarstoyourwindowshere,suchasthereareinmyhouse?"

"Thereappearstobenobar,sir,"saidPsmith,puttinguphiseyeglass.

MrDowningwasleaningoutofthewindow.

"Alovelyview,isitnot,sir?"saidPsmith."Thetrees,thefield,thedistanthills----"

Mr.Downingsuddenlystarted.Hiseyehadbeencaughtbythewater-pipe

atthesideofthewindow.TheboywhomSergeantCollardhadseenclimbingthepipemusthavebeenmakingforthisstudy.

HespunroundandmetPsmith'sblandlyinquiringgaze.HelookedatPsmithcarefullyforamoment.No.TheboyhehadchasedlastnighthadnotbeenPsmith.Thatexquisite'sfigureandgeneralappearancewereunmistakable,eveninthedusk.

"Whomdidyousayyousharedthisstudywith,Smith?"

"Jackson,sir.Thecricketer."

"Nevermindabouthiscricket,Smith,"saidMr.Downingwith

irritation.

"No,sir."

"Heistheonlyotheroccupantoftheroom?"

"Yes,sir."

"Nobodyelsecomesintoit?"

"Iftheydo,theygooutextremelyquickly,sir."

"Ah!Thankyou,Smith."

"Notatall,sir."

Mr.Downingpondered.Jackson!Theboyborehimagrudge.TheboywaspreciselythesortofboytorevengehimselfbypaintingthedogSammy.And,gadzooks!TheboywhomhehadpursuedlastnighthadbeenjustaboutJackson'ssizeandbuild!

Mr.DowningwasasfirmlyconvincedatthatmomentthatMike'shadbeenthehandtowieldthepaint-brushashehadeverbeenofanything



inhislife.

"Smith!"hesaidexcitedly.

"Onthespot,sir,"saidPsmithaffably.

"WhereareJackson'sboots?"

Therearemomentswhenthegiddyexcitementofbeingrightonthetrailcausestheamateur(orWatsonian)detectivetobeincautious.SuchamomentcametoMr.Downingthen.Ifhehadbeenwise,hewouldhaveachievedhisobject,thegettingaglimpseofMike'sboots,byadeviousandsnakyroute.Asitwas,herushedstraighton.

"Hisboots,sir?Hehasthemon.Inoticedthemashewentoutjustnow."

"Whereisthepairheworeyesterday?"

"Wherearethebootsofyester-year?"murmuredPsmithtohimself."Ishouldsayataventure,sir,thattheywouldbeinthebasketdownstairs.Edmund,ourgenialknife-and-bootboy,collectsthem,Ibelieve,atearlydawn."

"Wouldtheyhavebeencleanedyet?""IfIknowEdmund,sir--no."

"Smith,"saidMr.Downing,tremblingwithexcitement,"goandbringthatbaskettomehere."

Psmith'sbrainwasworkingrapidlyashewentdownstairs.Whatexactlywasatthebackofthesleuth'smind,promptingthesemanoeuvres,hedidnotknow.Butthattherewassomething,andthatthatsomethingwasdirectedinahostilemanneragainstMike,probablyinconnectionwithlastnight'swildhappenings,hewascertain.Psmithhadnoticed,onleavinghisbedatthesoundofthealarmbell,thatheand

Jellicoewerealoneintheroom.ThatmightmeanthatMikehadgoneoutthroughthedoorwhenthebellsounded,oritmightmeanthathehadbeenoutallthetime.Itbegantolookasifthelattersolutionwerethecorrectone.

*****

Hestaggeredbackwiththebasket,painfullyconsciousthewhilethatitwascreasinghiswaistcoat,anddumpedisdownonthestudyfloor.Mr.Downingstoopedeagerlyoverit.Psmithleanedagainstthewall,andstraightenedoutthedamagedgarment.

"Wehavehere,sir,"hesaid,"afairselectionofourvarious

bootings."

Mr.Downinglookedup.

"Youdroppednoneofthebootsonyourwayup,Smith?"

"Notone,sir.Itwasafineperformance."

Mr.Downingutteredagruntofsatisfaction,andbentoncemoretohistask.Bootsflewabouttheroom.Mr.Downingkneltonthefloorbeside



thebasket,andduglikeaterrieratarat-hole.

Atlasthemadeadive,and,withanexclamationoftriumph,rosetohisfeet.Inhishandheheldaboot.

"Putthosebackagain,Smith,"hesaid.

Theex-Etonian,wearinganexpressionsuchasamartyrmighthavewornonbeingtoldoffforthestake,begantopickupthescatteredfootgear,whistlingsoftlythetuneof"Idoallthedirtywork,"ashedidso.

"That'sthelot,sir,"hesaid,rising.

"Ah.Nowcomeacrosswithmetotheheadmaster'shouse.Leavethebaskethere.Youcancarryitbackwhenyoureturn."

"ShallIputbackthatboot,sir?"

"Certainlynot.Ishalltakethiswithme,ofcourse."

"ShallIcarryit,sir?"

Mr.Downingreflected.

"Yes,Smith,"hesaid."Ithinkitwouldbebest."

Itoccurredtohimthatthespectacleofahousemasterwanderingabroadonthepublichighway,carryingadirtyboot,mightbeatrifleundignified.YouneverknewwhomyoumightmeetonSundayafternoon.

Psmithtooktheboot,anddoingso,understoodwhatbeforehadpuzzledhim.

Acrossthetoeofthebootwasabroadsplashofredpaint.

Heknewnothing,ofcourse,oftheupsettininthebicycleshed;

butwhenahousemaster'sdoghasbeenpaintedredinthenight,andwhen,onthefollowingday,thehousemastergoesaboutinsearchofapaint-splashedboot,oneputstwoandtwotogether.Psmithlookedatthenameinsidetheboot.Itwas"Brown,boot-maker,Bridgnorth."BridgnorthwasonlyafewmilesfromhisownhomeandMike's.UndoubtedlyitwasMike'sboot.

"Canyoutellmewhosebootthatis?"askedMr.Downing.

Psmithlookedatitagain.

"No,sir.Ican'tsaythelittlechap'sfamiliartome."

"Comewithme,then."

Mr.Downinglefttheroom.AfteramomentPsmithfollowedhim.

Theheadmasterwasinhisgarden.ThitherMr.Downingmadehisway,theboot-bearingPsmithincloseattendance.

TheHeadlistenedtotheamateurdetective'sstatementwithinterest.

"Indeed?"hesaid,whenMr.Downinghadfinished.



"Indeed?Dearme!Itcertainlyseems--Itisacuriouslywell-connectedthreadofevidence.YouarecertainthattherewasredpaintonthisbootyoudiscoveredinMr.Outwood'shouse?"

"Ihaveitwithme.Ibroughtitonpurposetoshowtoyou.Smith!"

"Sir?"

"Youhavetheboot?"

"Ah,"saidtheheadmaster,puttingonapairofpince-nez,"nowletmelookat--This,yousay,isthe--?Justso.Justso.Just....But,er,Mr.Downing,itmaybethatIhavenotexaminedthisbootwithsufficientcare,but--Can_you_pointouttomeexactlywherethispaintisthatyouspeakof?"

Mr.Downingstoodstaringatthebootwithawild,fixedstare.Ofanysuspicionofpaint,redorotherwise,itwasabsolutelyandentirelyinnocent.

CHAPTERLTHEDESTROYEROFEVIDENCE

Thebootbecamethecentreofattraction,thecynosureofalleyes.Mr.Downingfixeditwiththepiercingstareofonewhofeelsthathisbrainistottering.Theheadmasterlookedatitwithamildlypuzzledexpression.Psmith,puttinguphiseyeglass,gazedatitwithasortofaffectionateinterest,asifhewerewaitingforittodoatrickofsomekind.

Mr.Downingwasthefirsttobreakthesilence.

"Therewaspaintonthisboot,"hesaidvehemently."Itellyoutherewasasplashofredpaintacrossthetoe.Smithwillbearmeoutinthis.Smith,yousawthepaintonthisboot?"

"Paint,sir!"

"What!Doyoumeantotellmethatyoudid_not_seeit?"

"No,sir.Therewasnopaintonthisboot."

"Thisisfoolery.Isawitwithmyowneyes.Itwasabroadsplashrightacrossthetoe."

Theheadmasterinterposed.

"Youmusthavemadeamistake,Mr.Downing.Thereiscertainlynotraceofpaintonthisboot.Thesemomentaryopticaldelusionsare,Ifancy,notuncommon.Anydoctorwilltellyou----"

"Ihadanaunt,sir,"saidPsmithchattily,"whowasremarkablysubject----"



"Itisabsurd.Icannothavebeenmistaken,"saidMr.Downing."IampositivelycertainthetoeofthisbootwasredwhenIfoundit."

"Itisundoubtedlyblacknow,Mr.Downing."

"Asortofchameleonboot,"murmuredPsmith.

Thegoadedhousemasterturnedonhim.

"Whatdidyousay,Smith?"

"DidIspeak,sir?"saidPsmith,withthestartofonecomingsuddenlyoutofatrance.

Mr.Downinglookedsearchinglyathim.

"Youhadbetterbecareful,Smith."

"Yes,sir."

"Istronglysuspectyouofhavingsomethingtodowiththis."

"Really,Mr.Downing,"saidtheheadmaster,"thatissurelyimprobable.Smithcouldscarcelyhavecleanedthebootonhiswayto

myhouse.OnoneoccasionIinadvertentlyspiltsomepaintonashoeofmyown.Icanassureyouthatitdoesnotbrushoff.Itneedsaverysystematiccleaningbeforealltracesareremoved."

"Exactly,sir,"saidPsmith."Mytheory,ifImay----?"

"Certainly,Smith."

Psmithbowedcourteouslyandproceeded.

"Mytheory,sir,isthatMr.Downingwasdeceivedbythelightandshadeeffectsonthetoeoftheboot.Theafternoonsun,streaminginthroughthewindow,musthaveshoneonthebootinsuchamannerasto

giveitamomentaryandfictitiousaspectofredness.IfMr.Downingrecollects,hedidnotlooklongattheboot.Thepictureontheretinaoftheeye,consequently,hadnottimetofade.Irememberthinkingmyself,atthemoment,thatthebootappearedtohaveacertainreddishtint.Themistake----"

"Bah!"saidMr.Downingshortly.

"Well,really,"saidtheheadmaster,"itseemstomethatthatistheonlyexplanationthatwillsquarewiththefacts.Abootthatisreallysmearedwithredpaintdoesnotbecomeblackofitselfinthecourseofafewminutes."

"Youareveryright,sir,"saidPsmithwithbenevolentapproval."MayIgonow,sir?IaminthemiddleofasingularlyimpressivepassageofCicero'sspeechDeSenectute."

"IamsorrythatyoushouldleaveyourpreparationtillSunday,Smith.ItisahabitofwhichIaltogetherdisapprove."

"Iamreadingit,sir,"saidPsmith,withsimpledignity,"forpleasure.ShallItakethebootwithme,sir?"



"IfMr.Downingdoesnotwantit?"

ThehousemasterpassedthefraudulentpieceofevidencetoPsmithwithoutaword,andthelatter,havingincludedbothmastersinakindlysmile,leftthegarden.

Pedestrianswhohadthegoodfortunetobepassingalongtheroadbetweenthehousemaster'shouseandMr.Outwood'satthatmomentsawwhat,iftheyhadbutknownit,wasamostunusualsight,thespectacleofPsmithrunning.Psmith'susualmodeofprogressionwasadignifiedwalk.Hebelievedinthecontemplativestyleratherthanthehustling.

Onthisoccasion,however,recklessofpossibleinjuriestothecreaseofhistrousers,heraceddowntheroad,andturninginatOutwood'sgate,boundedupstairslikeahighlytrainedprofessionalathlete.

Onarrivingatthestudy,hisfirstactwastoremoveabootfromthetopofthepileinthebasket,placeitinthesmallcupboardunderthebookshelf,andlockthecupboard.Thenheflunghimselfintoachairandpanted.

"Brain,"hesaidtohimselfapprovingly,"iswhatonechieflyneedsinmattersofthiskind.Withoutbrain,wherearewe?Inthesoup,every

time.ThenextdevelopmentwillbewhenComradeDowningthinksitover,andisstruckwiththebrilliantideathatit'sjustpossiblethattheboothegavemetocarryandthebootIdidcarrywerenotonebootbuttwoboots.Meanwhile----"

Hedraggedupanotherchairforhisfeetandpickeduphisnovel.

Hehadnotbeenreadinglongwhentherewasafootstepinthepassage,andMr.Downingappeared.

Thepossibility,infacttheprobability,ofPsmithhavingsubstitutedanotherbootfortheonewiththeincriminatingsplashofpaintonithadoccurredtohimalmostimmediatelyonleavingtheheadmaster's

garden.PsmithandMike,hereflected,werefriends.Psmith'simpulsewouldbetodoallthatlayinhispowertoshieldMike.Feelingaggrievedwithhimselfthathehadnotthoughtofthisbefore,he,too,hurriedovertoOutwood's.

Mr.Downingwasbriskandperemptory.

"Iwishtolookatthesebootsagain,"hesaid.Psmith,withasigh,laiddownhisnovel,androsetoassisthim.

"Sitdown,Smith,"saidthehousemaster."Icanmanagewithoutyourhelp."

Psmithsatdownagain,carefullytuckingupthekneesofhistrousers,andwatchedhimwithsilentinterestthroughhiseyeglass.

ThescrutinyirritatedMr.Downing.

"Putthatthingaway,Smith,"hesaid.

"Thatthing,sir?"

"Yes,thatridiculousglass.Putitaway."



"Unlockit."

"Butwhereisthekey,sir?"

"Haveyounotgotthekey?"

"Ifthekeyisnotinthelock,sir,youmaydependuponitthatitwilltakealongsearchtofindit."

"Wheredidyouseeitlast?"

"Itwasinthelockyesterdaymorning.Jacksonmighthavetakenit."

"WhereisJackson?"

"Outinthefieldsomewhere,sir."

Mr.Downingthoughtforamoment.

"Idon'tbelieveawordofit,"hesaidshortly."Ihavemyreasonsforthinkingthatyouaredeliberatelykeepingthecontentsofthatcupboardfromme.Ishallbreakopenthedoor."

