,,also ,,by ,,horace ,a4 ,,va*ell       
,,qu9neys'                ,,! ,,hill    
,a ,,romance ,,( ,,fri5d%ip             
,,horace ,,annesley ,,va*ell            
,,london  ,,john ,,murray1 ,,albem>le   
,,/reet       ,,fir/ ,,edition          
,april1 #aije   ,=tie? ,impression      
,jan41 #aiej     ,transcrib]'s ,note3   
,m9or typographical errors h be5        
correct$ )\t note4 ,greek     text has  
be5 translit]at$ & is %[n betwe5 braces4
      ,to  ,,george ,w4 ,e4 ,,russell   
,i d$icate ?is ,romance ( ,fri5d%ip to y
 ) ! s9c]e/ pleasure & affection4 ,y 7 !
 fir/ to sugge/ t ,i %\ld write a book  
ab\t contempor>y life at ,h>r[2 y gave  
me ! pr9cipal idea2 y h furni%$ me )    
notes innum]able2 y h revis$ e page ( ! 
manuscript2 & y are a peculi>ly ke5     
,h>rovian4  ,9 mak+ ?is public          
decl>ation ( my obligations to y1 ,i    
take ! opportunity ( /at+ t ! *>act]s 9 
,! ,hill1 :e!r ma/]s or boys1 are n     
portraits1 al?\gh !y may be call$1      
tru?fully en\gh1 composite photographs2 

& t ! episodes ( ,dr9k+ & ,gambl+ are   
f\nd$ on isolat$ incid5ts1 n on habitual
 practices4 ,moreov]1 9 attempt+ to     
reproduce ! curi\s admixture (          
/r5u\sness & s5tim5t--y\r own           
phrase--:i* animates s vitally ,h>r[    
life1 ,i h be5 oblig$ to select ! less  
common types ( ,h>rovian4 ,only ! elect 
are capable ( su* fri5d%ip z ,john      
,v]ney ent]ta9$ = ,h5ry ,desmond2 & few 
boys1 happily1 are possess$ ( su* p[]s z
 ,scaife is %[n to ex]cise4 ,b t !re are
 su* boys z ,v]ney & ,scaife1 nobody    
kn[s bett] ?an y\rself4                 
,believe me1                            
,y\rs mo/ gratefully1                   
,,horace ,,annesley ,,va*ell            
,,bee*wood1    ,febru>y #bb1 #aije      
,,cont5ts    ,,*ap4                     
,,page      ,i4 ,,! ,,manor             
#a    ,,ii4 ,,caes>                     
#ai   ,,iii4 ,,kraipale                 
#ce    ,,iv4 ,,torpids                  
#eh     ,v4 ,,fell[%ip                  
#gj    ,,vi4 ,a ,,revelation            

#ib   ,,vii4 ,,re=m                     
#ajg  ,,viii4 ,,v]ney ,,boscobel        
#abc    ,,ix4 ,,black ,,spots           
#adj     ,x4 ,,decapitation             
#aeh    ,,xi4 ,,self-,,que/ion+         
#agc   ,,xii4 ,,"l',s                   
#ahi  ,,xiii4 ,,if ,i ,,p]i%1 ,i ,,p]i% 
#baa   ,,xiv4 ,,good ,,night            
#bcj     ,,*apt] ,i  ,! ,manor          
,five hundr$ faces1 & all s /range6     
,life 9 front ( me--home beh9d1         
,i felt l a waif be=e ! w9d             
,toss$ on an ocean ( %ock & *ange4      
,*orus4  ,yet ! "t may come1 z ! ye>s g 
by1                ,:5 y\r he>t w ?rill 
,at ! ?\ght ( ! ,hill1              ,& !
 day t y came s /range & %y4   ,! tra9  
slid sl[ly out ( ,h>r[ /ation4  ,five   
m9utes be=e1 a man & a boy _h be5 walk+ 
up & d[n ! long plat=m4 ,! boy wond]$ :y
 ! man1 8 uncle1 0 s /rangely sil5t4    
,!n1 sudd5ly1 ! eld] ,john ,v]ney _h    
plac$ 8 h&s ^u ! %\ld]s ( ! y\ng] ,john1
 look+ d[n into eyes z grey & z /eady z 
8 own4  ,y'll f9d pl5ty ( fell[s abus+  

,h>r[1 he said quietly2 b take x f me1 t
 ! fault lies n 9 ,h>r[1 b 9 !m4 ,su*   
boys1 z a rule1 d n come out ( ! top    
draw]4 ,don't look s solemn4 ,y're ab\t 
to take a head] into a big riv]4 ,9 x   
are rocks & rapids2 b y "k h[ to swim1 &
 aft] ! fir/ plunge y'll enjoy x1 z ,i  
did1 amaz+ly4  ,ra--!r1 said ,john4  ,9 
! ,new ,=e/1 :]e ,john _h sp5t mo/ ( 8  
life at 8 uncle's place ( ,v]ney        
,boscobel1 ?is uncle1 8 dead fa!r's only
 bro!r1 0 wor%ipp$ z a h]o4 ,inde$ he   
fill$ s l>ge a space 9 ! boy's          
imag9ation1 t o!rs 7 cramp$ = room4     
,john ,v]ney 9 ,india1 9 ,burmah1 9     
,africa 7he took cont95ts 9 8 /ride71   
mov$ colossal4 ,& :5 uncle & nephew met1
 behold1 ! great travell] /ood n mu*    
tall] ?an ,john himself6 ,t fir/ mom5t1 
! in/ant %att]+ ( a preci\s delusion1   
held angui%4 ,b n[1 z ! tra9 :irl$ away 
! sil5t1 ?91 little man1 he began to    
exp& aga94 ,john saw him scal+ heights1 
cutt+ a pa? ?r\gh imp5etrable =e/s1 wad+
 across dismal swamps1 an ev]-mov+      

figure1 seek+ ! hi!rto unkn[able &      
irreclaimable1 introduc+ ord] :]e *aos  
reign$ supreme1 a _w-fam\s pione]4  ,h[ 
good to ?9k t ,john ,v]ney 0 8 uncle1   
blood ( 8 blood1 81 81 8--= all "t6  ,&1
 long ago1 ,john1 s5ior1 _h come to     
,h>r[2 _h felt :at ,john1 junior1 felt  
to ! core--! dull1 gr9d+ wr5* (         
sep>ation1 ! s5se1 n yet to be analys$  
by a boy1 ( /&+ alone ^u ! edge ( a     
riv]1 inde$1 into :i* he mu/ plunge     
headlong 9 a few m9utes4 ,well1 ,uncle  
,john _h tak5 8 head] ) a /\t he>t--:o  
d>$ to d\bt t8 ,surely he _h n wait$1   
%iv]+ & hesitat+1 at ! jump+-(f place4  
,! tra9 0 n[ out ( sight4 ,john slipp$ !
 uncle's tip into 8 purse1 & walk$ out (
 ! /ation & on to ! road beyond1 ! road 
:i* l$ to ! top ( ! ,hill4  ,! ,hill4   
,pres5tly1 ! boy rea*$ "s iron pal+s & a
 wicket-gate4 ,8 uncle _h po9t$ out ?is 
gate & ! /eep pa? beyond :i* l$ to ! top
 ( ! ,hill1 to ! *ur*y>d1 to ! ,pea*ey  
tomb on :i* ,byron dream$1#a to ! ,high 
,/reet--& to ! ,manor4 ,x 0 pleasant to 

rememb] t he 0 go+ to bo>d at ! ,manor1 
) its traditions1 its triumphs1 its     
record4 ,9 8 uncle's day ! ,manor rank$ 
fir/ among ! bo>d+-h\ses4 ,n a d\bt     
di/urb$ ,john's conviction t x rank$    
fir/ /ill4  ,! boy />$ upw>ds ) a ke5   
gaze4 ,_h ! "m se5 h] son at t mom5t1 %e
 might h disc]n$ a subtle lik5ess betwe5
 uncle & nephew1 n ! lik5ess ( ! fle%1 b
 ( ! _s4  ,septemb] ra9s1 foll[$ by a   
day ( w>m sun%9e1 _h lur$ f ! e>? a s(t 
haze :i* obscur$ ! big fields at ! foot 
( ! ,hill4 ,john c\ld make out f5ces1   
popl>s1 elms1 ,scot* firs1 & spectral   
h\ses4 ,b1 above1 ev]y?+ 0 cle>4 ,!     
s*ool-build+s1 su* z he c\ld see1 /ood  
out boldly aga9/ a cl\dless sky1 & above
 ^! so>$ ! spire ( ,h>r[ ,*ur*1 po9t+ an
 inexorable f+] upw>ds4  ,aft]w>ds ?is  
spot became de> to ,john ,v]ney1 because
 "h1 :]e mi/s 7 *ill & bl9d+1 he _h be5 
impell$ to leave ! broad high-road &    
take a pa? :i* l$ into a %ad[y future4  
,9 ob$i5ce to an impulse /rong] ?an     
himself he _h tak5 ! %ort cut to :at    

await$ him4  ,= a few m9utes he /ood    
outside ! pal+s1 try+ to *oke d[n an    
abom9able lump 9 8 ?roat4 ,?is 0 n 8    
fir/ visit to ,h>r[4 ,at ! end ( !      
previ\s t]m1 he _h asc5d$ ! ,hill to    
pass ! entrance exam9ation4 ,a ma/] f 8 
prep>atory s*ool accompani$ him1 an     
,etonian1 :o _h />$ r sup]cili\sly--s   
,john ?\ght--at build+s less v5]able ?an
 ^? :i* ,h5ry ,,vi rais$ ne> ,w9dsor4   
,john1 :o _h p]ceptions1 0 elusively    
consci\s t 8 companion1 too mu* ( a     
g5tleman to give 8 ?\ghts words1 might  
be contra/+ a yeoman's "w ) a k+'s2 & :5
 ! ,etonian1 gaz+ across ! pla9s bel[ to
 :]e ,w9dsor lay1 a s(t %ad[ ^u !       
horizon1 said abruptly1 ,i wi% ,eton _h 
be5 built ^u a hill1 ,john repli$       
effusively3 ,oh1 sir1 x is dec5t ( y to 
say t4 ,! exam9ation1 h[ev]1 di/ract$ 8 
att5tion f all ?+s save ! pap]s4 ,to 8  
delight he f\nd ^! easy1 &1 z soon z he 
left ! exam9ation-room1 he 0 popp$ into 
a cab & tak5 back to t[n4 ,com+ d[n !   
flight ( /eps1 he _h se5 a few boys     

hurry+ up or d[n ! road4 ,at ^! !       
,etonian cock$ a tw9kl+ eye4  ,que] kit 
y ,h>r[ boys we>1 he said4  ,john1      
inord9ately grateful at ?is recognition 
( himself z an ,h>rovian1 =gave ! gibe4 
,x _h /ruck him1 also1 t ! %all[ /raw   
hat1 ! swall[-tail coat1 did look que]1 
b he reg>d$ !m rev]5tly z ! uni=m ( a   
crack corps4  ,to-day1 /&+ by ! iron    
pal+s1 ,john review$ ! ev5ts ( ! la/    
h\r4 ,! view 0 blurr$ by un%$ te>s4 ,8  
uncle & he _h driv5 toge!r to ! ,manor4 
,"h1 ! explor] _h ex]cis$ 8 peculi>     
p]sonal magnetism ^u ! h\se-ma/]1 a     
tall1 burly man ( trucul5t aspect &     
spee*4 ,john realiz$ pr\dly t 8 uncle 0 
! bigg] ( ! two1 & ! giant ackn[l$g$1   
p]haps grudg+ly1 ! dw>f's sup]iority4 ,!
 talk1 %ort en\gh1 _h w&]$ into ,d>ke/  
,africa4 ,8 uncle1 z usual1 said little1
 reply+ almo/ 9 monosyllables to !      
que/ions ( 8 ho/2 b ,john junior told   
himself exultantly t x 0 n necess>y =   
,uncle ,john to talk2 ! wide _w knew :at
 he _h done4  ,!n 8 h\se-ma/]1 ,rut=d1  

_h told ,john :]e to buy 8 fir/ /raw    
hat4  ,y c get "o )\t an ord] at !      
beg9n+ ( ea* t]m1 said he1 9 a ?ick1    
rasp+ voice4 ,b y mu/ ask me = an ord]  
if y want a second4  ,!n he _h %[n ,john
 8 room1 to be %>$ ) two o!r boys1 & _h 
told him ! h\r ( lock-up4 ,& !n1 aft]   
tea1 came ! walk d[n ! hill1 ! tip1 !   
firm grasp ( ! s9ewy h&1 & a f9al--,god 
bless y4  ,com+ to ! end ( ^!           
reflections1 confront$ by ! inexorable  
future1 & ! necessity1 no less          
inexorable1 ( /epp+ into x1 ,john pass$ 
?r\gh ! gate4 ,8 he>t flutt]$ furi\sly1 
& ! lump 9 ! ?roat swell$ inconv5i5tly4 
,john1 h[ev]1 _h provid$ himself ) a    
cure-all4 ,plung+ 8 h& into 8 pocket1 he
 pull$ out a c>tridge1 an unus$         
tw5ty-bore gun c>tridge4 ,look+ at ?is1 
,john smil$4 ,:5 he smil$ he became     
good-look+4 ,! face1 too long1 pla91 b  
full ( s5se & hum\r1 r\nd$ itself into !
 graci\s curves ( y\?2 ! s]i\s grey eyes
 sp>kl$2 ! lips1 too firmly compress$1  
p>t$1 reveal+ admirable tee?1 small &   

squ>ely set2 into ! *eeks1 br[n r ?an   
p9k1 fl[$ a w>m /ream ( col\r4  ,!      
c>tridge /ood = s mu*4 ,only a week     
be=e1 ,uncle ,john1 on 8 arrival f      
,man*uria1 _h h&$ 8 nephew a small lea!r
 case & a key4 ,! case held a           
d\ble-b>rell$1 hamm]less1 ejector1      
tw5ty-bore gun1 ) a great "n ^u its     
poli%$ blue b>rels4  ,! sight ( !       
c>tridge ju/ifi$ ,john's expectations4  
,he put x back into 8 pocket1 & /rode   
=w>d & upw>d4         99       99       
99       99       99  ,close to ! ,s*ool
 ,*apel1 ,john rem>k$ a curly-head$ "y  
g5tleman ( wond]fully prepossess+       
appe>ance1 f :om emanat$ an air1 an     
atmosph]e1 ( g5ial enjoym5t :i* diffus$ 
itself4 ,! bricks ( ! s*ool-build+s     
seem$ r$d] & w>m]1 z if !y 7 bask+ 9 ?is
 sunny smile4 ,! y\? 0 smil+ n[1        
smil+--at ,john4 ,= sev]al h\rs ,john _h
 be5 mis]ably aw>e t surprises await$   
him1 b n smiles4 ,he knew no ,h>rovians2
 at 8 s*ool1 a small "o1 8 fell[s 7     
labell$ ,w9*e/]1 ,eton1 ,well+ton2 none1

 curi\sly en\gh1 ,h>r[4 ,& already he _h
 pass$ half a doz5 boys1 ! fir/-com]s1  
"s /rang]s1 l himself1 & 9 ea* face he  
_h read indiff]5ce4 ,n "o _h tak5 !     
tr\ble to say1 ,hullo6 ,:o are y8 aft] !
 r\gh & ready fa%ion ( ! private s*ool4 
,& n[ ?is smil+1 fasc9at+ p]son 0       
actually ab\t to address him1 & 9 ! old 
famili> /yle----  ,hullo6  ,hullo6  ,i  
met y\r gov]nor ! o!r day4  ,did y8     
,john repli$4 ,8 fa!r _h di$ :5 ,john 0 
sev54 ,obvi\sly1 a blund] 9 id5tity _h  
creat$ ?is g5ial smile4 ,john wi%$ t 8  
fa!r _h n di$4  ,yes1 pursu$ ! smil+ "o1
 ,i met him--p>tridge-%oot+ at home--&  
he ask$ me to be on ! look-out = y4 ,x's
 que] y %\ld turn up at once1 isn't x8  
,yes1 said ,john4  ,y\r gov]nor look$   
awfully fit4  ,did he8 ,!n ,john add$   
solemnly1 ,my gov]nor di$ :5 ,i 0 a kid4
  ,! o!r gasp$2 !n he ?rew back 8 curly 
head & laugh$4  ,i say1 ,i beg y\r      
p>don4 ,i didn't mean to laugh4 ,if y're
 n ,h>dacre1 :o are y8  ,v]ney4 ,i've j 
come4  ,v]ney8 ,t's a great ,h>r[ "n4   

