“That’s where you’ve the pull,” said Purkis; “you’re a new kid, they won’t interfere with you. Big Hall’s at five, and you can easily slide in at a quarter to, and do the trick. Hullo, there’s bell.”
School that morning went uncomfortably for me. I escaped being “lagged” for my neglect of preparation, chiefly owing to the friendly prompting I received from Dicky Brown. But it was a time of anxiety and trepidation, and my nerves were somewhat strained before it was over.
The shock of the day, however, awaited me as I got outside on my way to the fields.
A small youth of my own size accosted me.
“I say, are you the new chap?”
“What new chap?”
“The new chap that Redwood told to fetch his belt.”
“Yes,” said I, turning a little pale.
“All right. You’ve got to go to him, sharp.”
“I tried to give it him back yesterday, really I did; but I was stopped,” said I. “Do you think I’ll get in a row?”