Psmithgotup.

"I'mafraidyoumustn'tdothat,sir."

Mr.Downingstared,amazed.

"Areyouawarewhomyouaretalkingto,Smith?"heinquiredacidly.

"Yes,sir.AndIknowit'snotMr.Outwood,towhomthatcupboardhappenstobelong.Ifyouwishtobreakitopen,youmustgethispermission.Heisthesolelesseeandproprietorofthatcupboard.Iamonlytheactingmanager."

Mr.Downingpaused.Healsoreflected.Mr.Outwoodinthegeneralrule

didnotcountmuchintheschemeofthings,butpossiblytherewerelimitstothetreatingofhimasifhedidnotexist.Toenterhishousewithouthispermissionandsearchittoacertainextentwasallverywell.Butwhenitcametobreakinguphisfurniture,perhaps----!

Ontheotherhand,therewasthemaddeningthoughtthatifheleftthestudyinsearchofMr.Outwood,inordertoobtainhissanctionforthehouse-breakingworkwhichheproposedtocarrythrough,Smithwouldbealoneintheroom.Andheknewthat,ifSmithwereleftaloneintheroom,hewouldinstantlyremovetheboottosomeotherhiding-place.Hethoroughlydisbelievedthestoryofthelostkey.Hewasperfectlyconvincedthatthemissingbootwasinthecupboard.

Hestoodchewingthesethoughtsforawhile,Psmithinthemeantimestandinginagracefulattitudeinfrontofthecupboard,staringintovacancy.

Thenhewasseizedwithahappyidea.Whyshouldheleavetheroomatall?IfhesentSmith,thenhehimselfcouldwaitandmakecertainthatthecupboardwasnottamperedwith.

"Smith,"hesaid,"goandfindMr.Outwood,andaskhimtobegood



enoughtocomehereforamoment."

CHAPTERLI

MAINLYABOUTBOOTS

"Bequick,Smith,"hesaid,asthelatterstoodlookingathimwithoutmakinganymovementinthedirectionofthedoor.

"_Quick_,sir?"saidPsmithmeditatively,asifhehadbeenaskedaconundrum.

"GoandfindMr.Outwoodatonce."

Psmithstillmadenomove.

"Doyouintendtodisobeyme,Smith?"Mr.Downing'svoicewassteely.

"Yes,sir."

"What!""Yes,sir."

Therewasoneofthoseyou-could-have-heard-a-pin-dropsilences.Psmithwasstaringreflectivelyattheceiling.Mr.Downingwaslookingasifatanymomenthemightsay,"Thwartedtomeface,ha,ha!Andbyaverystripling!"

ItwasPsmith,however,whoresumedtheconversation.Hismannerwasalmosttoorespectful;whichmadeitallthemoreapitythatwhathesaiddidnotkeepupthestandardofdocility.

"Itakemystand,"hesaid,"onatechnicalpoint.Isaytomyself,'Mr.DowningisamanIadmireasahumanbeingandrespectasamaster.In----'"

"Thisimpertinenceisdoingyounogood,Smith."

Psmithwavedahanddeprecatingly.

"Ifyouwillletmeexplain,sir.IwasabouttosaythatinanyotherplacebutMr.Outwood'shouse,yourwordwouldbelaw.Iwouldflytodoyourbidding.Ifyoupressedabutton,Iwoulddotherest.ButinMr.Outwood'shouseIcannotdoanythingexceptwhatpleasesmeorwhatisorderedbyMr.Outwood.Ioughttohaverememberedthat

before.Onecannot,"hecontinued,aswhoshouldsay,"Letusbereasonable,""onecannot,totakeaparallelcase,imaginethecolonelcommandingthegarrisonatanavalstationgoingonboardabattleshipandorderingthecrewtosplicethejibboomspanker.ItmightbeanadmirablethingfortheEmpirethatthejibboomspanker_should_ besplicedatthatparticularjuncture,butthecrewwouldnaturallydeclinetomoveinthematteruntiltheordercamefromthecommanderoftheship.Soinmycase.IfyouwillgotoMr.Outwood,andexplaintohimhowmattersstand,andcomebackandsaytome,'Psmith,Mr.Outwoodwishesyoutoaskhimtobegoodenoughtocometothis



study,'thenIshallbeonlytoogladtogoandfindhim.Youseemydifficulty,sir?"

"GoandfetchMr.Outwood,Smith.Ishallnottellyouagain."

Psmithflickedaspeckofdustfromhiscoat-sleeve.

"Verywell,Smith."

"Icanassureyou,sir,atanyrate,thatifthereisabootinthatcupboardnow,therewillbeaboottherewhenyoureturn."

Mr.Downingstalkedoutoftheroom.

"But,"addedPsmithpensivelytohimself,asthefootstepsdiedaway,"Ididnotpromisethatitwouldbethesameboot."

Hetookthekeyfromhispocket,unlockedthecupboard,andtookouttheboot.Thenheselectedfromthebasketaparticularlybatteredspecimen.Placingthisinthecupboard,here-lockedthedoor.

Hisnextactwastotakefromtheshelfapieceofstring.Attachingoneendofthistothebootthathehadtakenfromthecupboard,hewenttothewindow.Hisfirstactwastoflingthecupboard-keyout

intothebushes.Thenheturnedtotheboot.Onalevelwiththesillthewater-pipe,upwhichMikehadstartedtoclimbthenightbefore,wasfastenedtothewallbyanironband.Hetiedtheotherendofthestringtothis,andletthebootswingfree.Henoticedwithapproval,whenithadstoppedswinging,thatitwashiddenfromabovebythewindow-sill.

Hereturnedtohisplaceatthemantelpiece.

Asanafter-thoughthetookanotherbootfromthebasket,andthrustitupthechimney.Ashowerofsootfellintothegrate,blackeninghishand.

Thebathroomwasafewyardsdownthecorridor.Hewentthere,andwashedoffthesoot.

Whenhereturned,Mr.Downingwasinthestudy,andwithhimMr.Outwood,thelatterlookingdazed,asifhewerenotquiteequaltotheintellectualpressureofthesituation.

"Wherehaveyoubeen,Smith?"askedMr.Downingsharply.

"Ihavebeenwashingmyhands,sir."

"H'm!"saidMr.Downingsuspiciously.

"Yes,IsawSmithgointothebathroom,"saidMr.Outwood."Smith,IcannotquiteunderstandwhatitisMr.Downingwishesmetodo."

"MydearOutwood,"snappedthesleuth,"IthoughtIhadmadeitperfectlyclear.Whereisthedifficulty?"

"IcannotunderstandwhyyoushouldsuspectSmithofkeepinghisbootsinacupboard,and,"addedMr.Outwoodwithspirit,catchingsightofaGood-Gracious-has-the-man-_no_-senselookontheother'sface,"whyheshouldnotdosoifhewishesit."



"Exactly,sir,"saidPsmith,approvingly."Youhavetouchedthespot."

"IfImustexplainagain,mydearOutwood,willyoukindlygivemeyourattentionforamoment.Lastnightaboybrokeoutofyourhouse,andpaintedmydogSampsonred."

"Hepainted--!"saidMr.Outwood,round-eyed."Why?"

"Idon'tknowwhy.Atanyrate,hedid.Duringtheescapadeoneofhisbootswassplashedwiththepaint.ItisthatbootwhichIbelieveSmithtobeconcealinginthiscupboard.Now,doyouunderstand?"

Mr.OutwoodlookedamazedlyatSmith,andPsmithshookhisheadsorrowfullyatMr.Outwood.Psmith'aexpressionsaid,asplainlyasifhehadspokenthewords,"Wemusthumourhim."

"Sowithyourpermission,asSmithdeclaresthathehaslostthekey,Iproposetobreakopenthedoorofthiscupboard.Haveyouanyobjection?"

Mr.Outwoodstarted.

"Objection?Noneatall,mydearfellow,noneatall.Letmesee,

_what_isityouwishtodo?""This,"saidMr.Downingshortly.

Therewasapairofdumb-bellsonthefloor,belongingtoMike.Heneverusedthem,buttheyalwaysmanagedtogetthemselvespackedwiththerestofhisbelongingsonthelastdayoftheholidays.Mr.Downingseizedoneofthese,anddeliveredtworapidblowsatthecupboard-door.Thewoodsplintered.Athirdblowsmashedtheflimsylock.Thecupboard,withanyskeletonsitmightcontain,wasopenforalltoview.

Mr.Downingutteredacryoftriumph,andtorethebootfromits

resting-place.

"Itoldyou,"hesaid."Itoldyou."

"Iwonderedwherethatboothadgotto,"saidPsmith."I'vebeenlookingforitfordays."

Mr.Downingwasexamininghisfind.Helookedupwithanexclamationofsurpriseandwrath.

"Thisboothasnopaintonit,"hesaid,glaringatPsmith."Thisisnottheboot."

"Itcertainlyappears,sir,"saidPsmithsympathetically,"tobefreefrompaint.There'sasortofreddishglowjustthere,ifyoulookatitsideways,"headdedhelpfully.

"Didyouplacethatbootthere,Smith?"

"Imusthavedone.Then,whenIlostthekey----"

"Areyousatisfiednow,Downing?"interruptedMr.Outwoodwithasperity,"oristhereanymorefurnitureyouwishtobreak?"



Theexcitementofseeinghishouseholdgoodssmashedwithadumb-bellhadmadethearchaeologicalstudentquiteaswashbucklerforthemoment.Alittlemore,andonecouldimaginehimgivingMr.Downingagood,hardknock.

Thesleuth-houndstoodstillforamoment,baffled.Buthisbrainwasworkingwiththerapidityofabuzz-saw.AchanceremarkofMr.Outwood'ssethimfizzingoffonthetrailoncemore.Mr.Outwoodhadcaughtsightofthelittlepileofsootinthegrate.Hebentdowntoinspectit.

"Dearme,"hesaid,"Imustremembertohavethechimneysswept.Itshouldhavebeendonebefore."

Mr.Downing'seye,rollinginafinefrenzyfromheaventoearth,fromearthtoheaven,alsofocusseditselfonthepileofsoot;andathrillwentthroughhim.Sootinthefireplace!Smithwashinghishands!("Youknowmymethods,mydearWatson.Applythem.")

Mr.Downing'smindatthatmomentcontainedonesinglethought;andthatthoughtwas"Whathoforthechimney!"

Hedivedforwardwitharush,nearlyknockingMr.Outwoodoffhis

feet,andthrustanarmupintotheunknown.Anavalancheofsootfelluponhishandandwrist,butheignoredit,foratthesameinstanthisfingershadcloseduponwhathewasseeking.

"Ah,"hesaid."Ithoughtasmuch.Youwerenotquitecleverenough,afterall,Smith."

"No,sir,"saidPsmithpatiently."Weallmakemistakes."

"Youwouldhavedonebetter,Smith,nottohavegivenmeallthistrouble.Youhavedoneyourselfnogoodbyit."

"It'sbeengreatfun,though,sir,"arguedPsmith.

"Fun!"Mr.Downinglaughedgrimly."Youmayhavereasontochangeyouropinionofwhatconstitutes----"

Hisvoicefailedashiseyefellontheall-blacktoeoftheboot.Helookedup,andcaughtPsmith'sbenevolentgaze.Hestraightenedhimselfandbrushedabeadofperspirationfromhisfacewiththebackofhishand.Unfortunately,heusedthesootyhand,andtheresultwaslikesomegruesomeburlesqueofaniggerminstrel.

"Did--you--put--that--boot--there,Smith?"heaskedslowly.

[Illustration:"DID--YOU--PUT--THAT--BOOT--THERE,SMITH?"]

"Yes,sir."

"Thenwhatdidyou_MEAN_byputtingitthere?"roaredMr.Downing.

"Animalspirits,sir,"saidPsmith.

"WHAT!"



"Animalspirits,sir."

WhatMr.Downingwouldhaverepliedtothisonecannottell,thoughonecanguessroughly.For,justashewasopeninghismouth,Mr.Outwood,catchingsightofhisChirgwin-likecountenance,intervened.

"MydearDowning,"hesaid,"yourface.Itispositivelycoveredwithsoot,positively.Youmustcomeandwashit.Youarequiteblack.Really,youpresentamostcuriousappearance,most.Letmeshowyouthewaytomyroom."

Inalltimesofstormandtribulationtherecomesabreaking-point,apointwherethespiritdefinitelyrefuses,tobattleanylongeragainsttheslingsandarrowsofoutrageousfortune.Mr.Downingcouldnotbearupagainstthiscrowningblow.Hewentdownbeneathit.InthelanguageoftheRing,hetookthecount.Itwastheknock-out.

"Soot!"hemurmuredweakly."Soot!"

"Yourfaceiscovered,mydearfellow,quitecovered."

"Itcertainlyhasafaintlysootyaspect,sir,"saidPsmith.

Hisvoicerousedthesufferertoonelastflickerofspirit.

"Youwillhearmoreofthis,Smith,"hesaid."Isayyouwillhearmoreofit."

ThenheallowedMr.Outwoodtoleadhimouttoaplacewherethereweretowels,soap,andsponges.

*****

Whentheyhadgone,Psmithwenttothewindow,andhauledinthestring.Hefeltthecalmafter-glowwhichcomestothegeneralafterasuccessfullyconductedbattle.Ithadbeentrying,ofcourse,foramanofrefinement,andithadcutintohisafternoon,butonthewhole

ithadbeenworthit.

Theproblemnowwaswhattodowiththepaintedboot.Itwouldtakealotofcleaning,hesaw,evenifhecouldgetholdofthenecessaryimplementsforcleaningit.Andheratherdoubtedifhewouldbeabletodoso.Edmund,theboot-boy,workedinsomemysteriouscell,farfromthemaddingcrowd,atthebackofthehouse.Intheboot-cupboarddownstairstherewouldprobablybenothinglikelytobeofanyuse.

Hisfearswererealised.Theboot-cupboardwasempty.Itseemedtohimthat,forthetimebeing,thebestthinghecoulddowouldbetoplacethebootinsafehiding,untilheshouldhavethoughtoutascheme.

