In one moment every boy’s tongue was let loose, and they were talking to each other about the chase, while Mr. Harmer and Mr. Young arranged the details.
“Silence, boys!” said Mr. Harmer; “who will be the hares?”
“King and Gray are the quickest runners,” said Walter.
“Yes,” said Mr. Young, “I know they can run well; so can Cox and Pitt. Then let King and Gray be the hares. Now, boys, get on with your work again.”
Mr. Young went away, and the boys again turned their minds to their work, and were as busy as bees, or at least they looked as if they were. When they were free, nothing was talked about except the paper-chase.
The following day was fine, and directly after morning service in the cathedral all the boys were ready. Mr. Young soon joined them, and gave King and Stephen each a bag of torn paper. Off they started, crossing the bridge and making for a wood which lay in the direction of Brangton, about a mile from the cathedral. Brangton was a pretty village, with a railway-station, about five miles away.
Mr. Harmer took three very small boys with him by rail.
“Now, boys,” said Mr. Young, as the cathedral clock struck, “it is time for us to start.”
Cox and Walter led the boys, while Mr. Young, who could walk and run well, came with the others. Alfred trotted well and soon came up with Walter.
The trail was not difficult to follow until they got right into the woods, when they wandered about for some minutes.