,are y any relation to ! explor]8       
,nephew1 said ,john1 blu%+4  ,ah--y     
ought to h be5 "h la/ ,spee*]4#b ,we    
*e]$ him1 ,i c tell y4 ,& ! song 0 sung3
 ! "o ) 8 "n 9 x4  ,yes1 said ,john4 ,!n
 he add$ n]v\sly1 ,all ! same1 ,i don't 
"k a s\l at ,h>r[4  ,desmond smil$4 ,!  
smile assur$ ,john t 8 "n w\ld secure   
him a cordial welcome4 ,desmond add$    
abruptly1 ,my "n1 ,desmond1 is a ,h>r[  
"n4 ,my fa!r1 my gr&fa!r1 my uncles1 &  
?ree bro!rs 7 "h4 ,x does make a        
diff]5ce4 ,:at's y\r h\se8  ,! ,manor1  
said ,john1 pr\dly4  ,dirty ,dick's6    
,!n1 see+ con/]nation writ l>ge ^u      
,john's face1 he add$ quickly1 ,we call 
him ,dirty ,dick1 y "k2 b ! h\se        
is--er--"o ( ! olde/ &                  
bigge/--er--h\ses4 ,he cont9u$ hurri$ly3
 ,i'm go+ into ,dam]'s next t]m4 ,dam]'s
 is always *ock-a-block1 y "k4  ,:y is  
,rut=d call$ ',dirty ,dick'8 ,john ask$ 
n]v\sly4 ,he doesn't look dirty4  ,oh1  
we've lick$ him into a sort ( %ape1 said
 ,desmond4 ,i believe he to%es n[--once 

a mon? or s4  ,to%es8  ,tubs1 y "k4 ,we 
call a tub a 'to%4' ,:5 ,dirty ,dick    
came "h he 0 unclean4 ,he told 8 =m--oh6
 ! *eek ( x6--t 9 8 fil?y m9d "o ba? a  
week 0 pl5ty1 unconsci\sly ! boy mimick$
 ! ?ick1 rasp+ tones--two1 luxury1 &    
?ree--sup]fluity6 ,aft] t he 0 call$    
,dirty ,dick4 ,!re's ano!r /ory4 ,!y say
 t ye>s ago he w5t to a ,turki% ba?1 &  
aft] a r>e good scrap+ ! man :o 0 scrap+
 him--na/y job t6--f\nd some?+ :i*      
,dirty ,dick recogniz$ z a bea/ly       
flannel %irt he _h lo/ :5 he 0 at !     
',v>sity4 ,b only ! ,f\r? ,=m boys      
swall[ t4 ,hullo6 ,!re's a pal ( m9e4   
,see y aga94  ,he ran (f gaily4 ,john   
walk$ to ! %op :]e /raw hats 7 sold4 ,"h
 he met o!r new boys1 :o reg>d$ him     
curi\sly1 b said no?+4 ,john put on 8   
hat1 & gave ,rut=d's "n to ! "y man :o  
wait$ on him4 ,he _h an absurd feel+ t !
 "y man w\ld say1 ,oh yes--,dirty       
,dick's6 ,"o v nice-look+ p9k-*eek$ boy 
said to ano!r boy t he 0 at ,dam]'s4    
,john c\ld h sworn t ! hatt]'s assi/ant 

reg>d$ ! p9k y\? ) increas$ def]5ce4 ,:y
 _h ,uncle ,john s5t him to ,dirty      
,dick's8 ,he hurri$ out ( ! %op1 fum+4  
,!n he rememb]$ ! hamm]less gun4 ,aft]  
all1 ! ,manor _h be5 ! h\se once1 & x   
might be ! h\se aga94  ,by ?is "t ! boys
 7 arriv+4 ,gr\ps 7 =m+4 ,snat*es (     
*att] rea*$ ,john's e>s4 ,yes1 ,i %ot a 
/ag1 a n9e-po9t]4 ,my gov]nor is go+ to 
h x set up = me---- ,:at8 ,walk$ up y\r 
gr\se ) dogs6 ,we drive ours---- ,i _h  
"s ripp+ cricket1 made a c5tury 9 "o    
mat*---- ,by ,jove6 ,did y really8----  
,john pass$ on4 ,^! 7 bloods1 trem5d\s  
swells1 gr[n m5 ) a titillat+ flav\r ( !
 _w ab\t _! di/+ui%$ p]sons4  ,a m9ute  
lat] he 0 />+ disconsolately at a gr\p (
 8 fell[s j 9 front ( ,dir----( ,rut=d's
 side door4 ,an impulse seiz$ him to    
turn & flee4 ,:at w\ld ,uncle ,john say 
to t8 ,s he advanc$4 ,! boys made way   
politely1 ask+ no que/ions4 ,z he pass$ 
?r\gh he caught a few eag] words4 ,i 0  
hop+ t ! brute _h gone4 ,x is a sick5]1 
& no mi/ake6  ,john asc5d$ ! batt]$1    

worn-out /aircase1 wond]+ :o ! brute 04 
,p]haps a sort ( ,fla%man4 ,john knew 8 
,tom ,br[n2 b "s "o _h told him t bully+
 _h ceas$ to be4 ,great emphasis _h be5 
laid on ! brute1 :oev] he might be4  ,^u
 ! second-floor passage1 he f\nd 8 room 
& "o ( its t5ants1 :o nodd$ c>elessly z 
,john cross$ ! ?re%old4  ,i'm ,scaife1  
he said4 ,are y ! ,"l1 or ! ,common]8   
,he laugh$1 indicat+ a l>ge portmanteau1
 labell$1 ,"l ,esme ,k9lo*4  ,i'm       
,v]ney1 said ,john4  ,i've bagg$ ! be/  
b$1 said ,scaife1 aft] a pause1 & ,i    
advise y to bag ! next be/ "o1 ov] !re4 
,x 0 m9e la/ t]m4  ,i don't see ! b$s1  
said ,john1 />+ ab\t him4  ,scaife po9t$
 out :at appe>$ to be ?ree tall1 n>r[   
w>drobes4 ,! re/ ( ! furniture includ$  
?ree mu*-batt]$ wa%/&s & *e/s ( draw]s1 
f\r ,w9dsor *airs1 & a squ>e table1     
cov]$ ) innum]able ink/a9s & r\ghly-c>v$
 names4  ,! b$s let d[n1 ,scaife said1 &
 dur+ ! fir/ s*ool ! maids make !m1 &   
%ut !m up aga94 ,x is consid]$ a joke to
 crawl into ano!r fell['s room at night1

 & %ut him up4 ,y f9d y\rself /&+ ^u y\r
 head 9 ! d>k1 *ok+4 ,x is a joke--= !  
o!r fell[4  ,did "s "o d t to y8 ask$   
,john4  ,yes2 a big l\t 9 ! ,?ird ,fif?1
 ,scaife smil$ grimly4  ,& :at did y d8 
,i wait$ = him next day ) a cricket     
/ump4 ,!re 0 an awful r[1 because ,i let
 him h x a bit too h>d2 b ,i've n be5   
%ut up s9ce4 ,t b$ is a bea/4 ,x        
collapses4 ,he *uckl$4 ,"y ,k9lo* won't 
f9d x q z s(t z ! ones at ,:ite ,ladies4
 ,well1 l ! re/ ( u1 he'll h to take    
,dirty ,dick's z he f9ds x4  ,! bolt _h 
fall54  ,john ask$ 9 a quav]+ voice1 ,!n
 x is call$ t8  ,call$ :at8  ,?is h\se4 
,dirty ,dick's6  ,scaife smil$          
cynically4 ,he look$ ab\t a ye> old] ?an
 ,john1 b he _h ! air & mann]s ( a man (
 ! _w--s ,john ?\ght4 ,also1 he 0 v     
good-look+1 h&som] ?an ,desmond1 & 9    
/rik+ contra/ to t smil+1 g5ial y\?1 be+
 d>k1 almo/ sw>?y ( complexion1 )       
/rongly-m>k$ features & r co>se h&s &   
feet4  ,ev]ybody "h calls x ,dirty      
,dick's1 he repli$ curtly4  ,john />$   

helplessly4  ,b1 he mutt]$1 ,i he>d1 ,i 
0 told1 t ! ,manor 0 ! be/ h\se 9 !     
s*ool4  ,x us$ to be1 ,scaife answ]$4   
,to-day1 x comes jolly ne> be+ ! wor/4  
,! fell[s 9 o!r h\ses are dec5t2 !y     
don't rub x 92 b1 betwe5 ourselves1 !   
,manor has gone to pot ev] s9ce ,dirty  
,dick took hold ( x4 ,dam]'s is ! swell 
h\se n[4  ,john began to un/rap 8       
portmanteau4 ,scaife puzzl$ him4 ,=     
in/ance1 he display$ no curiosity4 ,he  
did n put ! que/ions always ask$ at a   
,prep>atory ,s*ool4 ,)\t turn+ 8 ?\ght  
into words1 ,john div9$ t at ,h>r[ x 0  
bad =m to ask que/ions4 ,z he want$ to  
ask a "q1 a v important "q1 ?is en=c$   
sil5ce became exasp]at+4  ,pres5tly     
,scaife said1 ,i suppose y are "o ( !   
,claydon lot4  ,no2 my home is 9 ! ,new 
,=e/4 ,my uncle is ,v]ney ( ,v]ney      
,boscobel4  ,oh6 8 "n is on ! panels at 
! head ( ! /aircase2 & x's c>v$ on a b$ 
9 ! next room4  ,crikey6 ,i mu/ g & look
 at x4  ,y c look at ! panels1 ( c\rse2 
b don't say ',crikey6' & don't g into ! 

next room4 ,two ,fif? ,=m fell[s h x4 ,x
 w\ld be inf]nal *eek4  ,john hop$ t    
,scaife w\ld (f] to accompany him to !  
panels4 ,!n he w5t alone4 ,x be+ n[ )9  
half an h\r ( lock-up1 ! passages 7     
sw>m+ ) boys4 ,soon ,john w\ld see !m   
assembl$ 9 ,hall1 :]e _! names w\ld be  
call$ ov] by ,rut=d4 ,ev]ybody--,john _h
 be5 told--0 expect$ to be pres5t at ?is
 fir/ call-ov]1 except a few boys :o    
might be com+ f a di/ance4 ,john work$ 8
 way along ! upp] passage1 & d[n !      
second flight ( /airs till he came to ! 
fir/ l&+4 ,"h1 close to ! h\se          
notice-bo>d1 7 "s oak panels cov]$ )    
names & dates1 all c>v$--s ,john le>n$  
lat]--by a fam\s ,h>r[ "*1 ,sam ,ho>e1  
once ,cu/os ( ! ,s*ool4 ,! boy glanc$   
eag]ly1 ard5tly1 up & d[n ! panels4 ,ah1
 yes1 "h 0 8 fa!r's "n1 & "h--8 uncle's4
 ,& !n out ( ! dull1 f9ely-gra9$ oak1   
%one o!r names famili> to all :o love ! 
,hill & its traditions4 ,john's he>t    
grew w>m aga9 ) pride 9 ! h\se t _h held
 su* m54 ,! "n ( ! great /atesman & bel[

 x a mighty w>rior's made him ?rill &   
tremble4 ,!y 7 ,old ,h>rovians1 ^!      
fell[s1 m5 :om 8 uncle _h kn[n1 m5 ( :om
 8 de> "m1 wise s\l6 _h spok5 a ?\s&    
times4 ,! l&+ & ! passages 7 ro>+ ) !   
life ( ! pres5t mom5t4 ,boys1 big &     
small1 7 *aff+ ea* o!r l\dly4 ,"u "s    
circum/ances1 ?is new-com]1 a /rang]1   
ignor$ entirely1 might h felt desolate &
 =lorn 9 ! he>t ( su* a cr[d2 b ,john 0 
t+l+ ) delight & pleasure4  ,sudd5ly1 ! 
noise mod]at$4 ,john1 look+ up1 saw a   
big fell[ sl[ly approa*+1 ex*ang+       
greet+s ) ev]ybody4 ,john turn$ to a boy
 close to him4  ,:o is x8 he :isp]$4  ,!
 o!r boy answ]$ curtly1 ,lawr5ce1 !     
,head ( ! ,h\se4  ,! big fell[ sudd5ly  
caught ,john's eyes4 ,:at he read       
!re--admiration1 respect1 envy--br\ght a
 slight smile to 8 lips4  ,y\r "n8 he   
dem&$4  ,v]ney4  ,lawr5ce held out 8 h&1
 simply & yet ) a c]ta9 dignity4  ,i    
he>d y 7 com+1 he said1 ke5ly exam9+    
,john's face4 ,we c't h too _m ,v]neys4 
,if ,i c d any?+ = y1 let me "k4  ,he   

nodd$1 & /rode on4 ,john saw t sev]al   
boys 7 />+ ) a new int]e/4 ,none1 h[ev]1
 spoke to him2 & he return$ to 8 room ) 
a blu%+ face4 ,scaife _h unpack$ 8 clo!s
 & put !m away2 he 0 n[ survey+ ! b>e   
walls ) undisguis$ contempt4  ,isn't ?is
 a bea/ly hole8 he rem>k$4  ,john1      
always int]e/$ 9 p r ?an ?+s1 exam9$ !  
room c>efully4 ,pass+ d[n ! passage he  
_h caught glimpses ( o!r rooms3 "s      
*>m+ly furni%$1 gay ) *9tz1 embelli%$ ) 
pictures1 ,japanese fans1 silv] cups1 & 
o!r trophies4 ,comp>+ ^! ) 8 own        
ap>tm5t1 ,john said %yly--  ,x's n v    
beefy4  ,beefy8 ,y smell ( a private    
s*ool1 ,v]ney4 ,n[1 is x wor? do+ up8 ,y
 see1 ,i %all be 9 a two-room next t]m4 
,if we all *ip 9---- he paus$4  ,i've   
br\ght back two quid1 said ,john4       
,scaife's smile indicat$ nei!r approval 
nor ! rev]se4 ,john's +5u\s confid5ce   
provok$ none 9 return4  ,we'll talk ab\t
 x :5 ,k9lo* arrives4 ,i wond] :y 8 p   
s5t him "h4  ,john _h /udi$ "s books1 b 
n ! ,pe]age4 ,! great "n ( ,k9lo* 0 new 

to him1 n new to ,scaife1 :o1 = a boy1  
knew 8 ,burke too odi\sly well4  ,:y    
%\ldn't 8 p s5d him "h8 he ask$4        
,because1 ,scaife's tone 0 contemptu\s1 
because ! ,k9lo*s--!y're a great        
cricket+ family--g to ,eton4 ,! duke mu/
 h "s reason4  ,! duke8  ,hang x1 surely
 y h he>d ( ! ,duke ( ,tr5t8  ,yes1 said
 ,john1 humbly4 ,& ?is is 8 son8 ,he    
glanc$ at ! label on ! new portmanteau4 
,^: son %\ld he be8 said ,scaife4 ,well1
 x's que]4 ,dukes#c & dukes' sons come  
to ,h>r[--all ! ,hamiltons 7 "h1 & !    
,fitz,roys1 & ! ,/4 ,maurs--b ! ,k9lo*s1
 z ,i say1 h gone to ,eton4 ,x's a rum  
?+--v4 ,& :y ! deuce hasn't he turn$ up8
  ,! clang+ ( a bell br\ght bo? boys to 
_! feet4  ,lock-up1 & call-ov]1 said    
,scaife4 ,come on6  ,!y pu%$ _! way d[n 
! passage4 ,sev]al boys address$        
,scaife4  ,hullo1 ,demon6--,"h's ! old  
,demon6--,demon1 ,i ?\ght y 7 go+ to be 
sack$6  ,to ^! & o!r sallies ,scaife    
repli$ ) 8 slightly ironical smile4     
,john p]ceiv$ t 8 companion 0 popul> &  

at ! same "t peculi>2 q diff]5t f any   
boy he _h yet met4  ,!y fil$ into a big 
room--! d9+-room ( ! h\se--a squ>e1 l(ty
 hall1 ) ?ree long tables 9 x4 ,on !    
walls hung "s portraits ( fam\s ,old    
,h>rovians4 ,z a room x 0 disappo9t+ at 
fir/ sight1 almo/ commonplace4 ,b 9 x1  
,john soon f\nd out1 ev]y?+ = weal or   
woe :i* conc]n$ ! ,manor _h tak5 place  
or _h be5 discuss$4 ,!re 7 two          
fireplaces & two l>ge doors4 ,! boys    
pass$ ?r\gh "o door2 ^u ! ?re%old ( !   
o!r /ood ! butl]1 hold+ a silv] salv]1 )
 a %eet ( pap] on x4  ,:at *eek6 murmur$
 ,scaife4  ,eh8 said ,john4  ,dirty     
,dick isn't "h4 ,j l him1 ! slack]6 ,&  
:5 he does come ov] on our side ( !     
,h\se1 he slimes ab\t 9 c>pet slipp]s--!
 bea/6  ,lawr5ce ent]$ z ,scaife spoke4 
,john saw t 8 /rongly-m>k$ eyebr[s w5t  
up1 :5 he p]ceiv$ ! butl]4 ,he approa*$1
 & took ! %eet ( pap]4 ,! butl] said    
impressively--  ,mr4 ,rut=d is busy4 ,w 
y call ov]1 sir8  ,at any rate1 ! butl]1
 ,dumbleton1 0 wor?y ( ! be/ traditions 

( ! ,manor4 ,he _h a %rewd1 clean-%av5  
face1 & ! deportm5t ( an ar*bi%op4 ,!   
,head ( ! ,h\se took ! pap]1 & began to 
call ov] ! names4 ,ea* boy1 z 8 "n 0    
call$1 said1 ,"h1 or1 if he wi%$ to be  
funny1 ,"h1 sir6  ,v]ney8  ,! "n rang   
out crisply4  ,"h1 sir1 said ,john4  ,! 
,head ( ! ,h\se ey$ him %>ply4  ,k9lo*8 
,no answ]4  ,k9lo*8  ,scaife answ]$     
dryly3 ,k9lo*'s portmanteau has come4   
,!n ,dumbleton said 9 8 smoo?1 bl&      
voice1 ,8 lord%ip is 9 ! draw+-room )   
,mr4 ,rut=d4  ,! boys ex*ang$ kn[+      
glances4 ,scaife look$ contemptu\s4 ,!  
next mom5t ! la/ "n _h be5 call$1 & !   
boys scurri$ into ! passages4 ,lawr5ce 0
 ! fir/ to leave ! hall4 ,impulsively1  
,john ru%$ up to him4  ,i didn't mean to
 be funny1 ,i didn't really1 he pant$4  
,q "r4 ,x doesn't pay1 ,lawr5ce smil$   
grimly1 = new boys to be funny4 ,i saw y
 didn't mean x4  ,lawr5ce spoke 9 a l\d 
voice4 ,john realiz$ t he _h s spok5    
purposely1 try+ to wipe out a new boy's 
fir/ blund]4  ,?anks awfully1 said      