Havingrestoredthebaskettoitsproperplace,accordingly,hewentuptothestudyagain,andplacedthered-toedbootinthechimney,ataboutthesameheightwhereMr.Downinghadfoundtheother.Nobodywouldthinkoflookingthereasecondtime,anditwasimprobablethatMr.Outwoodreallywouldhavethechimneysswept,ashehadsaid.Theoddswerethathehadforgottenaboutitalready.

Psmithwenttothebathroomtowashhishandsagain,withthefeelingthathehaddoneagoodday'swork.



CHAPTERLII

ONTHETRAILAGAIN

Themostmassivemindsareapttoforgetthingsattimes.Themostadroitplottersmaketheirlittlemistakes.Psmithwasnoexceptiontotherule.HemadethemistakeofnottellingMikeoftheafternoon'shappenings.

Itwasnotaltogetherforgetfulness.Psmithwasoneofthosepeoplewholiketocarrythroughtheiroperationsentirelybythemselves.Wherethereisonlyoneinasecretthesecretismoreliabletoremainunrevealed.Therewasnothing,hethought,tobegainedfromtellingMike.Heforgotwhattheconsequencesmightbeifhedidnot.

SoPsmithkepthisowncounsel,withtheresultthatMikewentovertoschoolontheMondaymorninginpumps.

Edmund,summonedfromthehinterlandofthehousetogivehisopinionwhyonlyoneofMike'sbootswastobefound,hadnoviewsonthe

subject.Heseemedtolookonitasoneofthosethingswhichnofellowcanunderstand.

"'Ere'soneof'em,Mr.Jackson,"hesaid,asifhehopedthatMikemightbesatisfiedwithacompromise.

"One?What'sthegoodofthat,Edmund,youchump?Ican'tgoovertoschoolinoneboot."

Edmundturnedthisoverinhismind,andthensaid,"No,sir,"asmuchastosay,"Imayhavelostaboot,but,thankgoodness,Icanstillunderstandsoundreasoning."

"Well,whatamItodo?Whereistheotherboot?"

"Don'tknow,Mr.Jackson,"repliedEdmundtobothquestions.

"Well,Imean--Oh,dashit,there'sthebell."

AndMikesprintedoffinthepumpshestoodin.

Itisonlyadeviationfromthoseordinaryrulesofschoollife,whichoneobservesnaturallyandwithoutthinking,thatenablesonetorealisehowstrongpublic-schoolprejudicesreallyare.Ataschool,forinstance,wheretheregulationssaythatcoatsonlyofblackordarkbluearetobeworn,aboywhoappearsonedayineventhe

mostrespectableandunostentatiousbrownfindshimselflookedonwithamixtureofaweandrepulsion,whichwouldbeexcessiveifhehadsand-baggedtheheadmaster.Sointhecaseofboots.Schoolrulesdecreethataboyshallgotohisform-roominboots,Thereisnorealreasonwhy,ifthedayisfine,heshouldnotwearshoes,shouldhepreferthem.But,ifhedoes,thethingcreatesaperfectsensation.Boyssay,"GreatScott,what_have_yougoton?"Masterssay,"Jones,_what_areyouwearingonyourfeet?"Inthefewminuteswhichelapsebetweentheassemblingoftheformforcall-overandthearrivaloftheform-master,somewagissureeithertostamponthe



shoes,accompanyingtheactwithsomesatiricalremark,orelsetopulloneofthemoff,andinaugurateanimpromptugameoffootballwithit.Therewasonceaboywhowenttoschoolonemorninginelastic-sidedboots....

Mikehadalwaysbeencoldlydistantinhisrelationstotherestofhisform,lookingonthem,withafewexceptions,asworms;andtheform,sincehisinningsagainstDowning'sontheFriday,hadregardedMikewithrespect.SothatheescapedtheragginghewouldhavehadtoundergoatWrykyninsimilarcircumstances.ItwasonlyMr.Downingwhogavetrouble.

Thereisasortofinstinctwhichenablessomemasterstotellwhenaboyintheirformiswearingshoesinsteadofboots,justaspeoplewhodislikecatsalwaysknowwhenoneisinaroomwiththem.Theycannotseeit,buttheyfeelitintheirbones.

Mr.Downingwasperhapsthemostbigotedanti-shoeistinthewholelistofEnglishschoolmasters.Hewagedwarremorselesslyagainstshoes.Satire,abuse,lines,detention--everyweaponwasemployedbyhimindealingwiththeirwearers.IthadbeenthelateDunster'spracticealwaystogoovertoschoolinshoeswhen,asheusuallydid,hefeltshakyinthemorning'slesson.Mr.Downingalwaysdetectedhiminthefirstfiveminutes,andthatmeantalectureofanythingfrom

tenminutestoaquarterofanhouronUntidyHabitsandBoysWhoLookedlikeLoafers--whichbrokethebackofthemorning'sworknicely.Ononeoccasion,whenaparticularlytrickybitofLivywasonthebilloffare,Dunsterhadenteredtheform-roominheel-lessTurkishbath-slippers,ofavividcrimson;andthesubsequentproceedings,includinghisjourneyovertothehousetochangetheheel-lessatrocities,hadseenhimthroughverynearlytothequartertoeleveninterval.

Mike,accordingly,hadnotbeeninhisplaceforthreeminuteswhenMr.Downing,stiffeninglikeapointer,calledhisname.

"Yes,sir?"saidMike.

"_What_areyouwearingonyourfeet,Jackson?"

"Pumps,sir."

"Youarewearingpumps?AreyounotawarethatPUMPSarenottheproperthingstocometoschoolin?Whyareyouwearing_PUMPS_?"

Theform,leaningbackagainstthenextrowofdesks,settleditselfcomfortablyfortheaddressfromthethrone.

"Ihavelostoneofmyboots,sir."

AkindofgulpescapedfromMr.Downing'slips.HestaredatMikeforamomentinsilence.Then,turningtoStone,hetoldhimtostarttranslating.

Stone,whohadbeenexpectingatleasttenminutes'respite,wastakenunawares.Whenhefoundtheplaceinhisbookandbegantoconstrue,heflounderedhopelessly.But,tohisgrowingsurpriseandsatisfaction,theform-masterappearedtonoticenothingwrong.Hesaid"Yes,yes,"mechanically,andfinally"Thatwilldo,"whereuponStoneresumedhisseatwiththefeelingthattheageofmiracleshad



returned.

Mr.Downing'smindwasinawhirl.Hiscasewascomplete.Mike'sappearanceinshoes,withtheexplanationthathehadlostaboot,completedthechain.AsColumbusmusthavefeltwhenhisshipranintoharbour,andthefirstAmericaninterviewer,jumpingonboard,said,"Wal,sir,andwhatareyourimpressionsofourgloriouscountry?"sodidMr.Downingfeelatthatmoment.

Whenthebellrangataquartertoeleven,hegathereduphisgown,andspedtotheheadmaster.

CHAPTERLIII

THEKETTLEMETHOD

ItwasduringtheintervalthatdaythatStoneandRobinson,discussingthesubjectofcricketoverabunandginger-beerattheschoolshop,cametoamomentousdecision,towit,thattheywerefedupwithAdairadministrationandmeanttostrike.Theimmediatecause

ofrevoltwasearly-morningfielding-practice,thatsearchingtestofcricketkeenness.Mikehimself,towhomcricketwasthegreatandseriousinterestoflife,hadshirkedearly-morningfielding-practiceinhisfirsttermatWrykyn.AndStoneandRobinsonhadbutaluke-warmattachmenttothegame,comparedwithMike's.

Asarule,Adairhadcontentedhimselfwithpracticeintheafternoonafterschool,whichnobodyobjectsto;andnostrain,consequently,hadbeenputuponStone'sandRobinson'sallegiance.InviewoftheM.C.C.matchontheWednesday,however,hehadnowaddedtothisanextradosetobetakenbeforebreakfast.StoneandRobinsonhadlefttheircomfortablebedsthatdayatsixo'clock,yawningandheavy-eyed,andhadcaughtcatchesandfieldeddriveswhich,inthecoolmorning

air,hadstunglikeaddersandbittenlikeserpents.Untilthesunhasreallygottowork,itisnojoketakingahighcatch.Stone'sdislikeoftheexperimentwasonlyequalledbyRobinson's.Theywereneitherofthemofthetypewhichlikestoundergohardshipsforthecommongood.Theyplayedwellenoughwhenonthefield,butneithercaredgreatlywhethertheschoolhadagoodseasonornot.Theyplayedthegameentirelyfortheirownsakes.

Theresultwasthattheywentbacktothehouseforbreakfastwithanever-againfeeling,andattheearliestpossiblemomentmettodebateastowhatwastobedoneaboutit.Atallcostsanotherexperienceliketo-day'smustbeavoided.

"It'sallrot,"saidStone."Whatonearth'sthegoodofsweatingaboutbeforebreakfast?Itonlymakesyoutired."

"Ishouldn'twonder,"saidRobinson,"ifitwasn'tbadfortheheart.Rushingaboutonanemptystomach,Imean,andallthatsortofthing."

"Personally,"saidStone,gnawinghisbun,"Idon'tintendtostickit."



"NordoI."

"Imean,it'ssuchabsoluterot.Ifwearen'tgoodenoughtoplayfortheteamwithouthavingtogetupovernighttocatchcatches,he'dbetterfindsomebodyelse."

"Yes."

AtthismomentAdaircameintotheshop.

"Fielding-practiceagainto-morrow,"hesaidbriskly,"atsix."

"Beforebreakfast?"saidRobinson.

"Rather.Youtwomustbuckup,youknow.Youwererottento-day."Andhepassedon,leavingthetwomalcontentsspeechless.

Stonewasthefirsttorecover.

"I'mhangedifIturnoutto-morrow,"hesaid,astheylefttheshop."Hecandowhathelikesaboutit.Besides,whatcanhedo,afterall?Onlykickusoutoftheteam.AndIdon'tmindthat."

"NordoI."

"Idon'tthinkhewillkickusout,either.Hecan'tplaytheM.C.C.withascratchteam.Ifhedoes,we'llgoandplayforthatvillageJacksonplaysfor.We'llgetJacksontoshoveusintotheteam."

"Allright,"saidRobinson."Let's."

Theirpositionwasastrongone.Acricketcaptainmayseemtobeanautocratoftremendouspower,butinrealityhehasonlyoneweapon,thekeennessofthoseunderhim.Withthemajority,ofcourse,thefearofbeingexcludedorejectedfromateamisaspurthatdrives.Themajority,consequently,areeasilyhandled.Butwhenacricketcaptainrunsupagainstaboywhodoesnotmuchcarewhetherheplays

fortheteamornot,thenhefindshimselfinadifficultposition,and,unlessheisamanofaction,practicallyhelpless.

StoneandRobinsonfeltsecure.Takingitallround,theyfeltthattheywouldjustassoonplayforLowerBorlockasfortheschool.Thebowlingoftheoppositionwouldbeweakerintheformercase,andthechanceofmakingrunsgreater.Toacertaintypeofcricketerrunsareruns,whereverandhowevermade.

TheresultofallthiswasthatAdair,turningoutwiththeteamnextmorningforfielding-practice,foundhimselftwoshort.Barneswasamongthosepresent,butoftheothertworepresentativesofOutwood'shousetherewerenosigns.

Barnes,questionedonthesubject,hadnoinformationtogive,beyondthefactthathehadnotseenthemaboutanywhere.Whichwasnotagreathelp.Adairproceededwiththefielding-practicewithoutfurtherdelay.

Atbreakfastthatmorninghewassilentandapparentlywrappedinthought.Mr.Downing,whosatatthetopofthetablewithAdaironhisright,wasaccustomedatthemorningmealtoblendnourishmentofthebodywiththatofthemind.Asarulehehadtenminuteswiththe



dailypaperbeforethebellrang,anditwashispracticetohandontheresultsofhisreadingtoAdairandtheotherhouse-prefects,who,nothavingseenthepaper,usuallyformedaninterestedandappreciativeaudience.To-day,however,thoughthehouse-prefectsexpressedvaryingdegreesofexcitementatthenewsthatTyldesleyhadmadeacenturyagainstGloucestershire,andthatabutterfaminewasexpectedintheUnitedStates,theseworld-shakingnews-itemsseemedtoleaveAdaircold.Hechampedhisbreadandmarmaladewithanabstractedair.

HewaswonderingwhattodointhismatterofStoneandRobinson.

Manycaptainsmighthavepassedthethingover.Totakeitforgrantedthatthemissingpairhadoversleptthemselveswouldhavebeenasafeandconvenientwayoutofthedifficulty.ButAdairwasnotthesortofpersonwhoseeksforsafeandconvenientwaysoutofdifficulties.Henevershirkedanything,physicalormoral.

Heresolvedtointerviewtheabsentees.

Itwasnotuntilafterschoolthatanopportunityoffereditself.HewentacrosstoOutwood'sandfoundthetwonon-startersintheseniorday-room,engagedintheintellectualpursuitofkickingthewallandmarkingtheheightofeachkickwithchalk.Adair'sentrancecoincided

witharecordeffortbyStone,whichcausedthekickertooverbalanceandstaggerbackwardsagainstthecaptain.

"Sorry,"saidStone."Hullo,Adair!"

"Don'tmentionit.Whyweren'tyoutwoatfielding-practicethismorning?"

Robinson,wholefttheleadtoStoneinallmatters,saidnothing.Stonespoke.

"Wedidn'tturnup,"hesaid.

"Iknowyoudidn't.Whynot?"

Stonehadrehearsedthissceneinhismind,andhespokewiththecoolnesswhichcomesfromrehearsal.

"Wedecidednotto."

"Oh?"

"Yes.Wecametotheconclusionthatwehadn'tanyuseforearly-morningfielding."

Adair'smannerbecameominouslycalm.

"Youwereratherfed-up,Isuppose?"

"That'sjusttheword."

"Sorryitboredyou."

"Itdidn't.Wedidn'tgiveitthechanceto."

Robinsonlaughedappreciatively.



"What'sthejoke,Robinson?"askedAdair.

"There'snojoke,"saidRobinson,withsomehaste."Iwasonlythinkingofsomething."

"I'llgiveyousomethingelsetothinkaboutsoon."

Stoneintervened.

