“Yes, sir, rather. He investigated the electric plug with a knife, and something went off, he said. So I hit him about. They’re putting another fuse in.”
He laughed again.
“David was writing five hundred lines as usual,” he said, “with Bags helping. I think I must tell you why.”
Adams made no attempt at gravity and shook with laughter.
“But it can’t go on,” he said. “David’s becoming a nuisance, and gating him and giving him lines to write is no earthly good. What he wants is a good licking and plenty of exercise. There’s not an ounce of harm in him.”
“Oh, he’s the straightest chap in the world,” said Maddox.
“Well, you might warn him. Tell him next time he’s reported to me, I shall send him to the Head with a request that he shall be swished. And how’s the rest of the house?”
“Oh, pretty slack, sir. It’s rotten weather, you see. Weather makes a lot of difference to us.”
“I know. There’s always more trouble this half than any. Try to keep them up to the mark, Frank.”
“I’ll do my best sir. But I’ve got an awful lot of work with this Trinity scholarship exam. coming or in a fortnight. I’m as rusty as nails over my history.”