,john4  ,he rea*$ 8 room to f9d ?ree o!r
 boys busily engag$ 9 abus+ _!          
h\se-ma/]4 ,!y took no notice ( ,john1  
:o lean$ aga9/ ! wall4  ,8 lord%ip is 9 
! draw+-room ) ,mr4 ,rut=d4  ,a         
freckle-fac$1 r$-head$ y\?1 ) a big     
ela/ic m\? _h imitat$ ,dumbleton        
admirably4  ,:at a snob ,dick is6 drawl$
 a v tall1 v ?91 ari/ocratic-look+ boy4 
,& a fool1 add$ ,scaife4 ,?is sort ( ?+ 
makes him loa!d4  ,x is a sell 8 be+ "h4
  ,all ?ree fell to talk+4 ,! "q /ill   
fe/]+ 9 ,john's m9d 0 answ]$ )9 a m9ute4
 ,! brute 0 ,rut=d4 ,t[>ds ! end ( !    
previ\s t]m gossip _h x t ! ma/] ( !    
,manor _h be5 (f]$ an appo9tm5t else:]e4
 ,:]eat ! wor?i] spirits 9 ! anci5t h\se
 rejoic$4 ,n[ ! joy 0 turn$ into wail+ &
 gna%+ ( tee?4  ,is he a bea/ to u8 said
 ,john4  ,! freckle-fac$ boy answ]$     
affably1 ,t dep5ds4 ,8 ,imp]ial         
,highness--he kick$ ! new portmanteau   
h>d--w n f9d ,mr4 ,ri*>d ,rut=d a bea/4 
,f> f x4 ,& he's civil to ! ,demon1     
because 8 papa is a man ( _m %ekels4 ,b 

to m]e outsid]s1 l myself1 a bea/ (     
bea/s2 ay1 ! v k+ ( bea/s1 is--,dirty   
,dick4  ,& !n--oh1 horrors6--! door (   
,no4 #ae op5$1 & ,rut=d appe>$1 foll[$  
by a seem+ly "y & v fa%ionably dress$   
lady4 ,! boys jump$ to _! feet4 ,all1   
except ,scaife1 look$ pret]naturally    
solemn4 ,! h\se-ma/] nodd$ c>elessly4   
,?is is ,scaife1 ,du*ess1 he said 9 8   
?ick1 rasp+ tones4 ,scaife & ,v]ney1 let
 me pres5t y to ! ,du*ess ( ,tr5t4  ,he 
m\!d ! illu/ri\s "n1 z if x 7 a l>ge &  
ripe gre5gage4  ,! du*ess advanc$1 smil+
 graci\sly4 ,^!--,rut=d nam$ ! o!r      
boys--are ,eg]ton1 ,lovell1             
&--er--,duff4  ,scaife1 alone ( ^?      
pres5t1 appreciat$ ! ord] 9 :i* 8       
s*oolfell[s _h be5 nam$4 ,eg]ton--kn[n z
 ! ,cat]pill>--0 ! son ( a ,gu>dsman2   
,lovell's fa!r 0 a judge2 ,duff's fa!r  
an obscure p>son4  ,! du*ess %ook h&s ) 
ea* boy4 ,y\r fa!r & ,i are old fri5ds1 
%e said to ,eg]ton2 & ,i h _h ! pleasure
 ( meet+ y\r uncle1 %e smil$ at ,john4  
,duff look$ unhappy & ill at ease1      

because x 0 almo/ c]ta9 t 8 la/ s5t5ce  
_h be5 ov]he>d by ! h\se-ma/]4 ,! du*ess
 ask$ a few que/ions & !n took h] leave4
 ,%e & h] son 7 d9+ ) ! ,head ,ma/]4    
,rut=d accompani$ h]4  ,did ! blight]   
he>8 said ,duff4  ,h[ c\ld he help x ) 8
 enorm\s asses' e>s8 said ! tall1 ?9    
,eg]ton4  ,duff1 an optimi/1 l all      
r$-head$1 freckl$ boys1 appeal$ to !    
o!rs1 ea* 9 turn4 ,! v]dict 0 unanim\s4 
,he hates me l poison1 said ,duff4 ,i   
%all cat* x hot4 ,:at an unlucky begg>  
,i am6  ,pooh6 said ,scaife4 ,he kn[s   
jolly well t ! :ole s*ool calls him     
,dirty ,dick4  ,b :atev] hopes ,duff may
 h ent]ta9$ ( 8 h\se-ma/]'s deafness 7  
spe$ily laid 9 ! du/4 ,)9 five m9utes   
,rut=d reappe>$4 ,he /ood 9 ! doorway1  
gl>+4  ,j n[1 ,duff1 said he1 ,i happ5$ 
to ov]he> y\r voice1 :i* is s+ul>ly1 ,i 
may say vulg>ly1 p5etrat+4 ,y 7 speak+ (
 me1 y\r h\se-ma/]1 z ',dick4' ,b y us$ 
an adjective be=e x4 ,:at 0 x8  ,duff   
wri!d4 ,i don't--rememb]4  ,oh yes1 y d4
 ,:y lie1 ,duff8  ,john's br[n face grew

 pale4  ,! adjective y us$1 cont9u$     
,rut=d1 0 'dirty4' ,y spoke ( me z      
',dirty ,dick1' & ,i fancy ,i caught !  
^w 'bea/4' ,y w write out1 if y please1 
"o hundr$ ,greek l9es1 acc5ts & /ops1 & 
br+ !m to me1 or leave !m ) ,dumbleton1 
tw5ty-five l9es at a "t1 e alt]nate half
 h\r dur+ ! aft]noon ( ! next half      
holiday4 ,good night to y4  ,good night1
 sir1 said all ! boys1 save ,john &     
,scaife4  ,good night1 ,v]ney4  ,ma/] & 
pupil confront$ ea* o!r4 ,john's face   
look$ impassive2 & ,rut=d turn$ f ! new 
boy to ,scaife4  ,good night1 ,scaife4  
,scaife drew himself up1 &1 9 a quiet1  
cool voice1 repli$--  ,good night1 sir4 
,duff wait$ till ,rut=d's heavy /ep 0 no
 long] he>d2 !n he ru%$ at ,john4  ,i   
say1 he splutt]$1 y're a good sort--a9't
 he1 ,demon8 ,refus+ to say ',good      
night' to ! bea/ because he 0 ragg+ me4 
,b he'll nev] =give y--nev]6  ,oh yes1  
he w1 said ,scaife4 ,x won't be         
difficult = ,dirty ,dick to =give !     
future ,v]ney ( ,v]ney ,boscobel4  ,john

 />$4 ,v]ney ,boscobel8 he repeat$4 ,:y1
 t belongs to my uncle4 ,"m & ,i hope   
he'll m>ry & h a lot ( jolly kids ( 8   
own4  ,y hope he'll m>ry8 ,well1        
,i'm----  ,john's jaw /uck out4 ,!      
emphasis on ! hope & ! uprais$ eyebr[   
smote h>d4  ,y don't mean to say1 he    
began hotly1 y don't ?9k t----  ,i c ?9k
 :at ,i please1 said ,scaife1 curtly2 & 
s c y4 ,he laugh$ d]isively4 ,?9k+ :at  
!y please is ab\t ! only lib]ty all[$ to
 new boys4 ,ev5 ! ,duff] le>n$ to hold 8
 tongue dur+ 8 fir/ t]m4  ,!            
,cat]pill>--! tall1 ?91 ari/ocratic     
boy--spoke solemnly4 ,he 0 a d&y1 !     
und]/udy--z ,john soon discov]$--( "o ( 
! ,bloods2 a ,junior ,blood1 or         
,w\ld-be1 a trem5d\s au?ority on swagg]1
 a /ickl] = tradition1 :o _h be5 ne>ly  
?ree ye>s 9 ! s*ool4  ,! ,demon is "r1  
said he4 ,a new boy c't be too c>eful1  
,v]ney4 ,y\r be+ funny 9 hall j n[ made 
a dev'li% bad impression4  ,b ,i didn't 
mean to be funny4 ,i told ,lawr5ce s    
directly aft] call-ov]4  ,! ,cat]pill>  

pull$ d[n 8 cuffs4  ,if y didn't mean to
 be funny1 he conclud$1 y mu/ be an ass4
  ,duff1 h[ev]1 rememb]$ t ,john 0      
nephew to an explor]4  ,i say1 he jogg$ 
,john's elb[1 d y ?9k y c\ld get me y\r 
uncle's autograph8  ,:y1 ( c\rse1 said  
,john4  ,?anks4 ,i've n a bad           
collection1 ! ,duff] murmur$ mode/ly4   
,& ! gem ( x1 said ,scaife1 is          
,bill+ton's1 ! hangman6 ,! ,duff] %iv]s 
:5ev] he looks at x4  ,yes1 ,i d1 said  
,duff1 gr9n+ horribly4  ,aft] supp] &   
,pray]s1 ,john w5t to b$1 b n to sleep =
 at lea/ an h\r4 ,he lay awake1 ?9k+ ov]
 ! ev5ts ( ?is memorable day4 ,:5ev] he 
clos$ 8 eyes he beheld two objects3 !   
spire ( ,h>r[ ,*ur* & ! vivid1 laugh+   
face ( ,desmond4 ,he told himself t he  
lik$ ,desmond mo/ awfully4 ,& ,scaife   
too1 ! ,demon1 _h be5 k9d4 ,b someh[    
,john did n l ,scaife4 ,!n1 9 a curi\s  
half-dreamy condition1 n yet asleep &   
assur$ly n q awake1 he seem$ to see !   
figure ( ,scaife exp&+1 assum+ t]rific  
proportions1 imp5d+ ov] ,desmond1 /&+   

betwe5 him & ! spire1 obscur+ "p ( !    
spire at fir/1 & !n1 bit by bit1        
ov]%ad[+ ! :ole4   ,,footnotes3  #a     
,byron1 writ+ to ,john ,murray1 ,may    
#bf1 #ahbb1 & giv+ directions = ! burial
 ( poor little ,allegra's body1 says--  
,i wi% x to be buri$ 9 ,h>r[ ,*ur*4 ,!re
 is a spot 9 ! *ur*y>d1 ne> ! footpa?1  
on ! br[ ( ! hill look+ t[>ds ,w9dsor1 &
 a tomb "u a l>ge tree 7be>+ ! "n (     
,pea*ie1 or ,pea*ey71 :]e ,i us$ to sit 
= h\rs & h\rs z a boy3 ?is 0 my fav\rite
 spot2 b1 z ,i wi% to erect a tablet to 
h] memory1 ! body _h bett] be deposit$ 9
 ! *ur*4  ,see also ,l9es writt5 b5ea?  
an elm 9 ! *ur*y>d ( ,h>r[1 9 ,h\rs (   
,idl5ess4  #b ,spee*]--i4e4 ,spee*-,day4
 ,at ,h>r[ er is a fav\rite t]m9ation ( 
_m sub/antives4 ,h>d]1 = h>d-ball       
racquets1 ,foot]1 ,duck]1 etc4  #c ,!   
,duke ( ,dorset 0 ,byron's fag4 ,cf4--  
,?\gh ! h>% cu/om ( our y\?ful b&       
,bade !e obey1 & gave me to comm&4      
,h\rs ( ,idl5ess4     ,,*apt] ,,ii      
,caes>      ,y come "h :]e y\r bro!rs   

came1       ,to ! old s*ool ye>s ago1   
,a "y new face1 & a ,h>r[ "n1           
',mid a cr[d ( /rang]s8 ,no6     ,y may 
n fancy y\rself alone1       ,y :o are  
memory's heir1     ,:5 ev5 ! names 9 !  
grav5 /one       ,w greet y ) ',:o goes 
!re--           ,y8--           ,pass1  
,fri5d--,all's well4'   ,john nev] =got 
t memorable morn+ :5 he le>n$ = ! fir/  
"t :at place he _h tak5 9 ! s*ool4 ,he  
sat ) ! o!r new-com]s1 />+1 op5-ey$1 at 
ne>ly six hundr$ boys1 big & small1     
assembl$ toge!r 9 ! ,spee*-room4 ,s     
engross$ 0 he t he sc>cely he>d ! ,head 
,ma/]'s op5+ pray]s4 ,john 0 obsess$1   
inebriat$1 ) ! numb] ( ,h>rovians1 ea* (
 :om _h once felt /range & %y l himself4
 ,f 8 place close to ! great organ1 he  
c\ld look up & up1 see+ r[ aft] r[ (    
faces1 kn[+ t among/ !m sat 8 future    
fri5ds & foes4  ,sudd5ly1 a neighb\r    
nudg$ him4 ,! ,head ,ma/] 0 read+ f a   
li/ 9 8 h& ! s*ool-removes1 & ! names & 
places tak5 by new boys4 ,he began at ! 
l[e/ =m ) ! "n ( a small ur*9 sitt+ ne> 

,john4 ,! ur*9 bl9k$ & blu%$ z he       
realiz$ t he 0 lag ( ! s*ool4 ,john knew
 t he _h answ]$ fairly well ! que/ions  
set by ! exam9]s2 he _h no fe> ( f9d+   
himself pillori$ 9 ! ,?ird ,f\r?2 /ill1 
z =m aft] =m did n include 8 "n1 he grew
 re/less & excit$4 ,_h he tak5 a high]  
place ?an ! ,middle ,%ell8 ,yes2 no     
,v]ney 9 ! ,middle ,%ell4 ,! ,head ,ma/]
 began ! removes ( ! top ,%ell4 ,n[1 n[ 
x mu/ be com+4 ,no2 ! cle>1 p5etrat+    
tones sl[ly articulat$ "n aft] "n1 b n  
84  ,v]ney4  ,at la/4 ,_m eyes 7 />+ at 
him1 "s envi\sly1 a few sup]cili\sly4   
,john _h tak5 ! ,l[] ,remove1 ! highe/  
=m b "o op5 to new boys4 ,he 0 sipp+ !  
w9e call$ ,success4  ,moreov]1 ,desmond 
( ! frank1 laugh+ face & sp>kl+ blue    
eyes1 & ,scaife & ,eg]ton 7 also 9 !    
,l[] ,remove4  ,aft] ?is1 ,john sat 9 a 
blissful dream1 h>dly consci\s ( 8      
surr\nd+s1 see+ 8 "m's face1 he>+ h]    
sigh ( pleasure :5 %e le>n$ t already h]
 son 0 halfway up ! s*ool4         99   
99       99       99       99  ,y may be

 sure ^? fir/ =ty-eight h\rs 7 brim-full
 ( excitem5ts4 ,fir/1 ,john b\ght 8     
books1 /\t lea!r-tipp$1 lea!r-back$     
volumes1 on :i* 8 "n w be duly /amp$ on 
fly-leaf & across ! edges ( ! pages4 ,& 
he b\ght also1 f ,judy ,/eph5s1#d a     
squa% racquet1 squa% balls1 & a y>d     
ball4 ,f ! s*ool ,cu/os--,tit*y--a noble
 supply ( /ation]y 0 procur$4 ,moreov]1 
"y ,k9lo* ann\nc$ t 8 "m _h giv5 him    
?ree p\nds to sp5d ^u ! decoration (    
,no4 #ae1 s ,scaife decl>$ 8 int5tion ( 
sp5d+ a simil> sum1 & 9 consequ5ce ,no4 
#ae became a gorge\s ap>tm5t1 ! cynosure
 ( e eye t pass$4 ,! *>act]s ( ! ?ree   
boys 7 reveal$ pla9ly en\gh by _! simple
 furni%+s4 ,scaife b\ght sport+ pr9ts1 a
 c\ple ( ,detaille's li?ographs1 & an   
easy-*air1 kn[n to dwell]s ^u ! ,hill z 
a fr[/2 ,k9lo* hung ^u 8 side ( ! wall  
f\r pretty reproductions ( ,fr5*        
engrav+s1 & ) ! help ( ?ree y>ds (      
velvete5 & "s *eap lace he made a v     
passable imitation ( ! mantel-cov] 9 8  
"m's ,london b\doir2 ,john scorn$       

velvete51 lace1 fr[/s1 & ,fr5* engrav+s4
 ,he put 8 money into a pair ( r$       
curta9s1 & "o excell5t photogravure (   
,l&se]'s ,*ildr5 ( ! ,mi/4 ,hav+ a few  
%ill+s to sp>e1 he b\ght half a doz5    
f]ns1 :i* 7 plac$ 9 a box by ! w9d[1 &  
wat]$ s dilig5tly t !y di$ prematurely4 
,secondly1 ,john play$ 9 a h\se-game at 
football1 & le>n$ ! diff]5ce betwe5 a   
scrimmage at a small prep>atory s*ool & 
! g5u9e ?+ at ,h>r[4 ,lawr5ce insi/$ t  
all new boys %\ld play1 & ! ,cat]pill>  
in=m$ him t he w\ld h to le>n ! rules ( 
,h>r[ foot] by he>t1 & pass a /iff      
exam9ation 9 !m be=e ! ,h\se ,elev51 ) !
 p5alty ( be+ =c$ to s+ !m 9 ,hall if he
 fail$ to satisfy 8 exam9]s4 ,! ,duff]  
l5t him a ,h\se-%irt ( gre5 & :ite      
/ripes1 & a pair ( :ite duck %orts1 & ) 
:at pride ,john put !m on1 ?9k+ ( ! f>  
di/ant day :5 he w\ld we> a fez#e in/ead
 ( ! commonplace h\se-cap6 ,lawr5ce said
 a few words4  ,y'll h to play !        
compulsory games1 ,v]ney1 :i* beg9 aft] 
! ,goose ,mat*1#f b ,i want to see y    

play+ z h>d z ev] y c 9 ! h\se-games4   
,y'll be knock$ ab\t a bit2 b a ,v]ney  
won't m9d t--eh8  ,r n1 said ,john1     
feel+ v valiant4  ,?irdly1 !re 0 ! fir/ 
,sunday1 & ! fir/ s]mon ( ! ,head ,ma/]1
 ) its pla9 tea*+ ab\t ! opportunities &
 p]ils ( ,public ,s*ool life4 ,john f\nd
 himself mightily affect$ by ! s++1 & ! 
abs5ce ( %rill treble voices4 ,! boom+  
basses & b>itones ( ! big fell[s made   
him %iv] ) a curi\s bitt]-sweet s5sation
 nev] exp]i5c$ be=e4  ,la/ly1 ! pleasant
 discov]y t 8 ,=m treat$ him ) c\rtesy &
 k9dness4 ,desmond1 9 p>ticul>1 welcom$ 
him q w>mly4 ,& !n & !re ,john's he>t 0 
fill$ ) a wild & unreasonable ye>n+ =   
?is boy's fri5d%ip4 ,b ,desmond--he 0   
call$ ,caes>1 because 8 ,*ri/ian names 7
 ,h5ry ,julius--seem$ to be v popul>1 a 
bright p>ticul> />1 f> beyond ,john's   
rea* al?\gh = ev] 9 8 sight4 ,caes> nev]
 (f]$ to walk ) him3 & he refus$ ,john's
 timid invitation to h food at ! ,tudor 
,cream]ies4#g ,0 x possible t a boy ab\t
 to ent] ,dam]'s w\ld n be se5 walk+ &  

talk+ ) a fell[ out ( ,dirty ,dick's8   
,?is possibility fe/]$1 till "o morn+   
,john saw 8 idol walk+ up & d[n ! ,s*ool
 ,y>d ) ,scaife4 ,t ev5+ he said to     
,scaife--  ,d y l ,desmond8  ,yes1      
,scaife repli$ decisively4 ,i l him     
bett] ?an any fell[ at ,h>r[4 ,y "k t 8 
fa!r is ,*>les ,desmond--! ,cab9et      
,m9i/] & a ,gov]nor ( ! s*ool8  ,i      
didn't "k x4 ,i suppose ,caes> ,desmond 
likes y--awfully4  ,d y8 ,i d\bt x4  ,no
 m 0 said4 ,john told himself t         
,caes>--he lik$ to ?9k ( ,desmond z     
,caes>--c\ld pick & *oose a pal out ( at
 lea/ ?ree hundr$ boys1 half ! s*ool4   
,h[ extremely unlikely t he1 ,john1 w\ld
 be *os56 ,b e night he lay awake = half
 an h\r long] ?an he ought to h done1   
wond]+ h[1 by hook or crook1 he c\ld d a
 s]vice to ,caes> :i* mu/ *all5ge int]e/
 & provoke1 ultimately1 fri5d%ip4       
,meantime1 he 0 sl[ly initiat$ by !     
,cat]pill> into ,h>r[ ways & cu/oms4    
,fagg+1 :i* began aft] ! fir/ =tnight1  
he f\nd a n unpleasant duty4 ,aft] fir/ 