"It'snogoodmakingarowaboutit,Adair.Youmustseethatyoucan'tdoanything.Ofcourse,youcankickusoutoftheteam,ifyoulike,butwedon'tcareifyoudo.JacksonwillgetusagameanyWednesdayorSaturdayforthevillageheplaysfor.Sowe'reallright.Andtheschoolteamaren'tsuchalotofflyersthatyoucanaffordtogochuckingpeopleoutofitwheneveryouwantto.SeewhatImean?"

"YouandJacksonseemtohavefixeditallupbetweenyou."

"Whatareyougoingtodo?Kickusout?"

"No."

"Good.Ithoughtyou'dseeitwasnogoodmakingabeastlyrow.We'llplayfortheschoolallright.There'snoearthlyneedforustoturnoutforfielding-practicebeforebreakfast."

"Youdon'tthinkthereis?Youmayberight.Allthesame,you'regoingtoto-morrowmorning."

"What!"

"Sixsharp.Don'tbelate."

"Don'tbeanass,Adair.We'vetoldyouwearen'tgoingto."

"That'sonlyyouropinion.Ithinkyouare.I'llgiveyoutillfivepastsix,asyouseemtolikelyinginbed."

"Youcanturnoutifyoufeellikeit.Youwon'tfindmethere."

"That'llbeadisappointment.NorRobinson?"

"No,"saidthejuniorpartnerinthefirm;buthesaiditwithoutanydeepconviction.Theatmospherewasgrowingagreatdealtootenseforhiscomfort.

"You'vequitemadeupyourminds?"

"Yes,"saidStone.

"Right,"saidAdairquietly,andknockedhimdown.

Hewasupagaininamoment.Adairhadpushedthetableback,andwasstandinginthemiddleoftheopenspace.

"Youcad,"saidStone."Iwasn'tready."

"Well,youarenow.Shallwegoon?"



Stonedashedinwithoutaword,andforafewmomentsthetwomighthaveseemedevenlymatchedtoanottoointelligentspectator.Butsciencetells,eveninaconfinedspace.AdairwassmallerandlighterthanStone,buthewascoolerandquicker,andheknewmoreaboutthegame.Hisblowwasalwayshomeafractionofasecondsoonerthanhisopponent's.AttheendofaminuteStonewasontheflooragain.

Hegotupslowlyandstoodleaningwithonehandonthetable.

"Supposewesaytenpastsix?"saidAdair."I'mnotparticulartoaminuteortwo."

Stonemadenoreply.

"Willtenpastsixsuityouforfielding-practiceto-morrow?"saidAdair.

"Allright,"saidStone.

"Thanks.Howaboutyou,Robinson?"

RobinsonhadbeenapetrifiedspectatoroftheCaptain-Kettle-likemanoeuvresofthecricketcaptain,anditdidnottakehimlongto

makeuphismind.Hewasnotaltogetheracoward.Indifferentcircumstanceshemighthaveputuparespectableshow.Butittakesamorethanordinarilycourageouspersontoembarkonafightwhichheknowsmustendinhisdestruction.RobinsonknewthathewasnothinglikeamatchevenforStone,andAdairhaddisposedofStoneinalittleoveroneminute.ItseemedtoRobinsonthatneitherpleasurenorprofitwaslikelytocomefromanencounterwithAdair.

"Allright,"hesaidhastily,"I'llturnup."

"Good,"saidAdair."IwonderifeitherofyouchapscouldtellmewhichisJackson'sstudy."

Stonewasdabbingathismouthwithahandkerchief,ataskwhichprecludedanythingintheshapeofconversation;soRobinsonrepliedthatMike'sstudywasthefirstyoucametoontherightofthecorridoratthetopofthestairs.

"Thanks,"saidAdair."Youdon'thappentoknowifhe'sin,Isuppose?"

"HewentupwithSmithaquarterofanhourago.Idon'tknowifhe'sstillthere."

"I'llgoandsee,"saidAdair."Ishouldlikeawordwithhimifheisn'tbusy."

CHAPTERLIV

ADAIRHASAWORDWITHMIKE

Mike,allunconsciousofthestirringproceedingswhichhadbeengoing



onbelowstairs,waspeacefullyreadingaletterhehadreceivedthatmorningfromStrachanatWrykyn,inwhichthesuccessortothecricketcaptaincywhichshouldhavebeenMike'shadagooddealtosayinalugubriousstrain.InMike'sabsencethingshadbeengoingbadlywithWrykyn.Abrokenarm,contractedinthecourseofsomerashexperimentswithaday-boy'smotor-bicycle,haddeprivedtheteamoftheservicesofDunstable,theonlymanwhohadshownanysignsofbeingabletobowlasideout.Sincethiscalamity,wroteStrachan,everythinghadgonewrong.TheM.C.C.,ledbyMike'sbrotherReggie,theleastofthethreefirst-class-cricketingJacksons,hadsmashedthembyahundredandfiftyruns.Geddingtonhadwipedthemoffthefaceoftheearth.TheIncogs,withateamrecruitedexclusivelyfromtherabbit-hutch--notawell-knownmanonthesideexceptStacey,aveteranwhohadbeenplayingfortheclubsinceFullerPilch'stime--hadgothomebytwowickets.Infact,itwasStrachan'sopinionthattheWrykynteamthatsummerwasaboutthemosthopelessgangofdead-beatsthathadevermadeanexhibitionofitselfontheschoolgrounds.TheRiptonmatch,fortunately,wasoff,owingtoanoutbreakofmumpsatthatshrineoflearningandathletics--thesecondoutbreakofthemaladyintwoterms.Which,saidStrachan,washardlinesonRipton,butabitofjollygoodluckforWrykyn,asithadsavedthemfromwhatwouldprobablyhavebeenarecordhammering,Riptonhavingeightoftheirlastyear'steamleft,includingDixon,thefastbowler,againstwhomMikealoneoftheWrykynteamhadbeenableto

makerunsinthepreviousseason.Altogether,Wrykynhadstruckabadpatch.

Mikemournedoverhissufferingschool.Ifonlyhecouldhavebeentheretohelp.Itmighthavemadeallthedifference.Inschoolcricketonegoodbatsman,togoinfirstandknockthebowlersofftheirlength,maytakeaweakteamtriumphantlythroughaseason.Inschoolcrickettheimportanceofagoodstartforthefirstwicketisincalculable.

AsheputStrachan'sletterawayinhispocket,allhisoldbitternessagainstSedleigh,whichhadbeenebbingduringthepastfewdays,returnedwitharush.Hewasconsciousoncemoreofthatfeelingof

personalinjurywhichhadmadehimhatehisnewschoolonthefirstdayofterm.

Anditwasatthispoint,whenhisresentmentwasatitsheight,thatAdair,theconcreterepresentativeofeverythingSedleighan,enteredtheroom.

Therearemomentsinlife'splacidcoursewhentherehasgottobethebiggestkindofrow.Thiswasoneofthem.

*****

Psmith,whowasleaningagainstthemantelpiece,readingtheserial

storyinadailypaperwhichhehadabstractedfromtheseniorday-room,madetheintruderfreeofthestudywithadignifiedwaveofthehand,andwentonreading.Mikeremainedinthedeck-chairinwhichhewassitting,andcontentedhimselfwithglaringatthenewcomer.

Psmithwasthefirsttospeak.

"Ifyouaskmycandidopinion,"hesaid,lookingupfromhispaper,"IshouldsaythatyoungLordAntonyTrefusiswasinthesoupalready.Iseemtoseethe_consommÃ©_splashingabouthisankles.He'shada



notetellinghimtobeundertheoak-treeintheParkatmidnight.He'sjustoffthereattheendofthisinstalment.IbetLongJack,thepoacher,iswaitingtherewithasandbag.Caretoseethepaper,ComradeAdair?Ordon'tyoutakeanyinterestincontemporaryliterature?"

"Thanks,"saidAdair."IjustwantedtospeaktoJacksonforaminute."

"Fate,"saidPsmith,"hasledyourfootstepstotherightplace.ThatisComradeJackson,thePrideoftheSchool,sittingbeforeyou."

"Whatdoyouwant?"saidMike.

HesuspectedthatAdairhadcometoaskhimonceagaintoplayfortheschool.ThefactthattheM.C.C.matchwasonthefollowingdaymadethisaprobablesolutionofthereasonforhisvisit.HecouldthinkofnoothererrandthatwaslikelytohavesettheheadofDowning'spayingafternooncalls.

"I'lltellyouinaminute.Itwon'ttakelong."

"That,"saidPsmithapprovingly,"isright.Speedisthekey-noteofthepresentage.Promptitude.Despatch.Thisisnotimeforloitering.

Wemustbestrenuous.Wemusthustle.WemustDoItNow.We----""Buckup,"saidMike.

"Certainly,"saidAdair."I'vejustbeentalkingtoStoneandRobinson."

"Anexcellentwayofpassinganidlehalf-hour,"saidPsmith.

"Weweren'texactlyidle,"saidAdairgrimly."Itdidn'tlastlong,butitwasprettylivelywhileitdid.Stonechuckeditafterthefirstround."

Mikegotupoutofhischair.Hecouldnotquitefollowwhatallthiswasabout,buttherewasnomistakingthetruculenceofAdair'smanner.Forsomereason,whichmightpossiblybemadedearlater,Adairwaslookingfortrouble,andMikeinhispresentmoodfeltthatitwouldbeaprivilegetoseethathegotit.

PsmithwasregardingAdairthroughhiseyeglasswithpainandsurprise.

"Surely,"hesaid,"youdonotmeanustounderstandthatyouhavebeen_brawling_withComradeStone!Thisisbadhearing.Ithoughtthatyouandhewerelikebrothers.SuchabadexampleforComradeRobinson,too.Leaveus,Adair.Wewouldbrood.Oh,gothee,

knave,I'llnoneofthee.Shakespeare."

Psmithturnedaway,andrestinghiselbowsonthemantelpiece,gazedathimselfmournfullyinthelooking-glass.

"I'mnotthemanIwas,"hesighed,afteraprolongedinspection."Therearelinesonmyface,darkcirclesbeneathmyeyes.ThefiercerushoflifeatSedleighiswastingmeaway."

"StoneandIhadadiscussionaboutearly-morningfielding-practice,"



saidAdair,turningtoMike.

Mikesaidnothing.

"Ithoughthisfieldingwantedworkingupabit,soItoldhimtoturnoutatsixto-morrowmorning.Hesaidhewouldn't,soweargueditout.He'sgoingtoallright.SoisRobinson."

Mikeremainedsilent.

"Soareyou,"addedAdair.

"Igetthinnerandthinner,"saidPsmithfromthemantelpiece.

MikelookedatAdair,andAdairlookedatMike,afterthemanneroftwodogsbeforetheyflyatoneanother.Therewasanelectricsilenceinthestudy.Psmithpeeredwithincreasedearnestnessintotheglass.

"Oh?"saidMikeatlast."Whatmakesyouthinkthat?"

"Idon'tthink.Iknow."

"Anyspecialreasonformyturningout?"

"Yes.""What'sthat?"

"You'regoingtoplayfortheschoolagainsttheM.C.C.to-morrow,andIwantyoutogetsomepractice."

"Iwonderhowyougotthatidea!"

"CuriousIshouldhavedone,isn'tit?"

"Very.Youaren'tbuildingonitmuch,areyou?"saidMikepolitely.

"Iam,rather,"repliedAdairwithequalcourtesy.

"I'mafraidyou'llbedisappointed."

"Idon'tthinkso."

"Myeyes,"saidPsmithregretfully,"areabitclosetogether.However,"headdedphilosophically,"it'stoolatetoalterthatnow."

MikedrewastepclosertoAdair.

"WhatmakesyouthinkIshallplayagainsttheM.C.C.?"heaskedcuriously.

"I'mgoingtomakeyou."

Miketookanotherstepforward.Adairmovedtomeethim.

"Wouldyoucaretotrynow?"saidMike.

Forjustonesecondthetwodrewthemselvestogetherpreparatorytobeginningtheseriousbusinessoftheinterview,andinthatsecondPsmith,turningfromtheglass,steppedbetweenthem.



"Getoutofthelight,Smith,"saidMike.

Psmithwavedhimbackwithadeprecatinggesture.

"Mydearyoungfriends,"hesaidplacidly,"ifyou_will_letyourangrypassionsrise,againstthedirectadviceofDoctorWatts,Isupposeyoumust,Butwhenyouproposetoclaweachotherinmystudy,inthemidstofahundredfragileandpricelessornaments,Ilodgeaprotest.Ifyoureallyfeelthatyouwanttoscrap,forgoodnesssakedoitwherethere'ssomeroom.Idon'twantallthestudyfurnituresmashed.Iknowabankwhereonthewildthymegrows,onlyafewyardsdowntheroad,whereyoucanscrapallnightifyouwantto.Howwoulditbetomoveonthere?Anyobjections?None?Thenshiftho!andlet'sgetitover."

CHAPTERLV

CLEARINGTHEAIR

Psmithwasoneofthosepeoplewholendadignitytoeverythingtheytouch.Underhisauspicesthemostunpromisingventuresbecamesomehowenvelopedinanatmosphereofmeasuredstateliness.Onthepresentoccasion,whatwouldhavebeen,withouthisguidinghand,amereunscientificscramble,tookonsomethingoftheimpressiveformalityoftheNationalSportingClub.

"Therounds,"hesaid,producingawatch,astheypassedthroughagateintoafieldacoupleofhundredyardsfromthehousegate,"willbeofthreeminutes'duration,withaminuterestinbetween.Amanwhoisdownwillhavetensecondsinwhichtorise.Areyouready,ComradesAdairandJackson?Verywell,then.Time."

Afterwhich,itwasapitythattheactualfightdidnotquiteliveuptoitsreferee'sintroduction.Dramatically,thereshouldhavebeencautioussparringforopeningsandanumberoftenselycontestedrounds,asifithadbeenthefinalofaboxingcompetition.Butschoolfights,whentheydooccur--whichisonlyonceinadecadenowadays,unlessyoucountjuniorschoolscuffles--aretheoutcomeofweeksofsuppressedbadblood,andareconsequentlybriefandfurious.Inaboxingcompetition,howevermuchonemaywanttowin,onedoesnotdislikeone'sopponent.Uptothemomentwhen"time"wascalled,onewasprobablywarmlyattachedtohim,andattheendofthelastroundoneexpectstoresumethatattitudeofmind.Inafighteachparty,asarule,hatestheother.

