“It’s not often,” said that worthy, “one gets two pairs of deadly enemies eating out of the same dish.”
“What’s the fellow talking about?” asked Charlie, passing up his plate for more steak.
“Well,” said Jim, “you and I are, or shall be, deadly enemies to-day, old man.”
“Rather,” responded Charlie; “so much the worse for you. But where’s the other pair?”
“Why, Clarke and Reader.”
“I?” exclaimed Clarke, in an alarmed tone. “I hope Mr Reader and I are not at enmity?”
“Oh, yes, you are; don’t you know Reader’s the fellow in against you for the ‘Wigram’?” said Jim.
Clarke was astonished. He had been told there was another candidate for the scholarship, who in some quarters was considered a formidable opponent, but he had never fairly realised the fact till now.
“I’m very glad to meet you,” said he, courteously, to George, “though I can hardly wish you as much success in your exam, as I dare say you wish yourself.”
“I hope I shall not break my heart if I lose,” replied George. “Are we the only two in for it?”