"I don't like him at all. I think he's an impertinent cad."
"Oh no! He's not a bad sort—one of the rough-and-ready kind, you know. He's all right, in his way—though it may not be your way or mine—and so's Higgs. That's Higgs talking to Rabjohns now."
"I see. Who's he?"
"The son of Higgs the stationer."
"Are most of the boys shopkeepers' sons?"
"A great many of them are. This is a public school, and open to any one. You'll soon find your proper level here."
Gerald did not quite understand what his companion meant, but somehow the remark did not please him.
"I advise you to keep in with Rabjohns," Gilbert proceeded carelessly; "he's one of the biggest boys in the school, and it's better for a youngster like you to have him for a friend than not."
Gerald, who had no intention of being on friendly terms with a butcher's son, made no reply. At that moment Reginald Hope passed by, and Gerald called to him eagerly.
"Oh, Hope! Wait a minute!"