Soithappenedthattherewasnothingformalorcautiousaboutthepresentbattle.AllAdairwantedwastogetatMike,andallMikewantedwastogetatAdair.DirectlyPsmithcalled"time,"theyrushedtogetherasiftheymeanttoendthethinginhalfaminute.

ItwasthisthatsavedMike.Inanordinarycontestwiththegloves,withhisopponentcoolandboxinginhistrueform,hecouldnothavelastedthreeroundsagainstAdair.Thelatterwasacleverboxer,whileMikehadneverhadalessoninhislife.IfAdairhadkeptawayandusedhishead,nothingcouldhavepreventedhimwinning.



Asitwas,however,hethrewawayhisadvantages,muchasTomBrowndidatthebeginningofhisfightwithSloggerWilliams,andtheresultwasthesameasonthathistoricoccasion.Mikehadthegreaterstrength,and,thirtysecondsfromthestart,knockedhismancleanoffhisfeetwithanunscientificbutpowerfulright-hander.

ThisfinishedAdair'schances.Herosefulloffight,butwithallthescienceknockedoutofhim.HewentinatMikewithbothhands.TheIrishbloodinhim,whichfortheordinaryeventsoflifemadehimmerelyenergeticanddashing,nowrenderedhimreckless.Heabandonedallattemptatguarding.ItwastheFrontalAttackinitsmostfutileform,andasunsuccessfulasafrontalattackisapttobe.Therewasaswiftexchangeofblows,inthecourseofwhichMike'sleftelbow,comingintocontactwithhisopponent'srightfist,gotashockwhichkeptittinglingfortherestoftheday;andthenAdairwentdowninaheap.

Hegotupslowlyandwithdifficulty.Foramomenthestoodblinkingvaguely.ThenhelurchedforwardatMike.

Intheexcitementofafight--whichis,afterall,aboutthemostexcitingthingthateverhappenstooneinthecourseofone'slife--itisdifficultforthefighterstoseewhatthespectatorssee.Where

thespectatorsseeanassaultonanalreadybeatenman,thefighterhimselfonlyseesalegitimatepieceofself-defenceagainstanopponentwhosechancesareequaltohisown.Psmithsaw,asanybodylookingonwouldhaveseen,thatAdairwasdone.Mike'sblowhadtakenhimwithinafractionofaninchofthepointofthejaw,andhewasallbutknockedout.Mikecouldnotseethis.Allheunderstoodwasthathismanwasonhisfeetagainandcomingathim,sohehitoutwithallhisstrength;andthistimeAdairwentdownandstayeddown.

"Brief,"saidPsmith,comingforward,"butexciting.Wemaytakethat,Ithink,tobetheconclusionoftheentertainment.Iwillnowhaveadashatpickinguptheslain.Ishouldn'tstop,ifIwereyou.He'llbesittingupandtakingnoticesoon,andifheseesyouhemaywant

togoonwiththecombat,whichwoulddohimnoearthlygood.Ifit'sgoingtobecontinuedinournext,therehadbetterbeabitofanintervalforalterationsandrepairsfirst."

"Ishehurtmuch,doyouthink?"askedMike.Hehadseenknock-outsbeforeinthering,butthiswasthefirsttimehehadevereffectedoneonhisownaccount,andAdairlookedunpleasantlycorpse-like.

"_He's_allright,"saidPsmith."Inaminuteortwohe'llbeskippingaboutlikealittlelambkin.I'lllookafterhim.Yougoawayandpickflowers."

Mikeputonhiscoatandwalkedbacktothehouse.Hewasconsciousof

aperplexingwhirlofnewandstrangeemotions,chiefamongwhichwasacuriousfeelingthatheratherlikedAdair.HefoundhimselfthinkingthatAdairwasagoodchap,thattherewassomethingtobesaidforhispointofview,andthatitwasapityhehadknockedhimaboutsomuch.Atthesametime,hefeltanundeniablethrillofprideathavingbeatenhim.Thefeatpresentedthatinterestingperson,MikeJackson,tohiminafreshandpleasinglight,asonewhohadhadatoughjobtofaceandhadcarrieditthrough.Jackson,thecricketer,heknew,butJackson,thedelivererofknock-outblows,wasstrangetohim,andhefoundthisnewacquaintanceamantoberespected.



Thefight,infact,hadtheresultwhichmostfightshave,iftheyarefoughtfairlyanduntilonesidehashadenough.ItrevolutionisedMike'sviewofthings.Itshookhimup,anddrainedthebadbloodoutofhim.Where,before,hehadseemedtohimselftobeactingwithmassivedignity,henowsawthathehadsimplybeensulkinglikesomewretchedkid.TherehadappearedtohimsomethingratherfineinhispolicyofrefusingtoidentifyhimselfinanywaywithSedleigh,atouchofthestone-walls-do-not-a-prison-makesortofthing.Henowsawthathisattitudewastobesummedupinthewords,"Sha'n'tplay."

ItcameuponMikewithpainfulclearnessthathehadbeenmakinganassofhimself.

Hehadcometothisconclusion,aftermuchearnestthought,whenPsmithenteredthestudy.

"How'sAdair?"askedMike.

"Sittingupandtakingnourishmentoncemore.Wehavebeenchatting.He'snotabadcove."

"He'sallright,"saidMike.

Therewasapause.Psmithstraightenedhistie.

"Lookhere,"hesaid,"Iseldominterfereinterrestrialstrife,butitseemstomethatthere'sanopeninghereforacapablepeace-maker,notafraidofwork,andwillingtogivehisservicesinexchangeforacomfortablehome.ComradeAdair'sratherastoutishfellowinhisway.I'mnotmuchonthe'Playupfortheoldschool,Jones,'game,buteveryonetohistaste.Ishouldn'thavethoughtanybodywouldgetoverwhelminglyattachedtothisabodeofwrath,butComradeAdairseemstohavedoneit.He'sallforgivingSedleighamuch-neededboost-up.It'snotabadideainitsway.Idon'tseewhyoneshouldn'thumourhim.Apparentlyhe'sbeensweatingsinceearly

childhoodtobucktheschoolup.Andashe'sleavingattheendoftheterm,itmightn'tbeascalyschemetogivehimabitofasend-off,ifpossible,bymakingthecricketseasonabitofabanger.Asastart,whynotdrophimalinetosaythatyou'llplayagainsttheM.C.C.to-morrow?"

Mikedidnotreplyatonce.HewasfeelingbetterdisposedtowardsAdairandSedleighthanhehadfelt,buthewasnotsurethathewasquitepreparedtogoasfarasacompleteclimb-down.

"Itwouldn'tbeabadidea,"continuedPsmith."There'snothinglikegivingamanabitineverynowandthen.Itbroadensthesoulandimprovestheactionoftheskin.WhatseemstohavefedupComrade

Adair,toacertainextent,isthatStoneapparentlyledhimtounderstandthatyouhadofferedtogivehimandRobinsonplacesinyourvillageteam.Youdidn't,ofcourse?"

"Ofcoursenot,"saidMikeindignantly.

"Itoldhimhedidn'tknowtheold_noblesseoblige_spiritoftheJacksons.IsaidthatyouwouldscorntotarnishtheJacksonescutcheonbynotplayingthegame.Myeloquenceconvincedhim.However,toreturntothepointunderdiscussion,whynot?"



"Idon't--WhatImeantosay--"beganMike.

"Ifyourtroubleis,"saidPsmith,"thatyoufearthatyoumaybeinunworthycompany----"

"Don'tbeanass."

"----Dismissit._I_amplaying."

Mikestared.

"You'rewhat?You?"

"I,"saidPsmith,breathingonacoat-button,andpolishingitwithhishandkerchief.

"Canyouplaycricket?"

"Youhavediscovered,"saidPsmith,"mysecretsorrow."

"You'rerotting."

"Youwrongme,ComradeJackson."

"Thenwhyhaven'tyouplayed?"

"Whyhaven'tyou?"

"Whydidn'tyoucomeandplayforLowerBorlock,Imean?"

"ThelasttimeIplayedinavillagecricketmatchIwascaughtatpointbyamaninbraces.Itwouldhavebeenmadnesstoriskanothersuchshocktomysystem.Mynervesaresoexquisitelybalancedthatathingofthatsorttakesyearsoffmylife."

"No,butlookhere,Smith,barrotting.Areyoureallyanygoodat

cricket?"

"CompetentjudgesatEtongavemetounderstandso.IwastoldthatthisyearIshouldbeacertaintyforLord's.Butwhenthecricketseasoncame,wherewasI?Gone.Gonelikesomebeautifulflowerthatwithersinthenight."

"Butyoutoldmeyoudidn'tlikecricket.Yousaidyouonlylikedwatchingit."

"Quiteright.Ido.Butatschoolswherecricketiscompulsoryyouhavetoovercomeyourprivateprejudices.Andintimethethingbecomesahabit.ImaginemyfeelingswhenIfoundthatIwas

degenerating,littlebylittle,intoaslowleft-handbowlerwithaswerve.Ifoughtagainstit,butitwasuseless,andafterawhileIgaveupthestruggle,anddriftedwiththestream.Lastyear,inahousematch"--Psmith'svoicetookonadeepertoneofmelancholy--"Itooksevenforthirteeninthesecondinningsonahardwicket.Ididthink,whenIcamehere,thatIhadfoundahavenofrest,butitwasnottobe.Iturnoutto-morrow.WhatComradeOutwoodwillsay,whenhefindsthathiskeenestarchaeologicaldisciplehasdeserted,Ihatetothink.However----"



to-morrow."

*****

Whentheweatherdecides,afterbehavingwellforsomeweeks,toshowwhatitcandoinanotherdirection,itdoesthethingthoroughly.WhenMikewokethenextmorningtheworldwasgreyanddripping.Leaden-colouredcloudsdriftedoverthesky,tilltherewasnotatraceofbluetobeseen,andthentherainbeganagain,inthegentle,determinedwayrainhaswhenitmeanstomakeadayofit.

Itwasoneofthosebaddayswhenonesitsinthepavilion,dampanddepressed,whilefiguresinmackintoshes,withdiscolouredbuckskinboots,crawlmiserablyaboutthefieldincouples.

Mike,shufflingacrosstoschoolinaBurberry,metAdairatDowning'sgate.

Thesemomentsarealwaysdifficult.Mikestopped--hecouldhardlywalkonasifnothinghadhappened--andlookeddownathisfeet.

"Comingacross?"hesaidawkwardly.

"Rightho!"saidAdair.

Theywalkedoninsilence.

"It'sonlyabouttento,isn'tit?"saidMike.

Adairfishedouthiswatch,andexamineditwithanelaboratecarebornofnervousness.

"Aboutnineto."

"Good.We'vegotplentyoftime."

"Yes."

"Ihatehavingtohurryovertoschool."

"SodoI."

"Ioftendocutitratherfine,though."

"Yes.SodoI."

"Beastlynuisancewhenonedoes."

"Beastly."

"It'sonlyaboutacoupleofminutesfromthehousestotheschool,Ishouldthink,shouldn'tyou?"

"Notmuchmore.Mightbethree."

"Yes.Threeifonedidn'thurry."

"Oh,yes,ifonedidn'thurry."

Anothersilence.



"Beastlyday,"saidAdair.

"Rotten."

Silenceagain.

"Isay,"saidMike,scowlingathistoes,"awfullysorryaboutyourwrist."

"Oh,that'sallright.Itwasmyfault."

"Doesithurt?"

"Oh,no,rathernot,thanks."

"I'dnoideayou'dcrockedyourself."

"Oh,no,that'sallright.Itwasonlyrightattheend.You'dhavesmashedmeanyhow."

"Oh,rot."

"Ibetyouanythingyoulikeyouwould."

"IbetyouIshouldn't....Jollyhardluck,justbeforethematch."

"Oh,no....Isay,thanksawfullyforsayingyou'dplay."

"Oh,rot....Doyouthinkweshallgetagame?"

Adairinspectedtheskycarefully.

"Idon'tknow.Itlooksprettybad,doesn'tit?"

"Rotten.Isay,howlongwillyourwristkeepyououtofcricket?"

"Beallrightinaweek.Less,probably."

"Good."

"NowthatyouandSmitharegoingtoplay,weoughttohaveajollygoodseason."

"Rummy,Smithturningouttobeacricketer."

"Yes.Ishouldthinkhe'dbeahotbowler,withhisheight."

"HemustbejollygoodifhewasonlyjustoutoftheEtonteamlastyear."

"Yes."

"What'sthetime?"askedMike.

Adairproducedhiswatchoncemore.

"Fiveto."

"We'veheapsoftime."



"Yes,heaps."

"Let'sstrollonabitdowntheroad,shallwe?"

"Rightho!"

Mikeclearedhisthroat.

"Isay."

"Hullo?"

"I'vebeentalkingtoSmith.HewastellingmethatyouthoughtI'dpromisedtogiveStoneandRobinsonplacesinthe----"

"Oh,no,that'sallright.Itwasonlyforabit.Smithtoldmeyoucouldn'thavedone,andIsawthatIwasanasstothinkyoucouldhave.ItwasStoneseemingsodeadcertainthathecouldplayforLowerBorlockifIchuckedhimfromtheschoolteamthatgavemetheidea."

"Heneverevenaskedmetogethimaplace."

"No,Iknow.""Ofcourse,Iwouldn'thavedoneit,evenifhehad."

"Ofcoursenot."

"Ididn'twanttoplaymyself,butIwasn'tgoingtodoarottentricklikegettingotherfellowsawayfromtheteam."

"No,Iknow."

"Itwasrottenenough,really,notplayingmyself."

"Oh,no.BeastlyroughluckhavingtoleaveWrykynjustwhenyouweregoingtobecaptain,andcometoasmallschoollikethis."

TheexcitementofthepastfewdaysmusthavehadastimulatingeffectonMike'smind--shakenitup,asitwere:fornow,forthesecondtimeintwodays,hedisplayedquiteacreditableamountofintuition.HemighthavebeenmisledbyAdair'sapparentlydeprecatoryattitudetowardsSedleigh,andblunderedintoadenunciationoftheplace.Adairhadsaid"asmallschoollikethis"inthesortofvoicewhichmighthaveledhishearertothinkthathewasexpectedtosay,"Yes,rottenlittlehole,isn'tit?"orwordstothateffect.Mike,fortunately,perceivedthatthewordswereusedpurelyfrompoliteness,ontheChineseprinciple.WhenaChinamanwishestopaya

compliment,hedoessobybelittlinghimselfandhisbelongings.