& f\r? s*ools ! o!r fags & he w\ld /& n 
f> f ! pantry1 & yell out ,breakfa/1 or 
,tea1 z x might be1 = ,numb] ,s-&-,s4   
,p]haps "o _h to nip up to ! ,cream]ies 
to get a slice ( salmon1 or cutlets1 or 
sausages4 ,fagg+ at ,h>r[--:i* v>ies    
slightly 9 diff]5t h\ses--is h>d or easy
 accord+ to ! ta/e & fancy ( ! fag's    
ma/]4 ,"s ( ! ,six? ,=m at ! ,manor made
 _! fags unlace _! dirty football boots4
 ,k9lo*1 :o s9ce he left ! nurs]y _h be5
 wait$ ^u by p[d]$ footm5 six feet high1
 n[ f\nd1 to 8 disgu/1 t he _h to v>ni% 
,trieve's pat5t-lea!rs = ,sunday4       
,trieve 0 second 9 comm&1 & _h be5 kn[n 
z ,miss ,trieve4 ,john w\ld h gladly    
done ?is & m = ,lawr5ce1 8 fag-ma/]2 b  
,lawr5ce1 a manly y\?1 scorn$ syb>itic  
s]vices4 ,! ,cat]pill> taught ,john to  
c>ry 8 umbrella unfold$1 to we> 8 /raw  
/raight 7a slight li/ to port 0 all[$ to
 ,bloods only71 n to walk 9 ! middle ( !
 road1 & s =?4 ,h[ he us$ to envy !     
memb]s ( ! ,elev5s z !y roll$ arm-9-arm 
d[n ! ,high ,/reet6 ,h[ (t5 he wond]$ if

 ! day w\ld ev] dawn :5 ,caes> & he1    
outw>dly & inw>dly l9k$ toge!r1 w\ld    
/roll up & d[n ! middle-walk bel[ !     
,*apel ,t]race3 t sunny walk1 :5ce1 on a
 fair day1 y c see ! insatiable mon/]1  
,london1 fill+ ! horizon & /ret*+ r$1   
reek+ h&s into ! sweet c\ntry--!        
middle-walk1 f :i* all b ,bloods 7      
rigidly exclud$4  ,mu* to 8             
annoyance--an annoyance1 be x said1 :i* 
he manag$ to hide--,john seem$ to       
attract "y ,k9lo* almo/ z magnetically z
 he himself 0 attract$ to ,caes>4 ,john 
_h n ! he>t to %ake (f ! frail1 delicate
 *ild1 :o 0 *ri/5$ ,fluff aft] 8 fir/   
appe>ance 9 public4 ,fluff _h tak5 !    
,fir/ ,f\r? & +5u\sly confess$ to any "o
 :o c>$ to li/5 t he ought to h gone to 
,eton4 ,a bea/ ( a doctor prescrib$ !   
,hill4 ,& ev5 ! almighty duke fail$ to  
get him into ,dam]'s1 ano!r grievance4  
,he _h be5 ent]$ s9ce bir? at ! crack   
h\se at ,eton2 & n[ to be pit*=k$ into  
,dirty ,dick's at ,h>r[----6 ,! ,duff]  
kick$ him1 feel+ an unspeakable cad :5  

poor ,fluff bur/ into te>s4  ,sorry1    
said ! ,duff]4 ,only y mu/n't slang     
,h>r[4 ,& y'd bett] get x into y\r silly
 head t x's ! be/ s*ool 9 ?is or any o!r
 _w--isn't x1 ,demon8  ,i'm sure !      
,v]neys1 & ! ,eg]tons1 & ! ,duffs h     
always ?\ght s4  ,b x isn't really1     
:imp]$ poor ,fluff4 ,y fell[s "k t      
ev]ybody talks ( ,eton & ,h>r[4 ,:o ev] 
he>d ( ,h>r[ & ,eton8 ,p say--,i've he>d
 my elde/ bro!r1 ,/ra?peff]1 say x aga9 
& aga9--',eton & ,h>r[1' j z !y say     
',g5tlem5 & ,play]s4'  ,oh1 said !      
,cat]pill>4 ,! ,etonians are !          
g5tlem5--eh8 ,well1 ,fluff1 aft] _!     
p]=mance at ,"l's la/ ye>1 y c\ldn't    
expect u to admit t !y're--play]s4  ,!  
,duff] *uckl$4  ,i say1 ,cat]pill>1 t 0 
a good 'un4  ,n m9e1 said ! ,cat]pill>1 
solemnly2 my gov]nor's1 y "k4  ,! ,duff]
 cont9u$3 ,n[1 ,fluff1 ,i won't t\* y\r 
body1 because y might tumble to pieces1 
b if ,i he> y slang+ ! s*ool or our     
h\se1 ,i'll pull out h&fuls ( fluff4    
,d'ye he>8  ,yes1 said ,fluff1 meekly4  

,say ',floreat ,h]ga' on y\r b5d$ knees6
  ,fluff obey$4  ,& rememb]1 said !     
,duff]1 impressively1 t we've _h a k+   
"h1 hav5't we1 ,cat]pill>8  ,yes1 said !
 ,cat]pill>4  ,i nev] believ$ x1 said   
,scaife4  ,he 0 a ,spani>d1#h or an     
,italian1 y "k1 ! ,duff] expla9$4 ,!    
duke ( some?+ or t'o!r2 & an ambassador 
came d[n & (f]$ ! begg> ! ,spani% cr[n1 
:5 he 0 9 ! ,fir/ ,f\r?1 & ( c\rse he   
gobbl$ x--:o w\ldn't8 ,& !n ,victor     
,emmanuel int]f]$4 ,t's all true1 y c   
take y\r ,bible oa?1 because my gov]nor 
told me s1 & he--well1 he's a p>son4    
,!n x mu/ be true1 said ,scaife4 ,n[1 "y
 ,fluff1 don't =get t ,h>r[ is a s*ool  
fit = a k+ & ne>] to ,heav5 ?an ,eton by
 at lea/ six hundr$ feet4  ,s say+1 !   
,demon m>*$ out ( ! room1 foll[$ by     
,fluff1 slightly limp+4  ,sorry ,i      
turf$#i t little ass s h>d1 said !      
,duff] to ,john4 ,i say1 ,v]ney1 !      
,demon is r a rum 'un1 a9't he8         
,sometimes ,i c't q make him out4 ,he's 
frightfully clev] & all t1 b ,i _h a    

sort ( bea/ly feel+ j n[ t he           
didn't--eh8--q mean :at he said4 ,0 he  
laugh9' at u1 pull9' our legs--:at8     
,john's bra9 work$ sl[ly1 z he _h f\nd  
out to 8 co/ "u a =m-ma/] :o ma9ta9$ t x
 0 no use hav+ a fact /or$ 9 ! head     
unless x slipp$ readily out ( ! m\?4 ,! 
,duff]1 :o nev] ?\ght1 because speak+ 0 
s mu* easi]1 grew impati5t at ,john's   
sil5ce4  ,well1 y ne$n't look l an owl1 
,v]ney4 ,y "k t ,scaife's gr&fa!r 0 a   
navvy4  ,i don't "k1 ,john repli$4  ,&  
,i don't c>e1 said ! ,duff]4 ,let's g & 
h "s food at ! ,cream]ies4         99   
99       99       99       99  ,look+   
back aft]w>ds1 ,john (t5 wond]$ :e!r1   
unconsci\sly1 ! ,duff] _h s[n a gra9 (  
mu/>d-se$ de/9$ to gr[ into a l>ge tree4
 ,or1 _h ! intuition t ,scaife 0 o!r ?an
 :at he seem$ furni%$ ! f]tile soil into
 :i* ! se$ fell8 ,9 any case1 f ! end ( 
?is fir/ week began to increase !       
suspicion1 :i* ev5tually became         
conviction1 t ! ,demon1 ke5 at games1   
popul> 9 8 h\se1 clev] at "w--clev]1    

inde$6 inasmu* z he nev] a*iev$ m or    
less ?an 0 necess>y--g5]\s ) 8 money1   
h&some & well-mann]$1 bless$1 9 f9e1 ) s
 _m gifts ( ! gods1 yet lack$ a s\l4    
,?is1 ( c\rse1 is putt+ into words !    
vague speculations & reason+s ( a boy n 
yet f\rte54 ,if an ,olympian--"o ( !    
ma/]s1 = in/ance1 or ! ,head ( !        
,h\se--_h said1 ,v]ney1 has ! ,demon a  
s\l8 ,john w\ld h answ]$ promptly1      
,ra--!r6 ,he's be5 awfully dec5t to     
,fluff & me4 ,we'd h _h a hot "t if x   
hadn't be5 = him1 & s =?4444 ,&1 inde$1 
to d\bt ,scaife's s9c]ity & goodness    
seem$ at times gross disloyalty1 because
 he /ood1 firm z a rock1 betwe5 ! two   
ur*9s 9 8 room & ! turbul5t cr[d        
outside4 ,?is def5ce ( ! weak1 ?is gu>d+
 ( gre5 fruit f ! maw ( ,l[] ,s*ool     
boys1 af=d$ ,scaife an opportunity (    
ex]cis+ p[]4 ,he _h ! in/9cts ( ! pott]1
 inh]it$1 no d\bt2 & he m\ld$ ! clay    
ready to 8 h& ) ! delight ( a           
ma/]-workman4 ,nobody else knew :at !   
man ( millions _h said to 8 boy :5 he   

despat*$ him to ,h>r[2 b ! ,demon       
rememb]$ e ^w4 ,he _h reason to respect 
& fe> 8 sire4  ,i'm s5d+ y to ,h>r[ to  
/udy1 n books nor games1 b boys1 :o w be
 m5 :5 y are a man4 ,&1 above all1 /udy 
_! weaknesses4 ,look = ! flaws4 ,tea*   
y\rself to recognize at a glance ! li>1 
! humbug1 ! fool1 ! egoti/1 & ! mule4   
,make fri5ds ) z _m z are likely to help
 y 9 aft] life1 & don't =get t "o enemy 
may inflict a great] injury ?an tw5ty   
fri5ds c repair4 ,sp5d money freely2    
dress well2 swim ) ! tide1 n aga9/ x4   
,a ye> at ,h>r[ confirm$ ,scaife's      
confid5ce 9 8 fa!r's worldly wisdom4    
,big = 8 age1 /rong1 ) 8 gr&sire's      
muscles1 t\gh z hickory1 he _h become ! 
lead] ( ! ,l[] ,s*ool boys at ! ,manor4 
,! ,fif? 7 civil to him1 recogniz+1     
p]haps1 ! exp$i5cy ( leav+ him alone ev]
 s9ce ! incid5t ( ! cricket /ump4 ,!    
,six? f\nd him ! quicke/ ( ! fags &     
uncommonly oblig+4 ,8 h\se-ma/] sign$   
reports :i* nei!r prais$ nor blam$4 ,to 
,dirty ,dick ! boy 0 ! son ( a man :o   

c\ld write a *eque = a million4         
99       99       99       99       99  
,two ?+s wor?y ( record happ5$ )9 a     
mon?2 ! "o ( less] importance c be set  
d[n fir/4 ,*>les ,desmond1 ,caes>'s     
fa!r1 came d[n to ,h>r[ & gave a lun*eon
 at ! ,k+'s ,head4 ,f "t immemorial !   
,desmonds _h be5 educat$ on ! ,hill4 ,! 
family _h produc$ "s fam\s soldi]s1 a   
,"l ,*ancellor1 & a ,prime ,m9i/]4 ,9 ! 
,f\r? ,=m ,room ! /rang] may read _!    
names c>v$ 9 oak1 & !y are c>v$ also 9 !
 he>ts ( all ard5t ,h>rovians4 ,mr4     
,desmond1 ?\gh a ,cab9et ,m9i/]1 f\nd "t
 to visit ,h>r[ once at lea/ 9 ea* t]m4 
,he always *ose a :ole holiday1 & aft]  
att5d+ elev5-o'clock ,bill#aj 9 ! ,y>d1 
w\ld c>ry (f 8 son & 8 son's fri5ds4 ,! 
,s*ool knew him & lov$ him4 ,to !       
?\ghtful he /ood = ! illu/ri\s pa/1 !   
epitome ( :at ,john ,lyon's#aa boys _h  
f\ght = & accompli%$4 ,f\r sons _h      
he--,h>rovians all4 ,( ^! ,caes> 0      
y\nge/ & la/4 ,ea* _h di/+ui%$ himself  
on ! ,hill ei!r 9 "w or play1 or 9 bo?4 

,*>les ,desmond /ood ^u ! /ep j above ! 
ma/] :o 0 call+ ,bill4  ,t's ,caes>'s   
fa!r1 said ,scaife4 ,i'm go+ to lun* )  
him4 ,isn't he a topp]8  ,john's eyes 7 
popp+ out ( 8 face4 ,he _h nev] se5 any 
man l ?is respl5d5t1 /ately p]sonage1   
smil+ & nodd+ to ! bigge/ fell[s 9 !    
s*ool4  ,& my gov]nor says1 ,scaife     
add$1 t he's n a ri* man1 no?+ mu* to   
speak ( 9 ! way ( income ov] & above 8  
screw z a ,cab9et ,m9i/]4  ,scaife mov$ 
away1 & ,john c\ld he> him say to ano!r 
boy1 9 an easy1 fri5dly tone1 ,mr4      
,desmond told ,caes> t he want$ to meet 
me--v civil ( him--eh8  ,pres5tly ,john 
0 9 l9e wait+ to pass by ! /eps4        
,v]ney8  ,"h1 sir4  ,he 0 hurry+ by1 ) a
 backw>d glance at ! great man4 ,sudd5ly
 ,caes>'s fa!r beckon$1 nodd+ *e]ily4   
,john asc5d$ ! /eps1 to feel ! grasp ( a
 /rong h&1 to he> a r++ voice4  ,y're   
,john ,v]ney's nephew4 ,j s4 ,i ?9k ,i  
%\ld h spott$ y1 ev5 if ,h>ry _h n told 
me y 7 9 8 =m4 ,y mu/ lun* ) u4 ,cut    
along1 n[4  ,s ,john 0 dismiss$1        

brim-full ( happ9ess1 :i* almo/ ov]fl[$ 
:5 ,caes> met him ) an eag]--  ,i'm s   
glad1 ,v]ney4 ,i say1 ! gov]nor's a     
nail] at pick+ out ! old names1 isn't   
he8  ,s ,john ate 8 lun*eon 9 di/+ui%$  
company1 & felt himself = ! fir/ "t to  
be somebody4 ,z ! y\nge/ gue/ pres5t1 to
 him 0 accord$ ! place ( hon\r1 next !  
mo/ *>m+ ho/ 9 ,*ri/5dom1 :o put him at 
ease 9 a jiffy4 ,h[ good ! cutlets & !  
pheasant ta/$6 ,& h[ ! talk w>m$ !      
cockles ( 8 he>t6 ,! br& ( ! ,cross$    
,arr[s %one ^u all topics4 ,:o c\ld     
expect1 or desire1 aught else6 ,caes>'s 
gov]nor seem$ to "k :at e ,h>rovian _h  
done wor? ! do+4 ,easily1 flu5tly1 he   
disc\rs$ ( triumphs won at home1 abroad1
 9 ! camp1 on ! hu/+s1 at ! b>1 9 !     
pulpit4 ,& 8 anecdotes1 :i* illu/rat$ e 
phase ( life1 h[ pat to ! mom5t !y 76   
,"o boy compla9$ ruefully ( hav+ sp5t   
?ree t]ms "u a =m-ma/] :o _h ragg$ him4 
,*>les ,desmond sympa?iz$--  ,bless my  
s\l1 said he1 don't ,i rememb] be+ ?ree 
t]ms 9 ! ,?ird ,fif? :5 t t>t> old      

,h]iot _h x8 ,i d>e swe> ,i got no m ?an
 my des]ts4 ,i 0 an idle vagabond1 b    
,h]iot made my life su* a burd5 to me t 
,i entreat$ my p to take me away f      
,h>r[4 ,& !n my gov]nor urg$ me to put  
my back into ! "w & get a remove4 ,& ,i 
did4 ,& w\ld y believe x1 ^u ! fir/ day 
( ! next t]m ,i wir$ to my p1 ',y mu/   
take me away4 ,i've got my remove all   
"r--& s has ,h]iot4'  ,h[ gaily ! speak]
 l$ ! laugh :i* foll[$ ?is recital6 ,& !
 *aff6 ,0 x possible t ,caes> d>$ to    
*aff a man :o 0 suppos$ to h ! peace (  
,europe 9 8 keep+8 ,&1 by ,jove6 ,caes> 
c\ld hold 8 own4  ,s ! m9utes flew4 ,b  
,john notic$1 ) surprise1 t ! ,demon    
didn't score4 ,9 fact1 ,john & he 7 !   
only gue/s t contribut$ no?+ to ! fea/  
save he>ty appetites4 ,x 0 /range t !   
,demon1 ! wit ( 8 h\se & =m1 nev] op5$ 8
 m\? except to fill x ) food4 ,he       
answ]$1 x is true1 & v mode/ly1 !       
que/ions address$ to him by 8 ho/2 b !n1
 z ,john reflect$1 any silly fool 9 !   
,f\r? ,=m c\ld d t4  ,aft] lun*eon1 !   

