The examination at the beginning of the term had seriously interfered with the prospects of the Dominican. Pembury knew well enough it was no good trying to get anything out of the diligent section of his class-fellows at such a time; and he knew equally well that a number contributed entirely by the idlers of the Fifth would neither be creditable to the paper nor appreciated by any one outside.
So like a prudent man he held back patiently till the examinations were over, and then pounced down on his men with redoubled importunity.
“Look here,” said he one day to Ricketts, “when are you going to let me have that paper of yours?”
“What paper do you mean?” demanded Ricketts.
“Why for the Dominican, of course; you don’t suppose I want one of your cast-off exam papers, do you?”
“Oh, I can’t do anything for the Dominican this time,” said Ricketts.
“Yes, you can, and yes, you will,” coolly replied Anthony.
“Who says I will?” demanded Ricketts, inclined to be angry.
“It sounds as if I do,” replied the editor. “Why of course you’ll do something for it, Rick?”
“I’d be glad enough, but really I’m not in the humour,” said Ricketts.