Heeludedthepitfall.

"Whatrot!"hesaid."Sedleigh'soneofthemostsportingschoolsI'veevercomeacross.Everybody'saskeenasblazes.Sotheyoughttobe,afterthewayyou'vesweated."

Adairshuffledawkwardly.



"I'vealwaysbeenfairlykeenontheplace,"hesaid."ButIdon'tsupposeI'vedoneanythingmuch."

"You'veloosenedoneofmyfrontteeth,"saidMike,withagrin,"ifthat'sanycomforttoyou."

"Icouldn'teatanythingexceptporridgethismorning.Myjawstillaches."

Forthefirsttimeduringtheconversationtheireyesmet,andthehumoroussideofthethingstruckthemsimultaneously.Theybegantolaugh.

"Whatfoolswemusthavelooked!"saidAdair.

"_You_wereallright.Imusthavelookedrotten.I'veneverhadtheglovesoninmylife.I'mjollygladnoonesawusexceptSmith,whodoesn'tcount.Hullo,there'sthebell.We'dbetterbemovingon.Whataboutthismatch?Notmuchchanceofitfromthelookoftheskyatpresent."

"Itmightclearbeforeeleven.You'dbettergetchanged,anyhow,attheinterval,andhangaboutincase."

"Allright.It'sbetterthandoingThucydideswithDowning.We'vegotmath,tilltheinterval,soIdon'tseeanythingofhimallday;whichwon'thurtme."

"Heisn'tabadsortofchap,whenyougettoknowhim,"saidAdair.

"Ican'thavedone,then.Idon'tknowwhichI'dleastsoonbe,Downingorablack-beetle,exceptthatifonewasDowningonecouldtreadontheblack-beetle.Dashthisrain.Igotabouthalfapintdownmyneckjustthen.Wesha'n'tgetagameto-day,ofanythinglikeit.Asyou'recrocked,I'mnotsurethatIcaremuch.You'vebeensweatingforyearstogetthematchon,anditwouldberatherrotplayingitwithoutyou."

"Idon'tknowthatsomuch.Iwishwecouldplay,becauseI'mcertain,withyouandSmith,we'dwalkintothem.Theyprobablyaren'tsendingdownmuchofateam,andreally,nowthatyouandSmithareturningout,we'vegotajollyhotlot.There'squitedecentbattingallthewaythrough,andthebowlingisn'tsobad.IfonlywecouldhavegiventhisM.C.C.lotareallygoodhammering,itmighthavebeeneasiertogetsomegoodfixturesfornextseason.Yousee,it'sallrightforaschoollikeWrykyn,butwithasmallplacelikethisyousimplycan'tgetthebestteamstogiveyouamatchtillyou'vedonesomethingtoshowthatyouaren'tabsoluterottersatthegame.Asfortheschools,they'reworse.They'dsimplylaughatyou.YouwerecricketsecretaryatWrykynlastyear.Whatwouldyouhavedoneifyou'dhadachallenge

fromSedleigh?You'deitherhavelaughedtillyouweresick,orelsehadafitatthemereideaofthething."

Mikestopped.

"Byjove,you'vestruckaboutthebrightestschemeonrecord.Ineverthoughtofitbefore.Let'sgetamatchonwithWrykyn."

"What!Theywouldn'tplayus."



"Yes,theywould.Atleast,I'mprettysuretheywould.IhadaletterfromStrachan,thecaptain,yesterday,sayingthattheRiptonmatchhadhadtobescratchedowingtoillness.Sothey'vegotavacantdate.ShallItrythem?I'llwritetoStrachanto-night,ifyoulike.Andtheyaren'tstrongthisyear.We'llsmashthem.Whatdoyousay?"

Adairwasasonewhohasseenavision.

"ByJove,"hesaidatlast,"ifweonlycould!"

CHAPTERLVII

MR.DOWNINGMOVES

Theraincontinuedwithoutabreakallthemorning.Thetwoteams,afterhangingaboutdismally,andwhilingthetimeawaywithstump-cricketinthechanging-rooms,lunchedinthepavilionatoneo'clock.AfterwhichtheM.C.C.captain,approachingAdair,movedthatthismerrymeetingbeconsideredoffandhimselfandhismenpermittedtocatchthenexttrainbacktotown.Towhich

Adair,seeingthatitwasoutofthequestionthatthereshouldbeanycricketthatafternoon,regretfullyagreed,andthefirstSedleigh_v_.M.C.C.matchwasaccordinglyscratched.

MikeandPsmith,wanderingbacktothehouse,weremetbyadampjuniorfromDowning's,withamessagethatMr.DowningwishedtoseeMikeassoonashewaschanged.

"What'shewantmefor?"inquiredMike.

Themessengerdidnotknow.Mr.Downing,itseemed,hadnotconfidedinhim.Allheknewwasthatthehousemasterwasinthehouse,andwouldbegladifMikewouldstepacross.

"Anuisance,"saidPsmith,"thisincessantdemandforyou.That'stheworstofbeingpopular.Ifhewantsyoutostoptotea,edgeaway.Amealonratherasumptuousscalewillbepreparedinthestudyagainstyourreturn."

Mikechangedquickly,andwentoff,leavingPsmith,whowasfondofsimplepleasuresinhissparetime,earnestlyoccupiedwithapuzzlewhichhadbeenscatteredthroughthelandbyaweeklypaper.Theprizeforasolutionwasonethousandpounds,andPsmithhadalreadyinformedMikewithsomeminutenessofhisplansforthedispositionofthissum.Meanwhile,heworkedatitbothinandoutofschool,generallywithabusivecommentsonitsinventor.

HewasstillfiddlingawayatitwhenMikereturned.

Mike,thoughPsmithwasatfirsttooabsorbedtonoticeit,wasagitated.

"Idon'twishtobeinanywayharsh,"saidPsmith,withoutlookingup,"butthemanwhoinventedthisthingwasablighteroftheworsttype.Youcomeandhaveashot.ForthemomentIambaffled.Thewhisperfliesroundtheclubs,'Psmithisbaffled.'"



"Theman'sanabsolutedrivellingass,"saidMikewarmly.

"Me,doyoumean?"

"Whatonearthwouldbethepointofmydoingit?"

"You'dgatherinathousandofthebest.Giveyouanicestartinlife."

"I'mnottalkingaboutyourrottenpuzzle."

"Whatareyoutalkingabout?"

"ThatassDowning.Ibelievehe'soffhisnut."

"ThenyourchatwithComradeDowningwasnotoftheold-College-chums-meeting-unexpectedly-after-years'-separationtype?Whathashebeendoingtoyou?"

"He'soffhisnut."

"Iknow.Butwhatdidhedo?Howdidthebrainstormburst?Didhejumpatyoufrombehindadoorandbiteapieceoutofyourleg,ordidhe

sayhewasatea-pot?"Mikesatdown.

"YourememberthatpaintingSammybusiness?"

"Asifitwereyesterday,"saidPsmith."Whichitwas,prettynearly."

"HethinksIdidit."

"Why?Haveyouevershownanytalentinthepaintingline?"

"ThesillyasswantedmetoconfessthatI'ddoneit.Heasgoodas

askedmeto.JawedalotofrotaboutmyfindingittomyadvantagelateronifIbehavedsensibly."

"Thenwhatareyouworryingabout?Don'tyouknowthatwhenamasterwantsyoutodotheconfessing-act,itsimplymeansthathehasn'tenoughevidencetostartinonyouwith?You'reallright.Thething'sastand-off."

"Evidence!"saidMike,"Mydearman,he'sgotenoughevidencetosinkaship.He'sabsolutelysweatingevidenceateverypore.AsfarasIcansee,he'sbeencrawlingabout,doingtheSherlockHolmesbusinessforallhe'swortheversincethethinghappened,andnowhe'sdeadcertainthatIpaintedSammy."

"_Did_you,bytheway?"askedPsmith.

"No,"saidMikeshortly,"Ididn't.ButafterlisteningtoDowningIalmostbegantowonderifIhadn't.Theman'sgotstacksofevidencetoprovethatIdid."

"Suchaswhat?"

"It'smostlyaboutmyboots.But,dashit,youknowallaboutthat.



Why,youwerewithhimwhenhecameandlookedforthem."

"Itistrue,"saidPsmith,"thatComradeDowningandIspentaverypleasanthalf-hourtogetherinspectingboots,buthowdoeshedragyouintoit?"

"Heswearsoneofthebootswassplashedwithpaint."

"Yes.HebabbledtosomeextentonthatpointwhenIwasentertaininghim.Butwhatmakeshimthinkthattheboot,ifany,wasyours?"

"He'scertainthatsomebodyinthishousegotoneofhisbootssplashed,andishidingitsomewhere.AndI'mtheonlychapinthehousewhohasn'tgotapairofbootstoshow,sohethinksit'sme.Idon'tknowwherethedickensmyotherboothasgone.Edmundswearshehasn'tseenit,andit'snowhereabout.OfcourseI'vegottwopairs,butone'sbeingsoled.SoIhadtogoovertoschoolyesterdayinpumps.That'showhespottedme."

Psmithsighed.

"ComradeJackson,"hesaidmournfully,"allthisverysadaffairshowsthefollyofactingfromthebestmotives.Inmysimplezeal,meaningtosaveyouunpleasantness,Ihavelandedyou,withadull,sickening

thud,rightinthecart.Areyouparticularaboutdirtyingyourhands?Ifyouaren't,justreachupthatchimneyabit?"

Mikestared,"Whatthedickensareyoutalkingabout?"

"Goon.Getitover.Beaman,andreachupthechimney."

"Idon'tknowwhatthegameis,"saidMike,kneelingbesidethefenderandgroping,"but--_Hullo_!"

"Ahha!"saidPsmithmoodily.

Mikedroppedthesoot-coveredobjectinthefender,andglaredatit.

[Illustration:MIKEDROPPEDTHESOOT-COVEREDOBJECTINTHEFENDER.]

"It'smyboot!"hesaidatlast.

"It_is_,"saidPsmith,"yourboot.Andwhatisthatredstainacrossthetoe?Isitblood?No,'tisnotblood.Itisredpaint."

Mikeseemedunabletoremovehiseyesfromtheboot.

"Howonearthdid--ByJove!Iremembernow.IkickedupagainstsomethinginthedarkwhenIwasputtingmybicyclebackthatnight.Itmusthavebeenthepaint-pot."

"Thenyouwereoutthatnight?"

"Rather.That'swhatmakesitsojollyawkward.It'stoolongtotellyounow----"

"Yourstoriesarenevertoolongforme,"saidPsmith."Sayon!"

"Well,itwaslikethis."AndMikerelatedtheeventswhichhadleduptohismidnightexcursion.Psmithlistenedattentively.



"This,"hesaid,whenMikehadfinished,"confirmsmyfrequentlystatedopinionthatComradeJellicoeisoneofNature'sblitherers.Sothat'swhyhetouchedusforourhard-earned,wasit?"

"Yes.Ofcoursetherewasnoneedforhimtohavethemoneyatall."

"Andtheresultisthatyouareinsomethingofatightplace.You're _absolutely_certainyoudidn'tpaintthatdog?Didn'tdoit,byanychance,inamomentofabsent-mindedness,andforgotallaboutit?No?No,Isupposenot.Iwonderwhodid!"

"It'sbeastlyawkward.Yousee,Downingchasedmethatnight.ThatwaswhyIrangthealarmbell.So,yousee,he'scertaintothinkthatthechaphechased,whichwasme,andthechapwhopaintedSammy,arethesame.Ishallgetlandedbothways."

Psmithpondered.

"It_is_atightishplace,"headmitted.

"Iwonderifwecouldgetthisbootclean,"saidMike,inspectingitwithdisfavour.

"Notforaprettyconsiderabletime.""Isupposenot.Isay,I_am_inthecart.IfIcan'tproducethisboot,they'reboundtoguesswhy."

"Whatexactly,"askedPsmith,"wasthepositionofaffairsbetweenyouandComradeDowningwhenyoulefthim?Hadyoudefinitelypartedbrass-rags?Ordidyousimplysortofdriftapartwithmutualcourtesies?"

"Oh,hesaidIwasill-advisedtocontinuethatattitude,orsomerot,andIsaidIdidn'tcare,Ihadn'tpaintedhisballydog,andhesaidverywell,then,hemusttakesteps,and--well,thatwasaboutall."

"Sufficient,too,"saidPsmith,"quitesufficient.Itakeit,then,thatheisnowonthewar-path,collectingagang,sotospeak."

"Isupposehe'sgonetotheOldManaboutit."

"Probably.Averyworryingtimeourheadmasterishaving,takingitallround,inconnectionwiththispainfulaffair.Whatdoyouthinkhismovewillbe?"

"Isupposehe'llsendforme,andtrytogetsomethingoutofme."

"_He'll_wantyoutoconfess,too.Mastersareallwhaleson

confession.Theworstofitis,youcan'tproveanalibi,becauseataboutthetimethefoulactwasperpetrated,youwereplayingRound-and-round-the-mulberry-bushwithComradeDowning.Thisneedsthought.Youhadbetterputthecaseinmyhands,andgooutandwatchthedandelionsgrowing.Iwillthinkoverthematter."

"Well,Ihopeyou'llbeabletothinkofsomething.Ican't."

"Possibly.Youneverknow."



Therewasatapatthedoor.

"Seehowwehavetrainedthem,"saidPsmith."Theynowknockbeforeentering.Therewasatimewhentheywouldhavetriedtosmashinapanel.Comein."

Asmallboy,carryingastrawhatadornedwiththeschool-houseribbon,answeredtheinvitation.

"Oh,Isay,Jackson,"hesaid,"theheadmastersentmeovertotellyouhewantstoseeyou."

"Itoldyouso,"saidMiketoPsmith.

"Don'tgo,"suggestedPsmith."Tellhimtowrite."

Mikegotup.

