‘Not they. They spoke of a pecuniary reward which would be eminently satisfactory, and of the opportunity for research and distinction, and all expenses
found. I said that I preferred to pay my own way, which surprised and pleased them a good deal.’
‘Well, then, knowing the facts, and the lady, you have a far stronger motive than the other six.’
‘That’s true,’ said Bude.
‘Again, though the others are good men (not that I like Jenkins of All Souls), none of them has your experience and knowledge. Jones Harvey’s testimonials would carry it if it were a question of election to a professorship.’
‘You flatter me,’ answered Bude.
‘Lastly, did the trustees ask you if you were a married man?’
‘No, by Jove, they didn’t.’
‘Well, nothing about the competitors being unmarried men occurs in the clause of McCabe’s last will and testament. He took it for granted, the prize being what it is, that only bachelors were eligible. But he forgot to say so, in so many words, and the trustees did not go beyond the deed. Now, Dodge is married; Fry of Trinity is a married don; Rustler (I happen to know) is an engaged man, who can’t afford to marry a charming girl in Detroit, Michigan; and Professor Potter has buried one wife, and wedded another. If Rustler is loyal to his plighted word, you have nobody against you but Wilkinson and old Jenkins of All Souls—a tough customer, I admit, though what a Stinks man like him has to do at All Souls I don’t know.’
‘I say, this is hard on the other sportsmen! What ought I to do? Should I tell them?’