"In fine, not to put too fine a point on it, we must interfere."
"Yes," said Jim, swelling visibly.
"We must head him off, throw him out, teach him that valuable lesson, how to reculer pour mieux sauter."
If Billy had a weakness (a faible, he would have said), it was in the use of French, which he spoke perfectly.
"Ye-es," said Jim, not so confidently.
"Now, how would you set about it?"
"I, sir? If you please, sir, I don't see my way, but I'll follow your lead blindly, sir!"
Billy smiled, and polished his pince-nez.
"We shall move slow. The blind leading the blind. Both of you expect to be in the Sixth next September? Yes. Suppose—I only say suppose—suppose you were left—where you are?"
"Oh, sir!"