"One couldn't call him a fool," replied Fillet, obviously intending the conclusion: "One might, however, call him a knave."
The Head turned to Radley.
"Mr. Radley, is he a fool?"
"He's anything but a fool, sir; and he's still less of a knave," said Radley, angry and caring only to repudiate Fillet's innuendo.
"Ray," Salome was again staring me out of countenance. "Do you ever do any work?"
"Yes, sir," I said brightly. It was kind of him to ask questions to which I could honestly answer in the affirmative. I did occasionally do some work.
"Mr. Fillet?" queried Salome, desiring the housemaster to have his say.
"I suppose there are idler boys," announced Fillet grudgingly; and it was open to anyone to hear in his words the further meaning; "but, on the other hand, there are many more studious and more deserving." The fact is, the little man was irritated that Radley should have tried to contradict him before the Head.
"Mr. Radley?" pursued Salome, as though he were bored with the evidence, but realised that everyone must be allowed his turn to speak.
"Ray has always worked well for me," Radley promptly answered, and we all knew he meant it as a second stab for Fillet.