boys 7 dismiss$1 ea* ) a he>ty ^w (     
enc\ragem5t & half a sov]eign4 ,john 0  
pass+ ! plate-glass spl5d\rs ( !        
,cream]ies1 :5 ! ,demon ov]took him1 &  
!y walk$ d[n ! w9d+ ,high ,/reet toge!r4
 ,scaife _h nev] walk$ ) ,john be=e4  ,t
 0 wor? :ile1 ,scaife said quietly4     
,john c\ld n int]pret ?is spee*1 save 9 
its obvi\s mean+4  ,r1 he repli$4  ,:y8 
said ,scaife1 v %>ply4  ,eh8  ,:y 0 x   
wor? :ile8  ,john /amm]$ out some?+ ab\t
 good food & jolly talk4  ,pooh6 said   
,scaife1 contemptu\sly4 ,i ?\ght y _h   
bra9s1 ,v]ney4 ,he glanc$ at him ke5ly4 
,n[1 speak out4 ,:at's 9 t head ( y\rs8 
,y c be *eeky1 if y l4  ,john wond]$ h[ 
,scaife _h div9$ t he wi%$ to be *eeky4 
,8 m5tor _h said s mu* to ,fluff & him  
ab\t ! propriety ( n putt+ on lift or   
side 9 ! pres5ce ( an old] boy1 t he _h 
*ok$ back a retort :i* occurr$ to him4  
,y're ?9k+1 cont9u$ ! ,demon1 9 8 cle>  
voice1 t ,i didn't use my bra9s j n[1 b1
 my bloom+ innoc5t1 ,i c assure y ,i    
did4 ,v mu* s4 ,i play$ 'possum4 ,put t 

into y\r little pipe & smoke x4  ,at    
f\r-o'clock ,bill1 ,john notic$ ,caes>'s
 abs5ce3 a fact acc\nt$ = by ! pres5ce (
 a mail-phaeton1 :i*1 he knew1 belong$  
to ,mr4 ,desmond1 drawn up--oddly       
en\gh--opposite ! ,manor4 ,:at a joke to
 ?9k t ,caes> 0 dr9k+ tea ) ,dirty      
,dick6  ,aft] ,bill1 hav+ no?+ bett] to 
d1 ,john & ,fluff w5t = a walk on !     
,sudbury road4 ,!y _h play$ football    
be=e ,bill1 & ea* _h realiz$ 8 own      
awkw>dness & insignificance4 ,poor      
,fluff1 almo/ r$uc$ to te>s1 ) a big    
black bruise ^u 8 :ite =ehead1 confess$ 
t he pref]r$ peaceful games--l croquet1 
& int5d$ to apply = a doctor's          
c]tificate ( exemption4 ,dem&+ sympa?y1 
he receiv$ a slat+4  ,i play ne>ly z    
rott5 a game z y d1 ,fluff1 ,john said2 
b ,scaife expects u to be ,torpids1#ab s
 we jolly well h to buck up4 ,t bruise  
ov] y\r eye has tak5 (f y\r pa9t$-doll  
look4 ,n[1 if y're go+ to blub1 y'd     
bett] get beh9d t h$ge4  ,fluff explod$4
  ,?is is a bea/ly hole1 he cri$4 ,& ,i 

loa! x4 ,i'm go+ to write to my fa!r &  
beg him to take me away4  ,y ought to be
 at a girls' s*ool4  ,i hate ev]y?+ &   
ev]ybody4 ,i ?\ght y 7 my fri5d1 ! only 
fri5d ,i _h4  ,john 0 some:at mollifi$4 
,i am y\r fri5d1 b n :5 y talk rot4     
,v]ney1 look "h1 if y'll be dec5t to me1
 ,i w try to /ick x out4 ,i wi% ,i 0 l  
y2 ,i d inde$4 ,i wi% ,i 0 l ,scaife4   
,:y1 ,i'd soon] be ! ,duff]1 freckles & 
all1 ?an myself4  ,john look$ d[n ^u !  
delicately-t9t$ face1 ! small1 regul>1  
girli% features1 ! r$1 quiv]+ m\?4      
,sudd5ly he grasp$ t ?is 0 an appeal f  
weakness to /r5g?1 & t he1 no old] & b a
 little bigg] ?an ,fluff1 _h /r5g? to   
sp>e1 /r5g? to %\ld] burd5s o!r ?an 8   
own4  ,all "r1 he said /iffly2 don't    
make su* a fuss6  ,y'll h me = a fri5d1 
,v]ney8  ,yes2 b ,i a9't go+ to kiss y\r
 =ehead to make x well1 y "k4  ,may ,i  
call y ,john1 :5 we're alone8 ,& ,i wi% 
y'd call me ,esme1 in/ead ( t horrid    
',fluff4'  ,john pond]$ deeply4  ,look  
"h1 he said4 ,y c call me ,john1 & ,i'll

 call y ,esme1 :5 we're ,torpids4 ,& n[1
 y'd bett] cut back to ! h\se4 ,i mu/   
?9k ?is all out1 & ,i c't ?9k /raight :5
 ,i look at y4  ,may ,i call y ,john    
once8  ,y are ! sillie/ idiot ,i ev]    
met1 b> none4 ,call me ',john1' or ',tom
 ,fool1' or any?+2 b hook x aft]w>ds6   
,yes1 ,john1 ,i w4 ,y're ! only boy ,i  
ev] met :om ,i really want$ = a fri5d4  
,he display$ a radiant face1 turn$      
sudd5ly1 & ran (f4 ,john wat*$ him1     
fr[n+1 because ,fluff 0 a good little   
*ap1 & yet1 at times1 su* a bore6  ,he  
walk$ on alone1 *ew+ ! cud ( a          
delightful exp]i5ce2 try+1 n            
unsuccessfully1 to recall "s ( ,mr4     
,desmond's anecdotes4 ,h[ pr\d ,caes> 0 
( 8 fa!r6 ,& ! fa!r1 obvi\sly1 0 j z    
pr\d ( 8 son4 ,:at a pair6 ,& if only   
,caes> 7 8 fri5d6 ,by ,jove6 ,x 0 r a   
rum g1 b ,john 0 z mad ke5 to call      
,caes> fri5d z poor ,fluff to call ,john
 fri5d4 ,s]i\s food = ?\ght1 ?is4 ,b ,i 
w\ld nev] bo!r him1 said ,john to       
himself1 z ,fluff has bo!r$ me1 nev]6   

,hullo1 ,v]ney6  ,hullo6 said ,john4    
,co9cid5ce _h ?ru/ ,caes> out ( 8 ?\ght 
& on to ! n>r[ pa? 9 front ( him4  ,i'm 
n a gho/1 said ,caes>4  ,john hesitat$4 
,i 0 ?9k+ ( y1 he confess$2 & !n ,i he>d
 y\r voice & saw y4 ,x gave me a />t4 ,i
 say1 x 0 good ( y\r gov]nor to ask me4 
,hang my gov]nor6 ,he's !----  ,caes>   
clos$ 8 lips firmly1 z if he fe>$ t     
t]rible adjectives might bur/ f !m4     
,john miss$ ! sp>kl+ smile1 ! gay glance
 ( ! eyes4  ,:at's up8 he dem&$4  ,caes>
 hesitat$2 look$ at ,john1 read1 p]haps1
 ! sympa?y1 ! hone/ int]e/1 possibly !  
affection1 9 ! grey orbs :i* met 8 own s
 /eadily4  ,:at's up8 he repeat$4 ,:y1  
,i'm n go+ into ,dam]'s1 aft] all4  ,oh6
 said ,john4  ,my gov]nor has j told me4
 ,i came d[n "h to curse & swe>4  ,n go+
 into ,dam]'s8 ,:at rot--= y6  ,x is    
sick5+4 ,look "h1 ,v]ney2 ,i feel l     
tell+ y ab\t x4 ,i "k y won't g bleat+  
all ov] ! %op4 ,no4 ,i said to myself1  
',mum's ! ^w1' b----  ,john's he>t beat1
 8 body gl[$1 8 grey eyes sp>kl$4  ,x's 

l ?is1 cont9u$ ,caes>1 aft] a slight    
pause4 ,dam] told ! gov]nor t two fell[s
 he _h expect$ to leave at ! end ( ?is  
t]m 7 /ay+ on4 ,! gov]nor h9t$ t ,dam]  
add$ some?+ ab\t /ra9+ a po9t1 & lett+  
me 9 ahead ( ?ree o!r fell[s2 b !       
gov]nor w\ldn't li/5 to t----  ,jolly   
dec5t ( him1 said ,john4  ,0 x8 ,9 my   
op9ion he ought to h ?\ght ( me fir/4   
,all my bro!rs h be5 at ,dam]'s4 ,& he  
knew ,i'd set my he>t on go+ !re4 ,look 
h[ civil ! fell[s are to me4 ,i've be5 9
 & out ( ! h\se l a tame cat4 ,conf\nd  
x6 if ,dam] did want to /ra9 a po9t1 :y 
%\ldn't he8 ,! gov]nor play$ 8 own game1
 n m9e4 ,:at "r has he to be s preci\s  
unselfi% at my exp5se8 ,i argu$ ) him2 b
 he c put 8 foot d[n4 ,let's cut all t4 
,( c\rse1 ,i don't want to /op 9 a      
bea/ly ,small ,h\se = ev]1 &1 if ,dam]'s
 is clos$ to me1 ,i %\ld l ,br[n's1 b   
,br[n's is full too4 ,& !re are o!r good
 h\ses4 ,b :]e--:]e d y ?9k ,i am go+8  
,re$s8  ,i don't call ,re$'s s bad4 ,no2
 ,i'm go+ to ,dirty ,dick's4 ,i'm com+  

to y4  ,oh1 ,i say4  ,:y1 da% x all1    
y're gr9n+4 ,i don't want to be a       
cad--,dirty ,dick's is y\r h\se--b--aft]
 ,dam]'s6 ,o ,"l6  ,! gr9 fad$ out (    
,john's face4 ,caes>'s loss outweigh$ 8 
own ga94  ,y\r gov]nor 0 a ,manorite1 he
 said sl[ly4  ,yes1 9 its be/ days2 &   
he's always _h a sneak+ lik+ = x2 b he  
kn[s1 he kn[s1 ,i say1 t n[ x's rott51 &
 yet he s5ds me !re4 ,:y8  ,ask ano!r1  
said ,john4  ,i ask$ him ano!r1 & :at d 
y ?9k he said1 9 t peculi> voice ( 8 :i*
 always dries me up8 ',h>ry1' said he1  
':5 y're a little old] & a good deal    
wis]1 y'll be able to answ] t "q        
y\rself4'  ,john's face bright5$4 ,a    
glimm]+ ( ! tru? %one out ( ! d>kness4  
,he tri$ to advance ne>] to x1 grop+ly4 
,i d>e say----  ,well1 g on6  ,y\r      
gov]nor may feel t we want a fell[ l y4 
,john 0 blu%+ because he rememb]$ :at ! 
,head ( ! ,h\se _h said ab\t ! ,v]neys4 
,desmond glanc$ at him ke5ly4 ,he dete/$
 flatt]y laid on too ?ick4 ,b ?is 0 a   
g5u9e tribute4 ,= ! fir/ "t he smil$4   

,?ank y1 ,v]ney1 he said1 m g5ially4    
,:at y say is utt] rot2 b x 0 dec5t ( y 
to say x1 & ,i'm glad t y & ,i are go+  
to be 9 ! same h\se4  ,= 8 life ,john   
c\ld n help add+1 ,& ,scaife1 y =get    
,scaife8 ,jeal\sy pi]c$ him z ,scaife's 
"n slipp$ out4  ,yes1 !re's ! ,demon4 ,i
 always lik$ him4  ,& he likes y4  ,does
 he8 ,good old ,demon6 ,i l to be lik$4 
,t's ! ,iri% 9 me4 ,i'm half ,iri%1 y   
"k4 ,i want fell[s to be fri5dly to me4 
,i'd =gott5 ,scaife4 ,t's rum too1      
because he's n ! sort "o =gets1 is he8  
,no1 ,i wond] if ,i c\ld get into !     
,demon's room next t]m8  ,i'm 9 8 room4 
,x's a ?ree-room4  ,a two-room is mu*   
jolli]4  ,our room is n bad4  ,caes> 0  
h>dly li/5+4 ,john caught a murmur3 ,!  
old ,demon & ,i w\ld get along          
capitally4   ,,footnotes3  #d ,! racquet
 ,pr(essional4  #e ,! cap ( hon\r worn  
by ! ,h\se ,football ,elev54  #f ,!     
,goose ,mat*1 ! la/ cricket-mat* ( !    
ye>1 play$ betwe5 ! ,elev5 & ,old ,boys1
 on ! ne>e/ half-holiday to ,mi*aelmas  

,day4  #g ,a fa%ionable tuck-%op4  #h   
,h4,r4,h4 ,pr9ce ,?omas ( ,savoy1 ,duke 
( ,g5oa1 0 elect$ ,k+ by ! ,cortes (    
,spa91 ,octob] #c1 #ahfi1 :ile he 0 a   
boy at ,h>r[4 ,! cr[n 0 f9ally decl9$   
,janu>y #a1 #ahgj4 ,! ,pr9ce 0 nick-nam$
 ,k+ ,tom4  #i ,to turf1 i4e4 to kick4  
#aj ,call+ ov]4  #aa ,john ,lyon f\nd$  
,h>r[ ,s*ool1 #aega4  #ab ,boys :o h n  
be5 m ?an two ye>s 9 ! s*ool are        
eligible z ,torpids2 out ( ea* h\se a   
,torpid football ,elev5 is *os54        
,,*apt] ,,iii  ,kraipale#ac      ,life  
is mo/ly fro? & bubble2       ,two ?+s  
/& l /one--     ,k9dness 9 ano!r's      
tr\ble1       ,c\rage 9 y\r own4   ,"s  
five ye>s aft]w>ds ,john ,v]ney le>n$   
:at _h pass$ betwe5 ,cab9et ,m9i/] &    
,head ,ma/] ^u t ev5tful day :i* s5t    
,caes> to curse & swe> ^u ! ,sudbury    
road4 ,! ,head ,ma/] 0 n an ,h>rovian1 &
 on t acc\nt 0 ! bett] able to p]ceive  
"t-hon\r$ abuses4 ,at ,h>r[ ! dom9ant   
*ord among ma/]s & boys is a h>mony (   
/r5u\sness & s5tim5t4 ,inevitably1 !    

s5tim5t becomes1 at times1 s5tim5tal2 & 
!n /r5u\sness pu%es x into a corn]4 ,:5 
hon\r$ vet]ans are we>+ out1 loyalty1   
gratitude = pa/ s]vice1 reluctance to   
inflict pa91 keep !m 9 positions (      
responsibility :i* m5tally & physically 
!y are unfit to adm9i/]4 ,x is almo/ z  
difficult to turn an ,eton or ,h>r[ ma/]
 out ( 8 h\se1 z to turn a p>son ( !    
,*ur* ( ,engl& out ( 8 pulpit4 ,m1 9    
select+ a h\se-ma/] z 9 select+ a p>son1
 a man's claims to pref]m5t are too (t5 
det]m9$ by s*ol>%ip1 by l5g? ( =m]      
s]vice1 by int]e/ ) au?ority1 r ?an by  
ability to gov]n a body ( boys made up (
 widely diff]5t p>ts4 ,a capable =m-ma/]
 may prove an incapable h\se-ma/]4      
,ri*>d ,rut=d1 to give a concrete       
example1 came to ,h>r[ kn[+ no?+ ab\t   
,public ,s*ools1 & c>+ z little = !     
traditions ( ! ,hill1 b ) ! pre/ige (   
be+ a ,s5ior ,classic4 ,nobody que/ion$ 
8 ability to tea* ,greek4 ,9 8 own l9e1 
& n an in* beyond1 ! ,gov]nors 7 assur$ 
t ,rut=d 0 a success4 ,9 due "t he      

accept$ a ,small ,h\se1 s small t its   
autocrat's incapacity z an adm9i/rator  
escap$ notice4 ,rut=d wait$ pati5tly = a
 big morsel4 ,he wrote a c\ple (        
text-books2 he m>ri$ a wife ) money &   
influ5ce2 he ent]ta9$ h&somely4 ,x is   
true he became popul> nei!r ) ma/]s nor 
boys1 b 8 w9e 0 z s\nd z 8 s*ol>%ip1 & 8
 wife _h a pe] = a second c\s94         
,ev5tually he accept$ ! ,manor4 ,)9 a   
mon?1 ^? 9 au?ority suspect$ t a blund] 
_h be5 made2 )9 a ye> !y knew x4 ,! h\se
 began to g d[n4 ,leav5 lay 9 ! lump1 b 
n en\gh to make x rise1 because ! bak]  
refus$ to /ir ! d\gh4 ,fir/ & la/1      
,rut=d dislik$ boys1 misund]/ood !m1    
insult$ !m1 ignor$ ^? :o lack$          
influ5tial connections1 toadi$ & pamp]$ 
! swells4  ,j be=e ,john ,v]ney came to 
,h>r[1 ! ,manor 0 %[+ unmi/akable signs 
( decay4 ,a new ,head ,ma/]1 recogniz+  
dry-rot1 realiz+ ! necessity ( cutt+ x  
out1 0 confront$ ) t bri/l+             
ob/acle--,tradition4 ,he possess$ en\gh 
moral c\rage to h told ,rut=d to resign1

 because 9 a ?\s& indescribable ways !  
man _h neglect$ 8 duty2 b1 s said !     
,tories1 su* a /ep might provoke a      
public sc&al1 & if ,rut=d refus$ to     
g--:at !n8 ,no?+ def9ite c\ld be prov$  
aga9/ ! man4 ,8 s9s _h be5 ( omission4  
,dismay$1 n defeat$1 ! ,head ,ma/]      
consid]$ o!r me?ods ( reg5]at+ ! ,manor4
 ,v quietly he made 8 appeal to ! ,old  
,h>rovians1 _m ( :om 7 s5d+ _! sons &   
nephews to o!r h\ses4 ,he invit$        
co-op]ation4 ,john ,v]ney1 ! ,rev4      
,septimus ,duff1 ,colonel ,eg]ton--half 
a doz5 en?usia/ic ,manorites--/epp$     
=w>d4 ,la/ly1 = ,*>les ,desmond ! ,head 
,ma/] bait$ 8 hook4  ,! re=m :i* we h at
 he>t1 said he1 mu/ come f )9 & f bel[4 
,! h\se wants a ,desmond 9 x4 ,i 0 n    
all[$ to wield ! axe2 b1 aft] all1 !re  
are m mod]n me?ods ( decapitation4 ,&1  
believe me1 ,i am n ask+ any man m ?an  
,i am prep>$ to d myself4 ,my own nephew
 goes to ! ,manor aft] next holidays4   
,um6 said ,mr4 ,desmond1 /rok+ 8 *94    
,lawr5ce1 ! ,head ( ! ,h\se1 is a t[] ( 

