Finally, John heard from the Caterpillar that Cæsar was playing bridge, and losing.
"They don't play often," the Caterpillar added; "but on wet afternoons they make up for lost time. Cæsar is outclassed. I've told him, but he's mad keen about the game."
Later, John learned from the same source that Sunday afternoon was a bridge-fixture with Lovell and Co. At any rate, Cæsar did not play on Sunday. That was something.
Upon the following Saturday, after making an honest fifteen runs and taking three wickets in a closely-contested game, John was running into the Yard just before six Bill, when Lovell stopped him.
"You can get your 'cap,'" he said coldly.
"Oh, thanks; thanks awfully!"
Cæsar received this agreeable news with indifference.
"You ought to have had it before Fluff," he growled.
"To-morrow, we'll walk to John Lyon's farm," said John, eagerly.
"Engaged," Cæsar replied.