"And here are Sir George and the others. Remember to salute him, boys; and look him straight in the eye when he speaks to you. He's a jolly old boy."
"And, for goodness' sake, don't fight if you can possibly help it!" said Gracie impressively.
"I congratulate you on your colts, Mr. Eager," said Sir George, as they followed the youngsters to the paddock. "They're miles ahead of what I expected. I had my misgivings, I confess, but now they are gone. You've done wonders with them already."
"Good material, Sir George. But there's plenty still to do. You can't cure the neglect of years in a few months."
"If any man could, you could. They're a well-set-up pair, and look as fit as fiddles."
"Their free life on the sands has done that for them at all events. If they've missed much, they have also gained much, and, by God's help, I'm going to supply the rest. There are the makings of two fine men there."
"You'll do it. Why! What are they up to now?"
"Only fighting," laughed Eager. "They rarely dispute in words, always vi et armis. Jack! Jim! Stop that! What's the matter now?" as the boys got up off the ground with flushed faces and dancing eyes. "A mighty good-looking pair!" thought Sir George to himself. "And which is which and which is t'other, I couldn't tell to save my life."
"I was going to help Gracie over, and he cut in," said Jack.
"I wanted to help her over too," grinned Jim.