"Allthisisverytrying,"saidPsmith."I'mseeingnothingofyouto-day."Heturnedtothesmallboy."TellWillie,"headded,"thatMr.Jacksonwillbewithhiminamoment."

Theemissarydeparted.

"_You're_allright,"saidPsmithencouragingly."Justyoukeeponsayingyou'reallright.Stoutdenialisthething.Don'tgoinforanyairyexplanations.Simplysticktostoutdenial.Youcan'tbeatit."

Withwhichexpertadvice,heallowedMiketogoonhisway.

Hehadnotbeengonetwominutes,whenPsmith,whohadleanedbackinhischair,wrappedinthought,heavedhimselfupagain.Hestoodforamomentstraighteninghistieatthelooking-glass;thenhepickeduphishatandmovedslowlyoutofthedooranddownthepassage.Thence,atthesamedignifiedrateofprogress,outofthehouseandinatDowning'sfrontgate.

Thepostmanwasatthedoorwhenhegotthere,apparentlyabsorbedinconversationwiththeparlour-maid.Psmithstoodbypolitelytillthepostman,whohadjustbeentolditwaslikehisimpudence,caughtsightofhim,and,havinghandedoverthelettersinanultra-formalandprofessionalmanner,passedaway.

"IsMr.Downingathome?"inquiredPsmith.

Hewas,itseemed.Psmithwasshownintothedining-roomontheleftofthehall,andrequestedtowait.HewasexaminingaportraitofMr.Downingwhichhungonthewall,whenthehousemastercamein.

"Anexcellentlikeness,sir,"saidPsmith,withagestureofthehandtowardsthepainting.

"Well,Smith,"saidMr.Downingshortly,"whatdoyouwishtoseemeabout?"

"Itwasinconnectionwiththeregrettablepaintingofyourdog,sir."

"Ha!"saidMr.Downing.



"Ididit,sir,"saidPsmith,stoppingandflickingapieceoffluffoffhisknee.

CHAPTERLVIII

THEARTISTCLAIMSHISWORK

ThelineofactionwhichPsmithhadcalledStoutDenialisanexcellentlinetoadopt,especiallyifyoureallyareinnocent,butitdoesnotleadtoanythingintheshapeofabrightandsnappydialoguebetweenaccuserandaccused.BothMikeandtheheadmasterwereoppressedbyafeelingthatthesituationwasdifficult.Theatmospherewasheavy,andconversationshowedatendencytoflag.Theheadmasterhadopenedbrightlyenough,withasummaryoftheevidencewhichMr.Downinghadlaidbeforehim,butafterthatamassivesilencehadbeentheorderoftheday.Thereisnothinginthisworldquitesostolidanduncommunicativeasaboywhohasmadeuphismindtobestolidanduncommunicative;andtheheadmaster,ashesatandlookedatMike,whosatandlookedpasthimatthebookshelves,feltawkward.Itwasascenewhichneededeitheradramaticinterruptionor

aneatexitspeech.Asithappened,whatitgotwasthedramaticinterruption.

Theheadmasterwasjustsaying,"Idonotthinkyoufullyrealise,Jackson,theextenttowhichappearances--"--whichwaspracticallygoingbacktothebeginningandstartingagain--whentherewasaknockatthedoor.Avoicewithoutsaid,"Mr.Downingtoseeyou,sir,"andthechiefwitnessfortheprosecutionburstin.

"Iwouldnothaveinterruptedyou,"saidMr.Downing,"but----"

"Notatall,Mr.Downing.IsthereanythingIcan----?"

"Ihavediscovered--Ihavebeeninformed--Inshort,itwasnotJackson,whocommittedthe--whopaintedmydog."

Mikeandtheheadmasterbothlookedatthespeaker.Mikewithafeelingofrelief--forStoutDenial,unsupportedbyanyweightyevidence,isawearinggametoplay--theheadmasterwithastonishment.

"NotJackson?"saidtheheadmaster.

"No.Itwasaboyinthesamehouse.Smith."

Psmith!Mikewasmorethansurprised.Hecouldnotbelieveit.Thereisnothingwhichaffordssoclearanindextoaboy'scharacterasthe

typeofragwhichheconsidershumorous.Betweenwhatisaragandwhatismerelyarottentrickthereisaverydefinitelinedrawn.Masters,asarule,donotrealisethis,butboysnearlyalwaysdo.MikecouldnotimaginePsmithdoingarottenthinglikecoveringahousemaster'sdogwithredpaint,anymorethanhecouldimaginedoingithimself.TheyhadbothbeenamusedatthesightofSammyaftertheoperation,butanybody,exceptpossiblytheownerofthedog,wouldhavethoughtitfunnyatfirst.Afterthefirstsurprise,theirfeelinghadbeenthatitwasascuggishthingtohavedoneandbeastlyroughluckonthepoorbrute.Itwasakid'strick.AsforPsmith



havingdoneit,Mikesimplydidnotbelieveit.

"Smith!"saidtheheadmaster."Whatmakesyouthinkthat?"

"Simplythis,"saidMr.Downing,withcalmtriumph,"thattheboyhimselfcametomeafewmomentsagoandconfessed."

Mikewasconsciousofafeelingofacutedepression.Itdidnotmakehimintheleastdegreejubilant,oreventhankful,toknowthathehimselfwasclearedofthecharge.AllhecouldthinkofwasthatPsmithwasdonefor.Thiswasboundtomeanthesack.IfPsmithhadpaintedSammy,itmeantthatPsmithhadbrokenoutofhishouseatnight:anditwasnotlikelythattherulesaboutnocturnalwanderingwerelessstrictatSedleighthanatanyotherschoolinthekingdom.Mikefelt,ifpossible,worsethanhehadfeltwhenWyatthadbeencaughtonasimilaroccasion.ItseemedasifFatehadaspecialgrudgeagainsthisbestfriends.Hedidnotmakefriendsveryquicklyoreasily,thoughhehadalwayshadscoresofacquaintances--andwithWyattandPsmithhehadfoundhimselfathomefromthefirstmomenthehadmetthem.

Hesatthere,withacuriousfeelingofhavingswallowedaheavyweight,hardlylisteningtowhatMr.Downingwassaying.Mr.Downingwastalkingrapidlytotheheadmaster,whowasnoddingfromtimeto

time.Miketookadvantageofapausetogetup."MayIgo,sir?"hesaid.

"Certainly,Jackson,certainly,"saidtheHead."Oh,ander--,ifyouaregoingbacktoyourhouse,tellSmiththatIshouldliketoseehim."

"Yes,sir."

Hehadreachedthedoor,whenagaintherewasaknock.

"Comein,"saidtheheadmaster.

ItwasAdair.

"Yes,Adair?"

Adairwasbreathingratherheavily,asifhehadbeenrunning.

"ItwasaboutSammy--Sampson,sir,"hesaid,lookingatMr.Downing.

"Ah,weknow--.Well,Adair,whatdidyouwishtosay."

"Itwasn'tJacksonwhodidit,sir."

"No,no,Adair.SoMr.Downing----"

"ItwasDunster,sir."

Terrificsensation!Theheadmastergaveasortofstrangledyelpofastonishment.Mr.Downingleapedinhischair.Mike'seyesopenedtotheirfullestextent.

"Adair!"



Therewasalmostawailintheheadmaster'svoice.Thesituationhadsuddenlybecometoomuchforhim.Hisbrainwasswimming.ThatMike,despitetheevidenceagainsthim,shouldbeinnocent,wascurious,perhaps,butnotparticularlystartling.ButthatAdairshouldinformhim,twominutesafterMr.Downing'sannouncementofPsmith'sconfession,thatPsmith,too,wasguiltless,andthattherealcriminalwasDunster--itwasthisthatmadehimfeelthatsomebody,inthewordsofanAmericanauthor,hadplayedameantrickonhim,andsubstitutedforhisbrainaside-orderofcauliflower.WhyDunster,ofallpeople?Dunster,who,heremembereddizzily,hadlefttheschoolatChristmas.Andwhy,ifDunsterhadreallypaintedthedog,hadPsmithassertedthathehimselfwastheculprit?Why--whyanything?HeconcentratedhismindonAdairastheonlypersonwhocouldsavehimfromimpendingbrain-fever.

"Adair!"

"Yes,sir?"

"What--_what_doyoumean?"

"It_was_Dunster,sir.Igotaletterfromhimonlyfiveminutesago,inwhichhesaidthathehadpaintedSammy--Sampson,thedog,sir,forarag--forajoke,andthat,ashedidn'twantanyonehere

togetintoarow--bepunishedforit,I'dbettertellMr.Downingatonce.ItriedtofindMr.Downing,buthewasn'tinthehouse.ThenImetSmithoutsidethehouse,andhetoldmethatMr.Downinghadgoneovertoseeyou,sir."

"Smithtoldyou?"saidMr.Downing.

"Yes,sir."

"DidyousayanythingtohimaboutyourhavingreceivedthisletterfromDunster?"

"Igavehimthelettertoread,sir."

"Andwhatwashisattitudewhenhehadreadit?"

"Helaughed,sir."

"_Laughed!_"Mr.Downing'svoicewasthunderous.

"Yes,sir.Herolledabout."

Mr.Downingsnorted.

"ButAdair,"saidtheheadmaster,"IdonotunderstandhowthisthingcouldhavebeendonebyDunster.Hehaslefttheschool."

"HewasdownherefortheOldSedleighans'match,sir.Hestoppedthenightinthevillage."

"Andthatwasthenightthe--ithappened?"

"Yes,sir."

"Isee.Well,Iamgladtofindthattheblamecannotbeattachedtoanyboyintheschool.IamsorrythatitisevenanOldBoy.Itwasa



foolish,discreditablethingtohavedone,butitisnotasbadasifanyboystillattheschoolhadbrokenoutofhishouseatnighttodoit."

"Thesergeant,"saidMr.Downing,"toldmethattheboyhesawwasattemptingtoenterMr.Outwood'shouse."

"AnotherfreakofDunster's,Isuppose,"saidtheheadmaster."Ishallwritetohim."

"IfitwasreallyDunsterwhopaintedmydog,"saidMr.Downing,"IcannotunderstandthepartplayedbySmithinthisaffair.Ifhedidnotdoit,whatpossiblemotivecouldhehavehadforcomingtomeofhisownaccordanddeliberatelyconfessing?"

"Tobesure,"saidtheheadmaster,pressingabell."Itiscertainlyathingthatcallsforexplanation.Barlow,"hesaid,asthebutlerappeared,"kindlygoacrosstoMr.Outwood'shouseandinformSmiththatIshouldliketoseehim."

"Ifyouplease,sir,Mr.Smithiswaitinginthehall."

"Inthehall!"

"Yes,sir.HearrivedsoonafterMr.Adair,sir,sayingthathewouldwait,asyouwouldprobablywishtoseehimshortly."

"H'm.Askhimtostepup,Barlow."

"Yes,sir."

Therefollowedoneofthetensest"stagewaits"ofMike'sexperience.Itwasnotlong,but,whileitlasted,thesilencewasquitesolid.Nobodyseemedtohaveanythingtosay,andtherewasnotevenaclockintheroomtobreakthestillnesswithitsticking.Averyfaintdrip-dripofraincouldbeheardoutsidethewindow.

Presentlytherewasasoundoffootstepsonthestairs.Thedoorwasopened.

"Mr.Smith,sir."

TheoldEtonianenteredaswouldtheguestoftheeveningwhoisafewmomentslatefordinner.Hewascheerful,butslightlydeprecating.Hegavetheimpressionofonewho,thoughsureofhiswelcome,feelsthatsomeslightapologyisexpectedfromhim.Headvancedintotheroomwithagentlehalf-smilewhichsuggestedgood-willtoallmen.

"Itisstillraining,"heobserved."Youwishedtoseeme,sir?"

"Sitdown,Smith."

"Thankyou,sir."

Hedroppedintoadeeparm-chair(whichbothAdairandMikehadavoidedinfavouroflessluxuriousseats)withtheconfidentialcosinessofafashionablephysiciancallingonapatient,betweenwhomandhimselftimehasbrokendownthebarriersofrestraintandformality.



Mr.Downingburstout,likeareservoirthathasbrokenitsbanks.

"Smith."

Psmithturnedhisgazepolitelyinthehousemaster'sdirection.

"Smith,youcametomeaquarterofanhouragoandtoldmethatitwasyouwhohadpaintedmydogSampson."

"Yes,sir."

"Itwasabsolutelyuntrue?"

"Iamafraidso,sir."

"But,Smith--"begantheheadmaster.

Psmithbentforwardencouragingly.

"----Thisisamostextraordinaryaffair.Haveyounoexplanationtooffer?Whatinducedyoutodosuchathing?"

Psmithsighedsoftly.

"Thecrazefornotoriety,sir,"herepliedsadly."Thecurseofthepresentage."

"What!"criedtheheadmaster.

"Itisremarkable,"proceededPsmithplacidly,withtheimpersonaltouchofonelecturingongeneralities,"howfrequently,whenamurderhasbeencommitted,onefindsmenconfessingthattheyhavedoneitwhenitisoutofthequestionthattheyshouldhavecommittedit.Itisoneofthemostinterestingproblemswithwhichanthropologistsareconfronted.Humannature----"

Theheadmasterinterrupted.

"Smith,"hesaid,"Ishouldliketoseeyoualoneforamoment.Mr.DowningmightItrouble--?Adair,Jackson."

Hemadeamotiontowardsthedoor.

WhenheandPsmithwerealone,therewassilence.Psmithleanedbackcomfortablyinhischair.Theheadmastertappednervouslywithhisfootonthefloor.

"Er--Smith."

"Sir?"

Theheadmasterseemedtohavesomedifficultyinproceeding.Hepausedagain.Thenhewenton.

"Er--Smith,Idonotforamomentwishtopainyou,buthaveyou--er,doyouremembereverhavinghad,asachild,letussay,any--er--severeillness?Any--er--_mental_illness?"

"No,sir."



"Thereisno--forgivemeifIamtouchingonasadsubject--thereisno--noneofyournearrelativeshaveeversufferedinthewayI--er--havedescribed?"

"Thereisn'talunaticonthelist,sir,"saidPsmithcheerfully.