/r5g?1 l all ! ,lawr5ces4  ,h[ did y    
beguile ! ,duke ( ,tr5t8  ,=tune gave me
 t weapon4 ,! duke--he laugh$           
g5ially----  ,yes8  ,w turn scales :i*  
my heavie/ argum5ts won't budge4 ,a bit 
( luck6 ,! duke want$ to s5d 8 son1 a   
delicate lad1 to ,h>r[1 & ,i did m5tion 
to him t ,rut=d _h a vacancy4  ,o       
,ulysses6 ,& ,scaife8 ,h[ did y h&le t  
l>ge bale ( bank-notes8  ,rut=d captur$ 
,scaife4  ,h&some boy--8 son4 ,lun*$ ) u
 ?is morn+4 ,well1 well1 y h p]suad$ me4
 ,b :at an unpleasant qu>t] ( an h\r ,i 
%all h ) ,h>ry6         99       99     
99       99       99  ,z a new boy1     
,john slav$ at foot]1 & display$ a      
curi\s inaptitude = squa% racquets4 ,at 
all games ,caes> & ,scaife 7 precoci\sly
 pr(ici5t4 ,john's clums9ess annoy$ !m4 
,(t5 ! ,cat]pill> jo9$ him & ,fluff1    
giv+ !m to und]/& t ?is mu/ be reg>d$ z 
an act ( grace & condesc5sion :i* might 
be suitably ackn[l$g$ at ! ,tudor       
,cream]ies4  ,! ,cat]pill> mightily     
impress$ ! two small boys4 ,he _h       

acquir$ 8 nick-"n f ! v leisurely pace  
at :i* he advanc$ up ! s*ool4 ,he wore  
,*>ity tails1 z !y 7 call$1 !           
swall[-tail coat ( ! ,upp] ,s*ool       
m]cifully giv5 to boys ( ! ,l[] ,s*ool  
:o are too tall to we> ) dec5cy ! %ort  
,eton jacket2 he possess$ a tr\s]-press2
 & 8 bags 7 p]fectly creas$ & q         
spotless4 ,f tip to toe1 at all seasons 
& 9 all wea!rs1 he look$ conspicu\sly   
spick & span4 ,*aff provok$ ! solemn    
retort3 ,"o %\ld be well groom$4 ,he    
spoke imp]sonally1 consid]+ x bad =m to 
use = fir/ p]son s+ul>4 ,among/ ! small 
boys he rank$ z ! ,petronius ( ! ,l[]   
,s*ool4  ,"o day ! ,cat]pill> said      
gr&iloqu5tly1 ,y kids w oblige me by n  
%\t+ & yell+ :5 y speak to me4 ,i've a  
bit ( a head4  ,:at's wrong ) x8 said   
,fluff4  ,x looks spl5did outside1 said 
,john1 9 8 s]i\s voice4  ,! ,cat]pill>1 
detect+ no *eek1 answ]$ gravely--  ,"s (
 u _h a wet night ( x1 la/ night4  ,wet8
 exclaim$ ! innoc5t ,fluff4 ,:y1 all !  
/>s 7 %9+4  ,y\r bro!rs at ,eton "k :at 

a 'wet night' means1 said ! ,cat]pill>4 
,i 0 talk+ ) "o ( ! ,fif?1 :5 a fell[   
came 9 ) a flask4 ,a g5tleman ought to  
be able to c>ry a few glasses ( w9e1 b  
"o is n accu/om$ to spirits4  ,spirits8 
,:isky1 n prussic acid1 y "k4  ,b :]e d 
!y get ! :isky8 dem&$ ,john4  ,comp>+ x 
) my fa!r's old ,scot*1 ,i %\ld say at !
 groc]'s1 repli$ ! ,cat]pill>4 ,!re's "s
 dr9k+ go+ on 9 our h\se1 &--& o!r ?+s4 
,"o m5tions x to y kids z a w>n+4       
,?anks1 said ,john4  ,n at all2 y're r  
dec5t little begg>s4 ,!y 7! ,fif? ,=m 0 
indicat$71 !y've let y alone s f>1 b y  
may h tr\ble next t]m1 s look out6 ,& if
 y want advice1 come to me4  ,b5ea? 8   
absurd pomp\s mann] beat a k9dly he>t1 &
 ! small boys div9$ ?is & 7 grateful4   
,none ! less ! ^w spirits fright5$ !m4  
,next day ,john happ5$ to f9d himself   
alone ) ,caes>4 ,v n]v\sly he ask$ !    
"q--  ,i say1 d any ( ! big fell[s at   
,dam]'s dr9k8  ,dr9k8 ,dr9k--:at8       
,well1 spirits4  ,caes> snort$ an       
indignant d5ial4 ,! fell[s at ,dam]'s 7 

above t sort ( ?+4 ,! h\se prid$ itself 
^u its tone4 ,tone con/itut$ ,dam]'s    
glory1 & 0 ! secret ( its success4 ,john
 nodd$1 b two days aft]w>ds ! ,demon    
took him by ! arm1 twi/$ x %>ply1 &     
said--  ,:at ! deuce did y mean by tell+
 ,caes> t ! ,manorites dr9k8  ,oh1      
,scaife--,i didn't4  ,y gave u away4    
,u8 ,john's eyes op5$4 ,y don't dr9k )  
'em8 he falt]$4  ,don't bo!r y\r head   
ab\t :at ,i d1 or don't d4 ,scaife      
answ]$ r\ghly2 & because y took ! ,l[]  
,remove don't ?9k = an in/ant t y are on
 a p> ) ,caes> & me1 or ev5 ! old       
,cat]pill>--= y a9't4  ,i "k t1 said    
,john1 humbly4  ,don't =get x1 or !re   
may be ructions4  ,i %an't =get x4  ,t's
 "r4 ,&1 by ! way1 y're gett+ into !    
habit ( hang+ ab\t ,caes>1 :i* bores him
 to dea?4 ,/op x4  ,b to ?is ,john made 
no reply4 ,he read dislike 9 ,scaife's  
bold eyes1 detect$ x 9 8 cle>1 p]emptory
 voice1 felt x 9 ! cruel twi/ ( ! arm4  
,& he _h bra9s en\gh to "k t ,scaife 0 n
 ! boy to dislike any "o )\t reason4    

,john crawl$ to ! conclusion t ,scaife  
_h become jeal\s ( 8 increas+ intimacy )
 ,desmond4  ,h[ev]1 :5 ! ?ree boys 7    
prep>+ _! ,greek = ,fir/ ,s*ool1 ,scaife
 seem$ 8 old self1 fri5dly1 amus+1 &    
cool z a cucumb]4 ,long ago he _h       
initiat$ ,john into ,manorite me?ods (  
"w4  ,our object is1 he expla9$ to ! new
 boy1 to get ?r\gh ! 'swat' ) z little  
squ&]+ ( valuable "t z possible4 ,x     
doesn't pay to be skew$4 ,we mu/ mug up 
our 'cons' well en\gh to scrape along   
)\t 'puns' & extra s*ool4  ,! ?ree      
co-op]at$4 ,out ( =ty l9es ( ,v]gil1    
,scaife w\ld be fifte51 ,john fifte51 & 
! ,cat]pill> t52 t51 because1 z he po9t$
 out1 he _h be5 ne>ly ?ree ye>s 9 !     
s*ool4 ,!n ea* fell[ 9 turn con/ru$ 8   
l9es = ! b5efit ( ! o!rs4 ,a difficult  
passage 0 tak5 by ,scaife to a clev]    
fri5d 9 ! ,fif?4 ,sometimes ,scaife w\ld
 be abs5t tw5ty m9utes1 return+ flu%$ ( 
face1 & slightly excit$4 ,john wond]$ if
 he _h be5 dr9k+1 & wond]$ also :at     
,caes> w\ld say if he knew4 ,ab\t ?is "t

 fe> possess$ 8 s\l t ,caes> w\ld come  
into ! ,manor & be taught by ,scaife to 
dr9k4 ,an occasional nightm>e took ! =m 
( a desp]ate /ruggle betwe5 himself &   
,scaife1 9 :i* ,scaife1 by virtue (     
sup]ior /r5g? & skill1 _h ! ma/]y1      
dragg+ (f ! belov$ ,caes>1 to plunge )  
him into fa?omless pools ( ,scot* :isky4
 ,someh[ 9 ^! horrid dreams1 ,caes>     
play$ an impressive "p4 ,scaife & ,john 
f\ght = 8 body1 :ile he look$ on1 an    
absurd /ate ( affairs1 nev]--z ,john    
reflect$ 9 8 wak+ h\rs--likely to happ5 
9 real life4 ,( all boys ,caes> seem$ to
 be ! be/ equipp$ to fight 8 own        
battles1 & to take1 z he w\ld h put x1  
jolly good c>e ( himself4  ,aft] ! fir/ 
( ! football h\se-mat*es1 ,scaife got 8 
fez f ,lawr5ce1 ! capta9 ( ! ,h\se      
,elev51 & ! only memb] ( ! ,s*ool ,elev5
 9 ,dirty ,dick's4 ,"s ( ! big fell[s 9 
! ,fif? seiz$ ?is opportunity to        
celebrate1 z !y call$ x4 ,scaife 0      
popul> ) ! ,fif? because--z ,john       
discov]$ lat]--he *e]fully l5t money to 

"s ( !m & nev] press$ = repaym5t4 ,&    
,scaife's gett+ 8 fez be=e he 0 fifte5  
might be reckon$ an a*ievem5t4 ,caes>1 9
 p>ticul>1 c\ld talk ( no?+ else4 ,he   
pr$ict$ t ! ,demon w\ld be ,capta9 ( bo?
 ,elev5s1 s*ool racquet-play]1 & bloom  
into a second ,c4 ,b4 ,fry4  ,john1 ^u  
?is ev5tful ev5+1 soon became aw>e ( a  
%9dy4 ,x happ5$ t ,rut=d 0 giv+ a       
d9n]-p>ty1 & extremely unlikely to leave
 ! private side ( ! h\se4 ,john he>d    
snat*es ( song1 h[ls1 & *e]s4 ,ord9>ily 
,lawr5ce 79 ^: passage ! %9dy 0 tak+    
place7 w\ld h /opp$ ?is hullabaloo2 b   
,lawr5ce 0 d9+ ) 8 h\se-ma/]1 & ,trieve1
 an und]siz$1 weakly /ripl+1 lack$ !    
moral c\rage to int]f]e4 ,john 0 gett+ a
 con f ,trieve :5 an unusually pi]c+ h[l
 p5etrat$ ! augu/ seclusion4  ,:at are  
!y do+8 ask$ ,trieve1 irritably4  ,john 
hesitat$4 ,x's ! ,fif?1 he blurt$ out4  
,!y've got ,scaife 9 !re1 y "k4  ,oh1   
inde$6 ,scaife is an excuse1 is he1 =   
?is fi5di% r[8 ,g & tell ,scaife ,i want
 to see him4  ,john look$ r fright5$4   

,he felt l a spaniel ab\t to retrieve a 
lion4 ,& scurry+ along ! passage he ran 
headlong into ! ,duff]1 to :om he       
expla9$ 8 err&4  ,phew-w-w6 said t "y   
g5tleman4 ,i'd soon] x 0 y ?an me1      
,v]ney4 ,!y're pretty well g9n$-up1 ,i c
 tell y4  ,john tapp$ timidly at ! door 
( ! room :5ce ! songs & laught] proce$$4
 ,!n he tapp$ aga91 & aga94 ,f9ally1    
summon+ 8 c\rage1 he rapp$ h>d4         
,in/antly !re 0 sil5ce1 & !n a furtive  
ru/l+ ( pap]s1 foll[$ by a con/ra9$     
,come 96  ,john ent]$4  ,mo/ ( !        
boys--!re 7 ab\t six ( !m--gaz$ at him 9
 /upefaction4 ,scaife1 v r$ 9 ! face1   
bur/ into %rill %\ts ( laught]4 ,someh[ 
! laught] disconc]t$ ,john4 ,he =got to 
deliv] 8 message1 b /ood />+ at ,scaife1
 quak+ ) a "y boy's t]ror ( ! unkn[n4   
,^u ! table 7 "s siphons1 syrups1 & !   
rema9s ( a spread4  ,:at ! blazes d y   
want8 said ,lovell1 ! own] ( ! room4  ,i
 want ,scaife1 said ,john4 ,i mean t    
,trieve wants ,scaife4  ,oh1 ,miss      
,trieve wants ,ma/] ,scaife1 does %e8   

,well1 "y 'un1 y tell ,trieve1 ) my     
complim5ts1 t ,scaife c't come4 ,see8   
,n[--hook x6  ,b ,john /ill />$ at      
,scaife4 ,! boy's di%evell$ appe>ance1 8
 wild eyes1 8 %rill laught]1 reveal$    
ano!r ,scaife4  ,y'd bett] come1        
,scaife1 he falt]$4  ,n ,i1 said        
,scaife4 ,he spoke 9 a curi\sly         
high-pit*$ voice1 q unlike 8 usual cool1
 quiet tone4 ,wait a mo'--,i'm n        
,trieve's fag4 ,i'm nobody's fag n[1 am 
,i8  ,he appeal$ to ! cr[d4 ,x 0 an     
unwritt5 rule at ! ,manor t memb]s ( !  
,h\se cricket or football ,elev5s 7     
exempt f fagg+4 ,b ! common law ( fagg+ 
at ,h>r[ holds t any l[] boy is b\nd to 
obey ! ,monitors1 provid$ su* ob$i5ce is
 n contr>y to ! rules ( ! s*ool4 ,9     
practice1 h[ev]1 no boy is fagg$ outside
 8 own h\se1 except = cricket-fagg+ 9 ! 
summ] t]m4  ,fag8 ,n y8 ,tell ,miss     
,trieve to m9d h] own bus9ess4  ,john   
dep>t$1 feel+ t an old] & wis] boy might
 h tact to cope ) ?is situation4 ,= him1
 no c\rse ( action pres5t$ itself except

 deliv]+ :at am\nt$ to a decl>ation (   
w>4  ,won't come8 ,is he mad8  ',c't    
come1' !y said4  ,oh1 c't come8 ,has he 
hurt himself--spra9$ any?+8  ,john 0    
tru?ful 7m ( a habit ?an "s p believe74 
,he told ! tru?1 j z "s boys quibble &  
prev>icate1 simply & naturally4 ,b n[1  
he hesitat$4 ,if he h9t$--a h9t w\ld    
suffice--t ,scaife _h hurt himself--&   
:at m likely aft] ! furi\s bit ( play+  
:i* _h secur$ 8 fez8--,trieve1 probably1
 w\ld d no?+4 ,john felt 9 8 bones t    
,trieve w\ld be glad ( an excuse to     
d--no?+4  ,no2 he hasn't spra9$ himself4
  ,!n :y don't he come8  ,i--,i---- ,!n 
he bur/ into excit$ spee*4 ,he looks z  
if he 0 a little mad4 ,oh1 ,trieve1     
won't y leave him alone8 ,please d6 ,!y 
mu/ /op be=e pray]s1 & !n ,lawr5ce w be 
"h4  ,o unhappy ,john--?\ art n a       
diplomati/6 ,:y lug 9 ,lawr5ce1 :o has  
inspir$ mordant jeal\sy & envy 9 ! he>t 
( 8 second 9 comm&8  ,tell ,scaife to   
come "h at once1 said ,trieve1 eye+ a   
c\ple ( canes 9 ! corn]4 ,& if he %\ld  

happ5 to ask :at ,i want him =1 say t ,i
 mean to :op him4  ,john fl$4  ,:op him8
  ,! ,fif? h[l$ rage & remon/rance4     
,scaife fi]cely ann\nc$ 8 int5tion ( n  
tak+ a :opp+ f ,trieve4 ,none ! less1 ! 
ann\ncem5t _h a sob]+ effect ^u ! eld]  
boys4 ,! consequ5ce ( a refusal mu/     
prove s]i\s4 ,soon] or lat] ,scaife w\ld
 be :opp$1 probably by ,lawr5ce1 no     
ha'p5ny matt] t6  ,y'd bett] g1 ,demon1 
said ,lovell4 ,trieve c't hurt y4 ,i'd  
speak to ! idiot1 only he hates me s    
poison\sly1 j z ,i hate him4  ,i'll g1  
said ! ,cat]pill>4  ,john _h n notic$ ! 
,cat]pill> be=e4 ,he /ood up1 spick &   
span1 c>efully adju/+ 8 coat1 pull+ d[n 
8 immaculate cuffs4  ,good old          
,cat]pill>1 said somebody4 ,by ,jove1 he
 really ?9ks t ,trieve w li/5 to--him6  
,any "o :o has be5 ne>ly ?ree ye>s 9 ?is
 h\se1 said ! ,cat]pill>1 has ! "r to   
tell ,miss ,trieve t %e is--er--n behav+
 l a lady4  ,& he'll tell y y're screw$1
 y old fool4  ,i am n screw$1 repli$ !  
,cat]pill>1 solemnly4 ,:isky & potass   

does n agree ) ev]ybody2 b ,i am n      
screw$1 n at all4 ,s speak+ he sat d[n r
 sudd5ly4  ,lovell %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s1     
glanc$ at ! ,cat]pill> & ,scaife1 & left
 ! room4 ,)9 two m9utes he return$1     
*apfall5 & fr[n+4  ,i knew x w\ld be    
useless4 ,look "h1 ,demon1 y mu/ gr9 &  
be> x4  ,no1 said ,scaife1 n f ,miss    
,trieve4  ,he laugh$ z be=e4 ,! ,fif?   
ex*ang$ glances4 ,!n ,scaife said       
?ickly1 ,give me ano!r dr9k1 ,i want a  
dr9k2 s does "y ,v]ney4 ,look at him6   
,john 0 :ite ab\t ! gills & trembl+1 b n
 = himself4  ,d g1 ,scaife6 he entreat$4
  ,! ,fif? =m$ a gr\p2 hold+ a c\ncil ( 
w>1 engross$ 9 try+ to f9d a way out ( a
 wood :i* ( a sudd5 _h turn$ into a     
tangl$ ?icket4 ,& s :at ea* w\ld h      
/r5u\sly prev5t$ came to pass4 ,scaife  
pull$ a bottle f "u a s(a-cu%ion1 & put 
x to 8 lips--,john1 /&+ at ! door1 c\ld 
n see :at 0 tak+ place4  ,:5 ! bottle 0 
torn f ,scaife's h&s1 ! mis*ief _h be5  
done4 ,! boy _h swall[$ a quantity ( raw
 _s4 ,till n[ ! :isky _h be5 mu* dilut$ 

) m9]al wat]4  ,i'm go+ to him1 yell$   
,scaife1 /ruggl+ ) 8 fri5ds4 ,& ,i'm go+
 to take a cricket /ump ) me4 ,le'me    
g--le'me g6  ,! ,cat]pill> survey$ him )
 disgu/4 ,aft] a brief /ruggle ,scaife  
succumb$1 helpless & s5seless4  ,"o is  
rem9d$ sometimes1 said ! ,cat]pill>1    
solemnly1 t ! poor ,demon is ! son ( a  
,liv]pool m]*ant1 br$ 9 or ab\t !       
,docks4  ,nobody1 h[ev]1 paid any       
att5tion to ,eg]ton1 :o1 to d him       
ju/ice1 0 ! only boy pres5t absolutely  
unm9dful ( 8 own p]il4 ,expulsion loom$ 
imm95t4 ,! w9d[ 0 flung wide op51 eau de
 ,cologne lib]ally appli$4 ,scaife lay l
 a log4  ,& !n1 9 ! middle ( !          
confusion1 ,trieve walk$ 94  ,scaife has
 _h a sort ( fit1 expla9$ an accompli%$ 
li>4 ,y "k :at 8 temp] is1 ,trieve8 ,&  
:5 he he>d t y meant to ':op' him1 he   
w5t />k1 />+ mad4  ,?is explanation 0 s 
ne> ! tru? t ,trieve accept$ x1 probably
 ) m5tal res]vations4  ,y _h bett] s5d =
 ,mrs4 ,puttick1 he repli$ coldly4  ,!  
,cat]pill> 0 despat*$ = ! matron2 b be=e

 t wor?y woman pant$ up/airs1 ,scaife _h
 be5 c>ri$ to 8 own room1 ha/ily        
undress$ & put into b$1 :]e he lay      
brea?+ /]tor\sly4 ,! matron1 good1 easy 
s\l1 accept$ ! boys' /ory unhesitat+ly4 
,a fit1 ( c\rse1 poor de> *ild6 ,mr4    
,rut=d mu/ be summon$4  ,) ! optimism ( 
y\?1 ^? pres5t began to hope t du/ might
 be ?r[n into ! eyes ( ,dirty ,dick4 ,&1
 ) a little discreet delay1 ! ,demon    
might recov]1 :5 he c\ld be reli$ ^u to 
play 8 "p ) adroitness & ability4       
,accord+ly1 ! matron 0 urg$ to try h]   
m9i/]+ h& fir/1 amid ! *aff1 :i*1 ev5 9 
em]g5cies1 slips s easily out ( boys'   
m\?s4  ,mrs4 ,puttick1 y're bett] ?an   
any doctor--,scaife is all "r1 really4  
,we knew t he 0 subject to fits--,r6 ,"s
 "o 0 tell+ me t "o ( 8 aunts di$ 9 a   
fit--,%ut up1 y silly fool1 ?is 9 a     
:isp]1 emphasiz$ by a kick2 d y want to 
s5d h] out ( ?is ) a hornets' ne/ ti$ to
 h] back hair8--,t's a lie1 ,mrs4       
,puttick4 ,he's humbugg+ y4 ,scaife told
 me t 8 fits 7 no?+4 ,yes2 he _h a      

