“Not a bit. Jolly as possible.”
It was not often that two Fifth-form boys at Templeton felt uncomfortable in the presence of a new junior, but Swinstead and Birket certainly did feel a trifle disconcerted at the coolness of their young victim.
“You told him we sent you?”
“Rather. He was awfully obliged.”
“Was he? And did he give you the whip?”
“No, he hadn’t got it handy. But I told him he could give it to you two next time he met you—and he’s going to.”
And to the consternation of his patrons the new boy walked off, whistling sweetly to himself and watching attentively the flight of the rooks round the school tower.
“Old man, we shall have some trouble with Number One,” said Swinstead, laughing.
“Yes, we’ve caught a Tartar for once,” said Birket. “You and I may retire into private life for a bit, I fancy.”