Philpot and Harlow were still absent, and the others again fell to wondering where they could be.
“I see old Joe up on ’is ladder only a few minutes before twelve,” remarked Wantley.
Everyone agreed that it was a mystery.
At this moment the two truants returned, looking very important.
Philpot was armed with a hammer and carried a pair of steps, while Harlow bore a large piece of wallpaper which the two of them proceeded to tack on the wall, much to the amusement of the others, who read the announcement opposite written in charcoal.
Every day at meals since Barrington’s unexpected outburst at the Beano dinner, the men had been trying their best to “kid him on” to make another speech, but so far without success. If anything, he had been even more silent and reserved than before, as if he felt some regret that he had spoken as he had on that occasion. Crass and his disciples attributed Barrington’s manner to fear that he was going to get the sack for his trouble and they agreed amongst themselves that it would serve him bloody well right if ’e did get the push.
When they had fixed the poster on the wall, Philpot stood the steps in the corner of the room, with the back part facing outwards, and then, everything being ready for the lecturer, the two sat down in their accustomed places and began to eat their dinners, Harlow remarking that they would have to buck up or they would be too late for the meeting; and the rest of the crowd began to discuss the poster.
“Wot the ’ell does PLO mean?” demanded Bundy, with a puzzled expression.
“Plain Layer On,” answered Philpot modestly.
“’Ave you ever ’eard the Professor preach before?” inquired the man on the pail, addressing Bundy.