"Ofcourse,Smith,ofcourse,"saidtheheadmasterhurriedly,"Ididnotmeantosuggest--quiteso,quiteso....Youthink,then,thatyouconfessedtoanactwhichyouhadnotcommittedpurelyfromsomesuddenimpulsewhichyoucannotexplain?"

"Strictlybetweenourselves,sir----"

Privately,theheadmasterfoundPsmith'sman-to-manattitudesomewhatdisconcerting,buthesaidnothing.

"Well,Smith?"

"Ishouldnotlikeittogoanyfurther,sir."

"Iwillcertainlyrespectanyconfidence----"

"Idon'twantanybodytoknow,sir.Thisisstrictlybetweenourselves."

"Ithinkyouaresometimesapttoforget,Smith,theproperrelationsexistingbetweenboyand--Well,nevermindthatforthepresent.Wecanreturntoitlater.Forthemoment,letmehearwhatyouwishtosay.Ishall,ofcourse,tellnobody,ifyoudonotwishit."

"Well,itwaslikethis,sir,"saidPsmith."JacksonhappenedtotellmethatyouandMr.DowningseemedtothinkhehadpaintedMr.Downing'sdog,andthereseemedsomedangerofhisbeingexpelled,soIthoughtitwouldn'tbeanunsoundschemeifIweretogoandsayIhaddoneit.Thatwasthewholething.Ofcourse,Dunsterwritingcreatedacertainamountofconfusion."

Therewasapause.

"Itwasaverywrongthingtodo,Smith,"saidtheheadmaster,atlast,"but....Youareacuriousboy,Smith.Good-night."

Heheldouthishand.

"Good-night,sir,"saidPsmith.

"Notabadoldsort,"saidPsmithmeditativelytohimself,ashewalkeddownstairs."Bynomeansabadoldsort.Imustdropinfromtimetotimeandcultivatehim."

*****

MikeandAdairwerewaitingforhimoutsidethefrontdoor.

"Well?"saidMike.

"You_are_thelimit,"saidAdair."What'shedone?"

"Nothing.Wehadaverypleasantchat,andthenItoremyselfaway."



"Doyoumeantosayhe'snotgoingtodoathing?"

"Notathing."

"Well,you'reamarvel,"saidAdair.

Psmiththankedhimcourteously.Theywalkedontowardsthehouses.

"Bytheway,Adair,"saidMike,asthelatterstartedtoturninatDowning's,"I'llwritetoStrachanto-nightaboutthatmatch."

"What'sthat?"askedPsmith.

"Jackson'sgoingtotryandgetWrykyntogiveusagame,"saidAdair."They'vegotavacantdate.Ihopethedickensthey'lldoit."

"Oh,Ishouldthinkthey'recertainto,"saidMike."Good-night."

"AndgiveComradeDowning,whenyouseehim,"saidPsmith,"myverybestlove.ItismenlikehimwhomakethisMerrieEnglandofourswhatitis."

*****

"Isay,Psmith,"saidMikesuddenly,"whatreallymadeyoutellDowningyou'ddoneit?"

"Thecravingfor----"

"Oh,chuckit.Youaren'ttalkingtotheOldMannow.Ibelieveitwassimplytogetmeoutofajollytightcorner."

Psmith'sexpressionwasoneofpain.

"MydearComradeJackson,"saidhe,"youwrongme.Youmakemewrithe.I'msurprisedatyou.IneverthoughttohearthosewordsfromMichaelJackson."

"Well,Ibelieveyoudid,allthesame,"saidMikeobstinately."Anditwasjollygoodofyou,too."

Psmithmoaned.

CHAPTERLIX

SEDLEIGH_v_.WRYKYN

TheWrykynmatchwasthree-partsover,andthingsweregoingbadlyforSedleigh.Inawayonemighthavesaidthatthegamewasover,andthatSedleighhadlost;foritwasaonedaymatch,andWrykyn,whohadledonthefirstinnings,hadonlytoplayouttimetomakethegametheirs.

Sedleighwerepayingthepenaltyforallowingthemselvestobeinfluencedbynervesintheearlypartoftheday.Nerveslosemoreschoolmatchesthangoodplayeverwon.Thereisacertaintypeof



schoolbatsmanwhoisagifttoanybowlerwhenheonceletshisimaginationrunawaywithhim.Sedleigh,withtheexceptionofAdair,Psmith,andMike,hadentereduponthismatchinastateofthemostazurefunk.EversinceMikehadreceivedStrachan'sanswerandAdairhadannouncedonthenotice-boardthatonSaturday,Julythetwentieth,SedleighwouldplayWrykyn,theteamhadbeenallonthejump.ItwasuselessforAdairtotellthem,ashedidrepeatedly,onMike'sauthority,thatWrykynwereweakthisseason,andthatontheirpresentformSedleighoughttowineasily.Theteamlistened,butwerenotcomforted.Wrykynmightbebelowtheirusualstrength,butthenWrykyncricket,asarule,reachedsuchahighstandardthatthisprobablymeantlittle.HoweverweakWrykynmightbe--forthem--therewasaveryfirmimpressionamongthemembersoftheSedleighfirsteleventhattheotherschoolwasquitestrongenoughtoknockthecoveroff_them_.Experiencecountsenormouslyinschoolmatches.Sedleighhadneverbeenproved.TheteamstheyplayedwerethesortofsideswhichtheWrykynsecondelevenwouldplay.WhereasWrykyn,fromtimeimmemorial,hadbeenbeatingRiptonteamsandFreeForestersteamsandM.C.C.teamspackedwithcountymenandsendingmentoOxfordandCambridgewhogottheirbluesasfreshmen.

Sedleighhadgoneontothefieldthatmorningadepressedside.

ItwasunfortunatethatAdairhadwonthetoss.Hehadhadnochoice

buttotakefirstinnings.Theweatherhadbeenbadforthelastweek,andthewicketwasslowandtreacherous.Itwaslikelytogetworseduringtheday,soAdairhadchosentobatfirst.

Takingintoconsiderationthestateofnervestheteamwasin,thisinitselfwasacalamity.Aschoolelevenarealwaysattheirworstandnerviestbeforelunch.Evenontheirowngroundtheyfindthesurroundingslonelyandunfamiliar.Thesubtletyofthebowlersbecomesmagnified.Unlessthefirstpairmakeareallygoodstart,acollapsealmostinvariablyensues.

To-daythestarthadbeengruesomebeyondwords.Mike,thebulwarkoftheside,themanwhohadbeenbroughtuponWrykynbowling,andfrom

whom,whatevermighthappentotheothers,atleastafiftywasexpected--Mike,goinginfirstwithBarnesandtakingfirstover,hadplayedinsideonefromBruce,theWrykynslowbowler,andhadbeencaughtatshortslipoffhissecondball.

Thatputthefinishing-touchonthepanic.Stone,Robinson,andtheothers,allquitedecentpunishingbatsmenwhentheirnervesallowedthemtoplaytheirowngame,crawledtothewickets,declinedtohitoutatanything,andwerecleanbowled,severalofthem,playingbacktohalf-volleys.Adairdidnotsufferfrompanic,buthisbattingwasnotequaltohisbowling,andhehadfallenafterhittingonefour.SevenwicketsweredownforthirtywhenPsmithwentin.

Psmithhadalwaysdisclaimedanypretensionstobattingskill,buthewasundoubtedlytherightmanforacrisislikethis.Hehadanenormousreach,andheusedit.ThreeconsecutiveballsfromBruceheturnedintofull-tossesandswepttotheleg-boundary,and,assistedbyBarnes,whohadbeensittingonthespliceinhisusualmanner,heraisedthetotaltoseventy-onebeforebeingyorked,withhisscoreatthirty-five.Tenminuteslatertheinningswasover,withBarnesnotoutsixteen,forseventy-nine.

Wrykynhadthengonein,lostStrachanfortwentybeforelunch,and



finallycompletedtheirinningsataquartertofourforahundredandthirty-one.

ThiswasbetterthanSedleighhadexpected.Atleasteightoftheteamhadlookedforwarddismallytoanafternoon'sleather-hunting.ButAdairandPsmith,helpedbythewicket,hadneverbeeneasy,especiallyPsmith,whohadtakensixwickets,hisslowsplayinghavocwiththetail.

ItwouldbetoomuchtosaythatSedleighhadanyhopeofpullingthegameoutofthefire;butitwasacomfort,theyfelt,atanyrate,havinganotherknock.Asisusualatthisstageofamatch,theirnervousnesshadvanished,andtheyfeltcapableofbetterthingsthaninthefirstinnings.

ItwasonMike'ssuggestionthatPsmithandhimselfwentinfirst.MikeknewthelimitationsoftheWrykynbowling,andhewasconvincedthat,iftheycouldknockBruceoff,itmightbepossibletorattleupascoresufficienttogivethemthegame,alwaysprovidedthatWrykyncollapsedinthesecondinnings.AnditseemedtoMikethatthewicketwouldbesobadthenthattheyeasilymight.

SoheandPsmithhadgoneinatfouro'clocktohit.Andtheyhadhit.Thedeficithadbeenwipedoff,allbutadozenruns,whenPsmithwas

bowled,andbythattimeMikewassetandinhisbestvein.Hetreatedallthebowlersalike.AndwhenStonecamein,restoredtohisproperframeofmind,andlashedoutstoutly,andafterhimRobinsonandtherest,itlookedasifSedleighhadachanceagain.ThescorewasahundredandtwentywhenMike,whohadjustreachedhisfifty,skiedonetoStrachanatcover.Thetimewastwenty-fivepastfive.

AsMikereachedthepavilion,Adairdeclaredtheinningsclosed.

Wrykynstartedbattingattwenty-fiveminutestosix,withsixty-ninetomakeiftheywishedtomakethem,andanhourandtenminutesduringwhichtokeepuptheirwicketsiftheypreferredtotakethingseasyandgoforawinonthefirstinnings.

Atfirstitlookedasiftheymeanttoknockofftheruns,forStrachanforcedthegamefromthefirstball,whichwasPsmith's,andwhichhehitintothepavilion.But,atfifteen,Adairbowledhim.Andwhen,tworunslater,Psmithgotthenextmanstumped,andfinisheduphisoverwithac-and-b,Wrykyndecidedthatitwasnotgoodenough.Seventeenforthree,withanhourallbutfiveminutestogo,wasgettingtoodangerous.SoDrummondandRigby,thenextpair,proceededtoplaywithcaution,andthecollapseceased.

Thiswasthestateofthegameatthepointatwhichthischapteropened.Seventeenforthreehadbecometwenty-fourforthree,andthehandsoftheclockstoodattenminutespastsix.Changesofbowling

hadbeentried,butthereseemednochanceofgettingpastthebatsmen'sdefence.Theywereplayingallthegoodballs,andrefusedtohitatthebad.

Aquarterpastsixstruck,andthenPsmithmadeasuggestionwhichalteredthegamecompletely.

"Whydon'tyouhaveashotthisend?"hesaidtoAdair,astheywerecrossingover."There'saspotontheoffwhichmighthelpyoualot.Youcanbreaklikeblazesifonlyyoulandonit.Itdoesn'thelpmy



leg-breaksabit,becausetheywon'thitatthem."

Barneswasonthepointofbeginningtobowl,whenAdairtooktheballfromhim.ThecaptainofOutwood'sretiredtoshortlegwithanairthatsuggestedthathewasgladtoberelievedofhisprominentpost.

ThenextmomentDrummond'soff-stumpwaslyingatanangleofforty-five.Adairwasabsolutelyaccurateasabowler,andhehaddroppedhisfirstballrightonthewornpatch.

TwominuteslaterDrummond'ssuccessorwasretiringtothepavilion,whilethewicket-keeperstraightenedthestumpsagain.

Thereisnothinglikeacoupleofunexpectedwicketsforalteringtheatmosphereofagame.Fiveminutesbefore,Sedleighhadbeenlethargicandwithouthope.Nowtherewasastirandbuzzallroundtheground.Thereweretwenty-fiveminutestogo,andfivewicketsweredown.Sedleighwasontopagain.

Thenextmanseemedtotakeanagecomingout.Asamatteroffact,hewalkedmorerapidlythanabatsmanusuallywalkstothecrease.

Adair'sthirdballdroppedjustshortofthespot.Thebatsman,hittingout,wasashadetoosoon.Theballhummedthroughtheaira

coupleoffeetfromthegroundinthedirectionofmid-off,andMike,divingtotheright,gottoitashewasfalling,andchuckeditup.

Afterthatthethingwasawalk-over.Psmithcleanbowledamaninhisnextover;andthetail,demoralisedbythesuddenchangeinthegame,collapseduncompromisingly.Sedleighwonbythirty-fiverunswitheightminutesinhand.

*****

PsmithandMikesatintheirstudyafterlock-up,discussingthingsingeneralandthegameinparticular.

"Ifeellikeabeastlyrenegade,playingagainstWrykyn,"saidMike."Still,I'mgladwewon.Adair'sajollygoodsort,andit'llmakehimhappyforweeks."

"WhenIlastsawComradeAdair,"saidPsmith,"hewasgoingaboutinasortoftrance,beamingvaguelyandwantingtostandpeoplethingsattheshop."

"Hebowledawfullywell."

"Yes,"saidPsmith."Isay,Idon'twishtocastagloomoverthisjoyfuloccasioninanyway,butyousayWrykynaregoingtogiveSedleighafixtureagainnextyear?"

"Well?"

"Well,haveyouthoughtofthemassacrewhichwillensue?Youwillhaveleft,Adairwillhaveleft.Incidentally,Ishallhaveleft.Wrykynwillswampthem."

"Isupposetheywill.Still,thegreatthing,yousee,istogetthethingstarted.That'swhatAdairwassokeenon.NowSedleighhasbeatenWrykyn,he'ssatisfied.Theycangetonfixtureswithdecent



clubs,andworkuptoplayingthebigschools.You'vegottostartsomehow.Soit'sallright,yousee."

"And,besides,"saidPsmith,reflectively,"inanemergencytheycanalwaysgetComradeDowningtobowlforthem,what?Letusnowsallyoutandseeifwecan'tpromotearagofsomesortinthisabodeofwrath.ComradeOutwoodhasgoneovertodinnerattheSchoolHouse,anditwouldbeapitytowasteasomewhatgoldenopportunity.Shallwestagger?"

Theystaggered.

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