William—the outlaw

by Richmal Crompton

THEN—THE HEAD-MASTER PAUSED UNDER THE SIGN-POST.
“HERE WE ARE,” HE CALLED OUT. “HERE’S THE SIGN-POST—RINGER’S
HILL—UP THERE.”

Behind their leader they scrambled down the hillside to the sign-post.

“Now push!” directed William.

The Outlaws pushed.

The sign-post rocked in its hole and—joy!—slowly pivoted round in obedience to the Outlaws’ straining weight. The solitary arm bearing the legend “Ringers’ Hill” now pointed to the hill in the opposite direction.

The Outlaws’ spirits rose.

They gave a cautious muffled cheer.

“Now quick, back again to the top!” said William and they scrambled once more to the hill-top.

The procession led by the head-master was approaching.