“‘Hear! hear!’ burst from Spinks, who was an impressionable little fellow, and easily influenced for good or evil. His exclamation was so genuine and heartfelt that there was a general laugh, and one of the boys suggested that, as little Spinks did not mean to go in for any of the learned professions, they should elect him ‘Professor of Fun.’ This was unanimously agreed to.
“‘But, come,’ said I, jumping down, ‘we must not spend all the evening here idling. What shall we do?’
“‘Go an’ study Greek,’ said the newly-elected Professor of Fun; a suggestion which was received with a shout of derisive laughter.
“‘I should like to have some of old Maggie’s apples for supper,’ said I.
“‘But who’s to crib them?’ asked a large-headed boy, whose appearance reminded one of a tadpole.
“‘Little Spinks, of course,’ said I. ‘Come, be off—and be sure that you take good ones. I’ll follow, and watch to see that no mischief happens to you.’
“‘It’s a shame to rob the poor old woman,’ said Tiddler. ‘I’ll have nothing to do with it. I’m sure that Tom Turner would object if he were here.’
“‘Oh! you needn’t come if you’re afraid,’ said I, with a sneer; ‘and if there are any other cowardly Turnerites here, they may join you. Whoever has got pluck will follow the Frees. Lead on, Spinks!’
“The greater number of the boys followed me; and from that date the school was divided into two sections—Turnerites and Frees.
“We went straight to the back wall of old Maggie’s garden, and I helped little Spinks over, desiring him to gather a capful and fetch them, and then he could return for more if thought desirable.