'I suppose you're the new master? he said.
'Yes, said Paul. 'I'm called Pennyfeather.
The little boy gave a shrill laugh. 'I think that's terribly funny, he said, and went away.
Presently the door opened again, and two more boys looked in. They stood and giggled for a time and then made off.
In the course of the next half hour six or seven boys appeared on various pretexts and stared at Paul.
Then a bell rang, and there was a terrific noise of whistling and scampering. The door opened, and a very short man of about thirty came into the Common Room. He had made a great deal of noise in coming because he had an artificial leg. He had a short red moustache, and was slightly bald.
'Hullo! he said.
'Hullo! said Paul.
'I'm Captain Grimes, said the newcomer, and 'Come in, you, he added to someone outside.
Another boy came in.