"Another, Kin, another, with variations. Told him I didn't really know the act was against rules. Which I didn't, except by hearsay; and that's not evidence in law."
"Haven't you a copy of the blue book?" demanded Magnus.
"Always sleep with it clasped to my heart, so as to know when to wake up," said Rig. "But now, Kin, what do you think the Supe did? Passed right over my innocent face and guileless bearing, my spotless gloves and inky shoes, and went for me like a Bengal tiger."
"'Mr. McLean,' he said, 'ignorance in your case is no excuse, sir. You have been reported for breaking almost every rule known to this Institution. That will do, sir.'"
"And you came away, as usual, sadder and wiser?"
Rig heaved a deep sigh.
"Yes," he said, "'sadder and wiser' will be my motto, Kin, as long as I stay here."
Magnus laughed and held out his hand.
"I mean to make you better that, this year," he said.