“I have only just recovered from the hooping-cough,” I replied; “that’s why I didn’t join before.”
“Well, you must take care of yourself,” said Holms, “for you’re not well now.”
Another cadet now rushed into the room, to whose appearance I at once took a dislike. He had a conceited look about him, and a pale, drawn face, very different from that of Holms.
“Hurrah!” he said, “the neux has come at last! Here, Timpson, come and look at the last-joined neux! He doesn’t look much of a fellow, does he?”
A third cadet here joined us, who was a hard-looking youth, who frowned and looked crossly at me.
“He wants teaching manners,” said the cadet called Timpson. “What do you mean, sir, by looking at me like that? Take that!”
To my surprise and discomfiture, I received a heavy box on the ear which nearly knocked me down. I turned round, and for an instant I thought of returning the blow; but I recalled to mind that I had heard of a neux being all but killed who had struck on old cadet, and, instantly recollecting myself, I said,—
“I did nothing to deserve such a blow as that.”
“You’re cheeky, are you?” said Timpson. “Take that for your cheek!” and another blow was given me as severe as the first.
“Come, Timpson,” said Holms, “you are not going to bully my neux already. He’s seedy, and so let him alone. Brush your hair and wash your face, for you must go on parade in ten minutes.”