slight sun-/roke :5 he 0 a kid1 y "k1 & 
! lea/ bit ( excitem5t affects him4     
,p]haps ,i'd bett] fet* a drop ( br&y1  
said ,mrs4 ,puttick1 />+ anxi\sly at    
,scaife4 ,he looks v bad4  ,yes1 please 
d1 ,mrs4 ,puttick4  ,%e bu/l$ away4  ,n[
 we mu/ br+ him to1 said ! ,fif? ,=m4   
,ev]y?+ 0 tri$1 ev5 to ! exp$i5t (      
flick+ ,scaife's body ) a wet t[el2 b ! 
body lay motionless1 8 face horribly r$ 
aga9/ ! :ite pill[1 8 heavy brea?+ gr[+ 
m lab\r$ & l\d]4 ,& despite ! p]fume ( !
 eau de ,cologne :i* _h dr5*$ pill[ &   
pyjamas1 ! smell ( :isky spread t]ror to
 ! cr[d4 ,if ,rut=d came 91 he w\ld     
swoop on ! tru?4  ,we'll s\se ! br&y all
 ov] him1 said ! ,cat]pill>2 & !n no "o 
c guess4  ,h[ ab\t burnt fea!rs8 sugge/$
 ,lovell4 ,he _h se5 a fa9t+ h\semaid   
treat$ ) ?is family re/orative4  ,mrs4  
,puttick appe>$ ) ! br&y1 :i* ,lovell   
adm9i/]$ ext]nally4 ,/ill1 ,scaife      
rema9$ unconsci\s4 ,!n a pill[ 0 ripp$  
op51 & en\gh fea!rs burn$ to re/ore--z !
 ,cat]pill> put x aft]w>ds--a ru9$      

ca!dral4 ,! /5* fill$ ! passage & br\ght
 to ,no4 #ae a *att]+ cr[d ( ,l[] ,boys4
 ,& !n ! conviction seiz$ ev]ybody t    
,scaife 0 go+ to die4  ,make way1 make  
way1 please6  ,x 0 ,rut=d1 :o1 foll[$ by
 ,lawr5ce1 /rode d[n ! passage into ,no4
 #ae1 & up to ! b$4  ,if y please1 sir1 
said ,lovell1 ,scaife has _h a fit4  ,x 
looks l a fit1 said ,rut=d1 gravely4 ,i 
h telephon$ = ! doctor4 ,y've tri$1 he  
sniff$ ! air1 all ! wrong rem$ies1 (    
c\rse4 ,fea!rs--phaugh6--p]fume--br&y6  
,! boy mu/ be propp$ up & ! blood drawn 
f 8 head by apply+ hot wat] to 8 feet4  
,! ,fif? ex*ang$ glances4 ,:y _h ?is n  
occurr$ to !m8 ,:at a fool ,mrs4        
,puttick 06  ,a ru% ( blood to ! head6  
,rut=d lik$ to hold =?1 & he _h be5 told
 t he 0 a capital aft]-d9n] speak]4 ,he 
_h j ris5 f an excell5t d9n]2 he 0 n mu*
 al>m$2 & 8 audi5ce li/5$ ) flatt]+     
att5tion4 ,scaife 0 lift$ into a *air2  
ice 0 appli$ to 8 head2 8 feet 7 ?ru/   
into a to% fill$ ) /eam+ wat]4  ,note ! 
effect1 said ,rut=d4 ,already a slight  

*ange might be p]ceiv$2 ! brea?+ became 
easi]1 ! face less r$4 ,rut=d cont9u$ 9 
8 be/ mann]3 ,m>k ! vis m$icatrix       
naturae4 ,nature1 assi/$ by hot wat]1   
g5tly accompli%es h] task4 ,v simple1 & 
n "o ( y _h ! wit to ?9k ( a rem$y close
 at h&1 & s easy to adm9i/]4 ,! brea?+  
is becom+ normal4 ,9 a few m9utes ,i    
pr$ict t we %all h ! satisfaction ( see+
 ! poor de> fell[ op5 8 eyes1 & he w    
tell u t he is b little ! worse4 ,yes1  
yes1 a ru% ( blood to ! head produc+    
c]ebral di/urbance4  ,he smil$ bl&ly1   
receiv+ ! homage ( ! ,fif?4  ,& n[1     
,lovell1 :at d y "k ab\t ?is8 ,did ?is  
fit take place "h8  ,9 my room1 sir4  ,9
 y\r room--eh8 ,:at 0 ,scaife1 a ,l[]   
,boy1 do+ 9 y\r room8  ,lawr5ce gave him
 8 'fez' to-day1 sir4  ,lawr5ce nodd$4  
,ah6 ,& ,scaife 0 excit$1 p]haps unduly 
excit$--eh8  ,! ,fif? jo9$ 9 a *orus (1 
,yes1 sir--,oh1 yes1 sir--awfully       
excit$1 sir--nev] saw a boy s excit$1   
sir4  ,t w d4 ,n[1 ,lovell1 g on6  ,we  
_h "s siphons 9 our room1 sir4 ,a /roke 

( g5ius ?is--= ! siphons 7 /ill on !    
table & ! syrups1 & ! debris ( cakes &  
m]+ues4 ,rut=d w\ld be sure to exam9e ! 
sc5e ( ! cata/rophe2 & ! :isky bottle 0 
c>efully hidd54 ,we 7 hav+ a spread1    
sir1 & we ask$ ,scaife to jo9 u4 ,8 play
 to-day made him "o ( u4  ,! o!r boys   
gaz$ admir+ly at ,lovell4 ,:at a cool1  
kn[+ h&6  ,yes1 yes1 ,i see no?+        
objectionable ab\t t4  ,well1 sir--we 7 
r noisy----  ,g on4  ,to speak ! exact  
tru?1 sir1 ,i fe> we 7 v noisy2 &       
,trieve1 x seems1 he>d u4 ,in/ead ( s5d+
 = me1 sir1 he s5t ,v]ney = ,scaife---- 
,ah6  ,lovell's hesitation at ?is po9t 0
 really wor?y ( ,coquel9 cadet4  ,(     
c\rse y "k1 sir1 t ,scaife's gett+ 8    
'fez' releases him f h\se-fagg+4 ,we    
?\ght ,trieve _h =gott5 t1 sir2 & t x   
w\ld be r fun--,i'm n excus+ myself1    
sir--we ?\ght x w\ld be a h>mless joke  
if we p]suad$ ,scaife n to g4  ,um6  ,we
 7 v fooli%1 sir4 ,& !n ,trieve s5t     
ano!r message say+ t ,scaife 0 to g to 8
 room at once to be--:opp$4  ,to be     

:opp$4 ,um6 ,r dra/ic t1 v dra/ic "u !  
circum/ances4  ,s we ?\ght1 sir2 & ,i   
w5t to repres5t ! facts to ,trieve----  
,well8  ,i'm n mu* ( a peacemak]1 ,i    
fe>1 sir4 ,trieve refus$ to li/5 to me4 
,he insi/$ ^u :opp+ ,scaife = :at he    
call$ disob$i5ce & impud5ce4 ,^u my     
hon\r1 sir1 ,i tri$1 we all tri$1 to    
p]suade ,scaife to take 8 :opp+ quietly1
 b he seem$ to g q mad4 ,he has a viol5t
 temp]1 sir----  ,yes1 yes4  ,a v viol5t
 temp]4 ,he--he----  ,fro!d at ! m\?1   
put 9 a by/&]4 ,i p>ticul>ly notic$ t4  
,really1 really----  ,yes1 said ,lovell1
 nodd+ 8 head reflectively4 ,he fro!d at
 ! m\?1 & !n----  ,grew q black 9 !     
face1 int]polat$ a ?ird boy1 :o 0       
det]m9$ t ,lovell %\ld n c>ry (f all !  
hon\rs4  ,i %\ld say--purple1 am5d$     
,lovell4 ,& !n he gave----  ,a bea/ly   
gurgle----  ,a sort ( snort1 & fell flat
 on 8 face4 ,i'm n sure t he didn't     
/rike ! edge ( ! table z he fell4  ,he  
did1 said "o ( ! boys4 ,i saw t4  ,at   
?is mom5t ,scaife mov$ 9 8 *air1 draw+  

all eyes to 8 face4 ,john1 pe]+ f beh9d 
! circle ( big boys1 c\ld see ! fir/    
signs ( return+ consci\sness1 a flick] (
 ! eyelids1 a convulsive tremor ( !     
limbs4 ,rut=d b5t d[n4  ,well1 my de>   
,scaife1 h[ are y8 ,we've be5 a little  
anxi\s1 all ( u1 b1 ,i v5tur$ to pr$ict1
 )\t cause4 ,tell u1 my poor boy1 h[ d y
 feel8  ,scaife op5$ 8 eyes4 ,!n he     
groan$ dismally4 ,rut=d 0 /&+ to ! "r ( 
! *air & foot-ba?4 ,! ,fif? 7 fac+      
,scaife4 ,he met _! anxi\s1 admoni%+    
glances1 unable to int]pret !m4  ,lovell
 s5ior repeat$ ! h\se-ma/]'s "q--  ,h[  
are y1 old *ap8  ,b1 9 8 anxiety to     
convey a w>n+1 he came too ne>1 obscur+ 
,rut=d's massive figure4 ,scaife groan$ 
aga91 putt+ 8 h& to 8 head4  ,h[ am ,i8 
he repeat$ ?ickly4 ,:y1 :y1 ,i'm jolly  
well screw$1 ,lovell2 t's h[ ,i am6     
,jolly well screw$--hay8 ,ugh6 h[ screw$
 ,i am4 ,ugh6  ,! groans fell on a      
t]rify+ sil5ce4 ,rut=d glanc$ ke5ly f   
face to face4 ,!n he said sl[ly--  ,!   
wret*$ boy is--drunk6  ,at ! s\nd ( 8   

h\se-ma/]'s voice1 ,scaife relaps$ into 
an ins5sibility :i* no "o at ! mom5t c>$
 to pron\nce c\nt]feit or g5u9e4 ,rut=d 
gl>$ at ,lovell4  ,:o 0 9 y\r room1     
,lovell8  ,)\t wait+ = ,lovell to answ]1
 ! o!r boys1 ea* 9 turn1 said1 ,i1 sir1 
or ,me1 sir4 ,john came la/4  ,anybody  
else1 ,lovell8  ,a discreet ma/] w\ld n 
h ask$ ?is "q1 b ,dirty ,dick 0 ! la/   
man to waive an advantage4 ,n[1 !       
,cat]pill> _h quietly left ,no4 #ae1 z  
soon z ,rut=d ent]$ x4 ,n f any c[>dly  
motive1 b--z he put x aft]w>ds--because 
"o makes a po9t ( retir+ :5ev] a rank   
outsid] appe>s4 ,"o ought to be p>ticul>
 ab\t ! company "o keeps4 ,x says some?+
 = ! boy's "*1 t ?is /atem5t 0 accept$  
by ! h\se z unv>ni%$ tru?4 ,lovell      
glanc$ at ! o!r ,fif? ,=m boys1 z ,rut=d
 repeat$ ! "q4  ,anybody else1 ,lovell8 
,be c>eful h[ y answ] me6  ,nobody else1
 said ,lovell4  ,on y\r hon\r1 sir8  ,on
 my hon\r1 sir4  ,&1 lat]1 all          
,manorites decl>$ t ,lovell _h li$ l a  
g5tleman4 ,rut=d & he />$ at ea* o!r1 ! 

boy pale1 b self-possess$1 ! big1 burly 
man flu%$ & ill at ease4  ,y w all g to 
my /udy4 ,a ^w ) y1 ,lawr5ce4  ,! boys  
fil$ quietly out4 ,rut=d look$ at ,john 
& ,fluff4 ,l>ge1 fat te>s 7 trickl+ d[n 
,fluff's *eeks4 ,someh[ he felt conv9c$ 
t ,john 0 involv$ 9 a frightful r[4     
,run away1 ,k9lo*1 said 8 h\se-ma/]4 ,i 
wi% to speak ) ,lawr5ce & ,v]ney4  ,he  
turn$ to ,lawr5ce z he spoke4 ,john     
glanc$ at ,scaife4 ,8 eyes 7 op54       
,sil5tly1 ,scaife plac$ a trembl+ f+] ^u
 8 lips4 ,! action1 ! expression 9 !    
eyes1 7 unmi/akable4 ,john und]/ood1 z  
pla9ly z if ,scaife _h spok51 t sil5ce1 
:]e expulsion imp5d$1 0 n only exp$i5t b
 imp]ative4 ,k9lo* crept out ( ! room4  
,rut=d exam9$ ,scaife1 :o feign$        
ins5sibility4 ,!n he address$ ,lawr5ce4 
,g to ,lovell's room1 ,lawr5ce1 &       
in/itute a ?or\gh se>*4 ,if y f9d w9e or
 spirits1 let me "k at once4  ,lawr5ce  
left ! room4  ,n[1 ,v]ney1 ,i am go+ to 
ask y a few que/ions4 ,he assum$ 8      
rasp+1 trucul5t tone4 ,& don't y d>e to 

tell me lies1 sir6  ,john 0 ab\t to     
repudiate w>mly 8 h\se-ma/]'s brutal    
injunction1 :5 ! habit ( ?9k+ be=e he   
spoke clos$ 8 half-op5$ lips4           
,imm$iately1 8 face assum$ ! ob/9ate1   
expressionless look :i* made ^? :o se>*$
 no deep] ?an ! surface pron\nce him a  
dull boy4 ,rut=d1 = in/ance1 int]pret$  
?is /olidity z un9tellig5ce & lack (    
p]ception4 ,john1 meantime1 0 /ruggl+ ) 
a ?\ght :i* %ap$ itself sl[ly into a    
plan ( action4 ,he _h j he>d ,lovell lie
 to save ! ,cat]pill>4 ,john knew well  
en\gh t he might be call$ ^u to lie     
also1 to save n himself1 b ,scaife4 ,if 
he held 8 tongue & refus$ to answ]      
que/ions1 ,rut=d w\ld assume1 & )       
reason1 t ,scaife _h be5 made drunk by !
 ,fif? ,=m fell[s4  ,!n ,john said      
quietly1 ,i am n a li>1 sir4  ,c]ta9ly1 
,i h nev] detect$ y 9 a lie1 said       
,rut=d4  ,all ! same1 cont9u$ ,john1 9 a
 hesitat+ mann]1 ,i w\ld lie1 if ,i     
?\ght a lie might save a fri5d's life4  
,rut=d 0 s unprep>$ = ?is delib]ate     

/atem5t1 t he c\ld only reply--  ,oh1 y 
w\ld1 w\ld y8  ,yes1 said ,john2 !n he  
add$1 ,any dec5t boy or man w\ld4  ,oh6 
,oh1 inde$6 ,?is is v int]e/+4 ,g on1   
,v]ney4  ,scaife said he felt z if he 0 
jolly well screw$1 sir2 b he isn't4 ,i'm
 q sure he isn't4 ,he may feel l x2 b he
 isn't4  ,john c\ld see ,scaife's eyes1 
slightly blood-%ot1 b sp>kl+ ) a sort ( 
diabolical sobriety4 ,at t mom5t1 "o ?+ 
alone seem$ c]ta91 ,scaife _h rega9$    
full possession ( 8 faculties4 ,rut=d   
/>$ at ,john1 fr[n+4  ,y d>e to look me 
9 ! face & tell me t ,scaife is n drunk8
  ,v s]i\sly1 ,john answ]$1 ,i'm sure   
he's n drunk1 sir4  ,rut=d ey$ ! boy    
ke5ly4  ,h y ev] se5 anybody drunk8 he  
dem&$4  ,i live 9 ! ,new ,=e/1 said     
,john1 z gravely z be=e1 & on           
,:it-,monday---- ,he 0 aw>e t he _h made
 an impression ^u ?is big1 trucul5t man4
  ,don't try to be funny ) me1 ,v]ney4  
,on no1 sir1 z if ,i %\ld d>e6  ,well1  
well1 we are wa/+ "t4 ,trieve s5t y to  
,lovell's room to fet* ,scaife8  ,yes1  

sir4  ,& :at 0 ,scaife do+ :5 y w5t into
 ! room8 ,be v c>eful6  ,john consid]$4 
,he 0 laugh+1 sir4  ,laugh+1 0 he8  ,b  
he /opp$ laugh+ :5 ,i gave him ,trieve's
 message1 & !n he said :at ,lovell told 
y1 sir4  ,nev] m9d :at ,lovell told me4 
,give me y\r v]sion ( ! /ory4  ,scaife  
ask$ ! o!r fell[s if ,trieve _h any "r  
to fag him1 n[ t he _h got 8 'fez4' ,if 
he _h be5 drunk1 sir1 he w\ldn't h ?\ght
 ( t1 w\ld he8  ,um1 said ,rut=d1       
slightly %ak54 ,john describ$ 8 return  
to ,trieve's room1 & ,trieve's ?reat4   
,lovell & y tell ! same /ory4  ,:y1 yes1
 sir4 ,john made no delib]ate attempt to
 look simple2 b 8 face1 to ! ma/] /udy+ 
x1 seem$ q guileless4  ,j !n1 ,dumbleton
 u%]$ 9 ! doctor4 ,to him ,rut=d recit$ 
:at he knew & :at he suspect$4 ,he _h   
h>dly f9i%$ speak+1 :5 ,scaife op5$ 8   
eyes = ! second "t4 ,by a curi\s        
co9cid5ce1 ! doctor us$ ! words ( !     
h\se-ma/]4  ,well1 sir1 h[ d y feel8  ,&
 !n ,scaife answ]$1 9 ! same daz$ fa%ion
 z be=e--  ,i feel z if ,i 0 jolly well 

screw$1 sir4  ,rut=d nodd$ port5t\sly4  
,i feel1 cont9u$ ,scaife1 z ,i did once 
long ago1 :5 ,i 0 a kid & got hold ( "s 
curacoa at "o ( my fa!r's p>ties4  ,j s1
 said ! doctor4  ,same buzz+ 9 ! head1  
same bea/ly feel+1 same--same old--same 
old--gidd9ess4 ,he clos$ 8 eyes1 & 8    
head fell heavily ^u 8 *e/4  ,x looks l 
concussion1 said ! doctor1 d\btfully4 ,y
 say he fell8 ,he turn$ to ,john4  ,i 0 
j outside ! door1 said ,john4  ,we'll   
put him into ! sick-room1 ,mr4 ,rut=d4  
,& 9 a day or two he'll be himself aga94
  ,are y sure t :at                     
,i--er--fe>$--er----8  ,! doctor fr[n$4 
,! boy has _h br&y1 ( c\rse4  ,mrs4     
,puttick & ,lovell gave him pl5ty ( t1  
,john int]polat$4  ,i believe y c       
exon]ate ! boy entirely1 said ! doctor4 
,john saw t ,rut=d seem$ reliev$4  ,i h 
ord]$ ,lovell's room to be se>*$4 ,if no
 w9e or spirits are f\nd1 ,i %all be    
glad to believe t ,i h made a v         
p>donable mi/ake4  ,:ile ,scaife 0 be+  
remov$1 ,lawr5ce came 9 ) 8 report4     

