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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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"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.
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"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?"
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"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
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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
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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.
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(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.
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"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
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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.
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"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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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.
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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."
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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."
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"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
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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"
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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,
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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
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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?"
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"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.
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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."
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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"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
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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----"
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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
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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.
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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."
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"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
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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."
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"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.
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"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!'"
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"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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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."
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"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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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."
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"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,
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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."
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"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.
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"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.
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"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
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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.
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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
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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.
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"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."
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"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.
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"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
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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
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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."
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"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?"
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"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.
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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.
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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?"
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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
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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."
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"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
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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.
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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.
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"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
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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?"
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"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."
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"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
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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
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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."
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"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.
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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."
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"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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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"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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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"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.
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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."
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"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,
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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
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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?"
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"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
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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
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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_dénouement_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
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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.
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ThisbroughtMarshtothebattingend;andthesecondtragedyoccurred.
ItwasevidentfromthewayheshapedthatMarshwasshortofpractice.HisvisittotheInfirmaryhadtakentheedgeoffhisbatting.Hescratchedawkwardlyatthreeballswithouthittingthem.Thelastoftheoverhadhimintwominds.Hestartedtoplayforward,changedhisstrokesuddenlyandtriedtostepback,andthenextmomentthebailshadshotuplikethe_débris_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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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."
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"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
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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."
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"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_résumé_ofMike'sshort-comingsattheendofthe
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"'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
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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
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"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?"
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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.
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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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
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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.
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"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."
"Please,sir--"saidSpiller.
"Onemoment,Spiller.WeshallhavethefirstoutingofthetermonSaturday.WeintendtoinspecttheRomanCampatEmburyHill,twomilesfromtheschool."
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"Weshallbethere,sir."
"Capital!"
"Please,sir--"saidSpiller.
"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
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"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.
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"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
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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
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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.
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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.
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"Quiteright,"saidPsmith;"thisisnotComradeJellicoe'ssceneatall;hehasgottospendthetermintheseniorday-room,whereaswehaveourlittlewooden_châlet_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.
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"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.
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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
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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.
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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!"
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"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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
*****
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"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
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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."
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"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."
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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
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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!
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"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
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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
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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."
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"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."
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"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.
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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
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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
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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.
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"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
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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
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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
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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.
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"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.
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"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?"
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"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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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."
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"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?"
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"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
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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
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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.
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"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,
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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
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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.
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"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
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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
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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.
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"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."
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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."
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"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.
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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
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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
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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!"
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"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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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"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
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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
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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.
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"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----"
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"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?"
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"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."
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"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
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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
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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."
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"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?"
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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!"
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"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.
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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
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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
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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."
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"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
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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.
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"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?"
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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
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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_consommé_splashingabouthisankles.He'shada
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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,"
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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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?"
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"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----"
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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.
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"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."
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"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.
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"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."
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"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.'"
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"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.
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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.
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"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."
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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.
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"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
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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!"
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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
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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.
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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."
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"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."
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"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
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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
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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
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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
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clubs,andworkuptoplayingthebigschools.You'vegottostartsomehow.Soit'sallright,yousee."
"And,besides,"saidPsmith,reflectively,"inanemergencytheycanalwaysgetComradeDowningtobowlforthem,what?Letusnowsallyoutandseeifwecan'tpromotearagofsomesortinthisabodeofwrath.ComradeOutwoodhasgoneovertodinnerattheSchoolHouse,anditwouldbeapitytowasteasomewhatgoldenopportunity.Shallwestagger?"
Theystaggered.
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