This last argument was more impressive than the first; and the company said they supposed they might.
“All right—of course we may have to shut off a lark or two, but unless we stick— Hullo, I say, look at those Modern chaps down there punting a football on our side of the path! Cheek! Why, it’s Cash and my young brother. I say, let’s go and drive them off, you fellows.”
So the four descended, and a brisk scrimmage ensued, which resulted in the complete rout of the invaders and the capture of their football.
With which tremendous prize the victorious army returned to quarters and continued their discussion on moral reform.
“Yes, as I was saying, we shall have to stick to it a bit. But young Stratton’ll make it worth our while, I fancy.”
This hidden allusion to the tea and cake completed the speaker’s argument, and the party forthwith sat down with one ink-pot among them for preparation.
As it happened, the preparation for the day was an English Essay on “Your favourite Animal,” with special attention to the spelling and the stops.
It was always a sore point with the Classic juniors to be set an English lesson. They could understand being taught Latin, but they considered they ought to be exempt from writing and spelling their own language. It wasn’t Classics, and they didn’t like it, and they oughtn’t to be let in for it. However, it was no use growling; and as the subject (apart from the spelling and points) was a congenial one, it seemed a fair opening for the commencement of their reformed career.
“Look here,” said Wally, “don’t let’s all have the same beast. I’m going to have a dog.”
“Oh, I wanted a dog,” said Fisher minor.