The other boys nodded; enthusiasm was chilled. Yes, of course Warde was paid for it. John caught Scaife's eye.
"You don't believe that he's in love with his job, as he told us?"
"Skittles—that!"
John looked solemn. He had a bomb to throw.
"Skittles, is it?" he echoed. The other boys turned to listen. "Do you think he'd take a better paid billet?"
Scaife laughed derisively. "Of course he would, like a shot. But he's not likely to get the chance."
"He has just been offered the Head Mastership of Wellborough. It's worth about four thousand a year."
"Pooh! who told you that?"
"Cæsar's father."
"It's true," said Cæsar.