"Good old Bob," cried Dick Tresize, "and the loser shall stand tea at the Club House for the whole bally lot of us. And it must be a good tea too. We'll have a dish of cream and all sorts of cakes. We can easily arrange it, for Thursday is a quiet day, and the crowds of visitors haven't made their appearance yet. Have you plenty of money with you, Bob."
"Oceans," replied Bob, pulling out a handful of change. "I'm only thinking about the state of Trevanion's finances."
"They are all right," replied Trevanion. "And I propose that we play for a box of balls into the bargain."
"How many of you are going?" asked Bob quietly.
Several hands went up, including that of the Admiral, who had become enthusiastic about forming what he called "a gallery."
"Good, Admiral. I'm glad you are going. That'll make twelve altogether. No, Trevanion, we won't play for the balls. The tea will be enough for you to pay for. I am told that the Army pays junior officers very badly."
"That's why I want to play for a box of balls. My stock is running low, and I want to get some on the cheap."
"Come, let's be off!" cried Dick. "I'll tell the men to bring out the cars, and we'll start right away. Where are your clubs, Bob?"
"They are in my locker at the Club. I haven't seen them since the
Easter Vac."
"But you've played at Oxford?"