,no?+ alcoholic _h be5 discov]$ 9       
,lovell's room4 ,aft] pray]s1 :i* 7 late
 t night1 ,dirty ,dick made a %ort      
spee*4  ,i _h reason to suspect1 said   
he1 t a gross brea* ( ! rules ( ! s*ool 
_h be5 made to-night by c]ta9 boys 9 ?is
 h\se4 ,x appe>s ,i 0 mi/ak54 ,no m w be
 said on ! subject by me2 & ,i ?9k t !  
less said by y1 big & small1 ! bett]4   
,good night4  ,he /rode away into !     
private side4  ,two days lat]1 ,scaife  
came back to ,no4 #ae4 ,john wond]$ :y  
he />$ at him s h>d ^u ! fir/ occasion  
:5 !y happ5$ to be alone4 ,!n ,scaife   
said--  ,well1 "y ,v]ney1 ,i %an't =get 
t1 if x hadn't be5 = y1 ,i %\ld h be5   
sack$4 ,& ,i %an't =get ei!r t y're n   
half su* a fool z y look4  ,john        
exhibit$ surprise4  ,! way y h&l$ !     
bea/1 cont9u$ ,scaife1 0 ma/]ly4 ,i he>d
 e ^w1 ?\gh my head 0 bur/+4 ,i %all    
tell ,lovell t y sav$ u4 ,oh1           
,"l--didn't ,i give ! %[ away8  ,he nev]
 tri$ to read ! p]plexity ^u ! o!r's    
face1 b w5t away laugh+4 ,he came back )

 ! ,cat]pill> half an h\r lat]1 & ! ?ree
 boys sat d[n z usual to prep>e "s      
,livy4 ,john 0 s5sible t 8 companions   
treat$ him n only z an equal--a new &   
agreeable exp]i5ce--b z a fri5d4 ,9 !   
c\rse ( ! fir/ t5 m9utes ,scaife said to
 ! ,cat]pill>--  ,he told ,dick to 8    
face t he w\ld lie to save a pal4  ,& ! 
,cat]pill> repli$ s]i\sly1 ,good kid1 v 
good kid4 ,lovell says he's go+ to give 
a tea 9 8 hon\r4  ,no1 he isn't4 ,x's my
 turn4  ,accord+ly1 ^u ! next           
half-holiday1 ,scaife gave a tea at !   
,cream]ies4 ,( all ! /range ?+s t _h    
happ5$ dur+ ! pa/ =tnight1 ?is to our   
simple ,john seem$ ! /range/4 ,he 0 n   
consci\s ( hav+ done or said any?+ to   
ju/ify ! e/eem & consid]ation 9 :i*     
,scaife1 ! ,cat]pill>1 & ,lovell seem$  
to hold him4  ,y've =gott5 ,desmond1 he 
said to ,scaife1 :5 ! latt] m5tion$ !   
names ( 8 gue/s4  ,caes> isn't com+4 ,by
 ! way1 ,v]ney1 y've n be5 talk+ to     
,caes> ab\t ! r[ 9 our h\se8  ,no1 said 
,john4 ,lawr5ce came r\nd & said t ,i   

mu/ keep my m\? %ut4  ,& naturally y did
 :at y 7 told to d8  ,! half-mock+ tone 
disappe>$ 9 a bur/ ( laught] z ,john    
answ]$--  ,yes1 ( c\rse4  ,& ,i suppose 
x nev] ent]$ y\r head t ,lawr5ce w\ld n 
h be5 s p>ticul> ab\t %utt+ y\r m\? )\t 
good reason4  ,p]haps1 said ,john1 aft] 
a pause1 ,lawr5ce 0 9 a funk le/1       
le/----  ,g on6  ,le/ ! ?+ %\ld be      
exagg]at$4  ,exactly4 ,lots ( fell[s    
w\ld g ab\t say+ t ,i 0 dead drunk--eh8 
,!y might4  ,& t w\ld be com+ dang]\sly 
ne> ! tru?4  ,oh1 ,scaife6 ,!n y really 
7----  ,scaife laugh$ aga94 ,yes1 ,i    
really 01 my ,moses 9 ! bulru%es6 ,don't
 look s mis]able4 ,i guess$ all along t 
y w]5't q 9 ! "k4 ,well1 ,i'm e bit z   
grateful4 ,y /ood up to ,dick l a h]o4  
,& my tea is 9 y\r hon\r4  ,oh1         
,scaife--y--y won't d x aga98  ,get     
screw$8 said ,scaife1 gravely4 ,i %all  
n4 ,x isn't good en\gh4 ,we've *uck$ !  
/uff away4  ,if !y'd f\nd x----         
,ah--if6 ,! old ,cat]pill> att5d$ to t4 
,he's a d[ny bird1 ,i c tell y4 ,:5     

,dick came into our room1 he slipp$ back
 to ,lovell's room1 c>ri$ (f ! :isky1   
hid x1 wa%$ ! glasses1 & !n dirti$ !m ) 
siphon & syrup4 ,! ,cat]pill> & y %[$   
great head4 ,we %all dr9k y\r heal?s    
to-morr[--9 tea & *ocolate4  ,john      
wond]$ :at ,scaife _h said to ! ,fif?4  
,at any rate1 !y ask$ ,john no que/ions1
 & treat$ him ) di/+ui%$ c\rtesy &      
fav\r2 b t ev5+1 :5 ,john 0 fagg+ 9     
,lawr5ce's room1 ! great man said       
abruptly--  ,i saw y walk+ ) ,lovell    
s5ior ?is aft]noon4  ,john expla9$4     
,lawr5ce fr[n$4  ,oh1 y've be5          
celebrat+1 h y8 ,?anksgiv+ s]vice at !  
,cream]ies4 ,n[1 look "h1 ,v]ney1 ,i've 
met y\r uncle1 & he ask$ me to keep an  
eye on y4 ,because ( t ,i made y my     
fag--y1 a gre5 h&1 :5 ,i _h ! pick ( !  
,h\se4  ,x 0 awfully good ( y1 said     
,john1 w>mly4  ,we'll s9k t4 ,i'm five  
ye>s old] ?an y1 & ,i "k e bless$--&    
curs$--he spoke ) great emphasis--?+ t  
goes on 9 ?is h\se4 ,i "k1 = in/ance1 t 
du/ 0 ?r[n1 & v clev]ly ?r[n1 into      

,rut=d's eyes1 & y help$ to ?r[ x4      
,don't speak6 ,y didn't q "k :at y 7 up 
to4 ,well1 x's lucky = ,lovell & ,co4 t 
"o innoc5t kid 0 mix$ up 9 t affair4 ,b 
x's be5 r unlucky = y4 ,i'd soon] see y 
kick$ ab\t a bit by ^? fell[s ?an pett$4
 ,i'm sorry--sorry1 d y he>8--! :ole lot
 7 n sack$4 ,& n[ y c hook x4 ,i've said
 en\gh1 p]haps too mu*1 b ,i believe ,i 
c tru/ y4  ,aft] ?is ,john %[$ 8        
gratitude by pa9/ak+ att5tion to fagg+4 
,lawr5ce became aw>e ( fai?ful s]vice3 t
 8 toa/ 0 always done to a turn1 t 8    
daily pap] 0 w>m$1 z ,john _h se5 !     
butl] at home w>m ! ,times1 t 8 p5s 7   
*ang$1 8 blott+-pap] r5ew$1 & s =?4 ,9  
,john's eyes1 ,lawr5ce occupi$ a        
position ne> ! apex ( ! _w's pyramid (  
great m54   ,,footnotes3  #ac kraipale  
is translat$ by ,liddell & ,scott z !   
result ( a debau*4     ,,*apt] ,,iv     
,torpids      ,aga9 we ru% across !     
slu%1       ,a pack ( brea?less faces1  
,& *>ge & fall1 & see ! ball       ,fly 
:izz+ ?r\gh ! bases4   ,! rema9d] ( !   

t]m slipp$ away )\t f>!r accid5t or     
incid5t4 ,ap>t f ! prep>ation ( "w1     
,john saw little ( ,scaife or ,eg]ton4  
,! ,fif? nodd$ to him 9 a fri5dly fa%ion
 :5 he pass$ !m 9 ! /reet1 &1 great]    
k9dness on _! "p1 left him alone4       
,possibly1 ,lawr5ce _h said a ^w to     
,lovell4 ,su* leisure z ,john enjoy$ 7a 
new boy at ,h>r[ has n mu*7 he sp5t ) ! 
devot$ ,fluff4 ,desmond & ,scaife walk$ 
toge!r on ,sunday aft]noons4 ,b ! fact t
 ,desmond seem$ to be vani%+ out ( 8    
horizon made no diff]5ce to ,john's     
ev]-increas+ affection = him4 ,v humbly1
 he wor%ipp$ at a di/ance4 ,on cle>1 dry
 days ,fluff & he w\ld climb to ! top ( 
! wall ( ! squa% racquet-c\rts to see   
,scaife & ,desmond play a s+le4 ,!y 7   
extraord9>ily well-mat*$ 9 /r5g?1       
activity1 & skill4 ,john notic$1 h[ev]1 
t ! ,demon lo/ 8 temp] :5 he lo/ a game1
 :]eas ,caes> only laugh$4 ,someh[ ,john
 div9$ t ! ,demon 0 mak+ ! ef=t ( 8 life
 to secure ,desmond's fri5d%ip4 ,&      
,caes> _h ideals1 /&>ds to :i* ! ,demon 

pret5d$ to atta94 ,good1 simple ,john   
made sure t ,caes> w\ld elevate ! ,demon
 to 8 plane1 t evil w\ld be exorcis$ by 
good4 ,only 9 8 dreams did ! ,demon h ! 
advantage4  ,j be=e ! end ( ! t]m1      
,caes> said to him--  ,aft] all1 ,i'm   
jolly glad ,i'm com+ into y\r ,h\se1    
because ! old ,demon is su* a ripp]2 &  
he & ,i h be5 talk+ ?+s ov]4 ,he's z mad
 ke5 z ,i am ab\t games1 & al?\gh !     
,manorites h n play$ 9 a cock-h\se mat* 
at cricket or foot] = ye>s1 /ill !re is 
a *ance = u at ,torpids next t]m4 ,y'll 
play1 ,v]ney4 ,y've improv$ a lot1 s !  
,demon says1 & he'll be capta94 ,!n !re 
are ! sports4 ,if only ,dirty ,dick c\ld
 be knock$ on ! head1 ! ,manor might    
jump to ! front aga94  ,x w1 said ,john4
  ,:5 ! ,s*ool reassembl$ aft] ,*ri/mas1
 ,desmond ent]$ ! ,manor1 & f\nd himself
 ) ,scaife 9 a two-room4 ,a civil note f
 ! man ( millions _h arrang$ ?is4 ,to   
,john 0 giv5 a two-room1 also1 ) !      
,duff] z /able companion4 ,fluff rema9$ 
9 ,no4 #ae4 ,! ,duff] _h got 8 remove f 

! ,top ,%ell into ,john's =m4 ,scaife & 
,desmond 7 elevat$ into ! ,upp] ,remove4
 ,x foll[$1 !re=e1 t ,scaife & ,desmond 
prep>$ "w 9 _! own room1 ! ,cat]pill>   
jo9+ ! ,duff] & ,john4 ,?us x w be se5  
t1 al?\gh ,desmond _h become a          
,manorite1 he 01 practically speak+1 out
 ( ,john's orbit4  ,! ,cat]pill> _h n[  
be5 ?ree ye>s 9 ! s*ool1 & he gov]n$    
himself accord+ly4 ,he put on a         
b>maid#ad coll> & sp5t mu* "t on ! top  
/ep ( ! boys' entrance to ! ,manor4 ,no 
m]e two-ye>-old presum$ to occupy ?is   
sacr$ spot4 ,_h he d>$ to d s1 !        
,cat]pill> w\ld h made ?+s v sultry =   
him4 ,also1 he in=m$ ! ,duff] & ,john t1
 by virtue ( 8 position1 he propos$ to  
prep>e no "w at all4 ,ea* con 0 divid$  
into two equal p>ts3 ! ,duff] mugg$ up  
"o2 ,john ! o!r4 ,!n ! ,cat]pill> w\ld  
be summon$1 & glean ! h>ve/4 ,! ,duff]  
_h a crib or two1 b ! ,cat]pill> =bade  
_! use4  ,y kids1 said he1 ought n to   
use ',bohns4' ,besides1 x's dang]\s4  ,!
 ,cat]pill>'s deportm5t & coolness fill$

 ,john & ! ,duff] ) respect &           
admiration4 ,! ma/] 9 *>ge ( ! ,l[]     
,remove happ5$ to be %ort-sight$4 ,!    
,cat]pill> took %ameful advantage ( ?is4
 ,at repetitions1 = in/ance1 he w\ld    
read ,horace's odes (f a torn-out page  
conceal$ 9 ! palm ( 8 h&1 or--if        
practicable--p9 ! page on to ! ma/]'s   
desk4  ,he _h g5ius = extricat+ himself 
7& o!rs7 out ( :at boys call tight      
places4 ,"o anecdote1 well kn[n to !    
,l[] ,s*ool & repeat$ z pro( ( !        
,cat]pill>'s ma/]ly me?ods1 may s]ve to 
illu/rate ! sort ( influ5ce ,eg]ton     
wield$4 ,:5 he 0 9 ! ,f\r?1 8 =m met 9 !
 ,old ,s*ools 9 a room n f> f t augu/   
*amb] us$ by ! ,head ,ma/] & ,upp]      
,six?4 ,"o day1 ! ma/] 9 *>ge ( ! =m    
happ5$ to be late4 ,! small boys 9 !    
passage celebrat$ 8 abs5ce ) dance &    
song4 ,:5 ! belat$ man arriv$1 a monitor
 await$ him4 ,! ,head ,ma/] pres5t$ 8   
complim5ts to ,mr4 ,a---- & wi%$ to le>n
 ! names ( ! boys :o _h creat$ su* a    
sc&al\s di/urbance4 ,mr4 ,a---- invit$ !

 roy/]]s to give up _! names "u p5alties
 ( extra s*ool4 ,hateful necessity6     
,sil5ce succe$$4 ,a---- grew irate4 ,!  
monitor tri$ to conceal a smile4  ,any  
boy :o 0 mak+ any noise at all--/& up4  
,! ,cat]pill> rose sl[ly1 long & ?91    
spick & span4  ,if y please1 sir1 said  
he1 ,i 0 :isp]+6  ,a----'s s5se ( hum\r 
0 tickl$4  ,my complim5ts to ! ,head    
,ma/]1 said he1 & please tell him t ,i  
f9d1 on c>eful inquiry1 t ,eg]ton       
0--:isp]+4  ,a %\t ( laught] f ,olympus 
proclaim$ t ! message _h be5 deliv]$4 ,!
 ,cat]pill> _h sav$ ! situation4  ,john 
became a disciple ( ?is accompli%$ "y   
g5tleman & tri$ to imitate him4 ,=      
,eg]ton repres5t$1 fai?fully en\gh1     
traditions to :i* ,john b[$ ! knee4 ,^u 
any po9t ( s*oolboy hon\r 8 au?ority    
rul$ supreme4 ,he told ! tru? among 8   
pe]s2 he loa!d obsc5ity2 he dislik$ &   
condemn$ bad language4  ,! be/ m5 don't 
swe> mu*1 he w\ld say4 ,x's doosid bad  
=m4 ,i all[ myself a 'damn' or two1 no?+
 m4 ,my great-gr&fa!r1 :o 0 "o ( !      

,reg5cy lot1 0 kn[n z ,curs+ ,eg]ton1 b 
n[adays we leave t sort ( ?+ to b>gees4 
,q unconsci\sly1 ,john assimilat$ !     
,cat]pill>'s axioms4  ,we're n s5t "h at
 enorm\s exp5se to le>n only ,lat9 &    
,greek4 ,at ,h>r[ & ,eton "o is lick$   
into %ape = ! big ?+s3 diplomacy1       
politics1 ! ,s]vices4 ,"o is taught     
mann]s1 :at8 ,i'm n a m>ry+ sort ( man1 
b if ,i d h sons ,i %all s5d 'em "h1 ev5
 if ,i h to p9* a bit4  ,?is 0 ! side ( 
,eg]ton :i* appeal$ s /rongly to ,john4 
,! ,cat]pill> 0 an ,h>rovian to ! core1 
l ! ,duff] & ,caes> ,desmond4 ,he       
deplor$ ! increas+ pr$om9ance ( sons ( v
 ri* m54 ,& he ana!matiz$ ,h>rovian     
fa!rs :o 7 p]suad$ by ,etonian wives to 
s5d _! sons to ! ,pla9 in/ead ( to !    
,hill4 ,t "s ( ! fam\s ,h>r[ families1  
:o ow$ s mu* to ! ,s*ool1 %\ld =sake x1 
seem$ to ,eg]ton ! unp>donable s94      
,dur+ ?is t]m1 regretfully mu/ x be     
record$ t ,john scamp$ 8 prep & ragg$ 9 
=m :5ev] a suitable *ance pres5t$       
itself4 ,! ,duff] & he brib$ a ,*aw#ae  

to ?r[ gravel aga9/ ! w9d[s ( ! room :]e
 ! boys 7 suppos$ to be ma/]+ ! problems
 ( ,euclid & algebra4 ,! tique#af ma/]  
_h be5 ,?ird ,wrangl]1 b he c\ldn't     
tackle 8 ,division prop]ly4 ,^u ?is     
occasion ! *aw creat$ su* a di/urbance t
 7on audaci\s dem&7 leave 0 grant$ to ! 
,duff] & ,john to capture ! (f5d]4 ,! "y
 rascals pursu$ ! *aw z f> z !          
,metropolitan ,/ation1 & pres5t$ t      
consci5ti\s y\? ) ano!r sixp5ce4 ,!n x  
occurr$ to ,john t x might be exp$i5t to
 capture "s bogus prison]2 s by means ( 
talk1 sug>$ ) *ocolates1 !y p]suad$ a   
little girl to imp]sonate ! ?r[] (      
gravel4 ,! little girl1 c>efully coa*$ 9
 h] "p1 0 l$ to ! ,wrangl]1 b           
/age-fright made h] bur/ into te>s at ! 
critical mom5t4 ,someh[ or o!r ! tru?   
leak$ out2 ! ,duff] & ,john 7 s5t up to 
! ,head ,ma/] & swi%$4 ,ea* collect$ a  
few twigs ( ! bir*1 c>efully pres]v$ to 
?is day4  ,meantime1 ! ,torpid          
h\se-mat*es 7 com+ on1 & ! ,s*ool agre$1
 wond]+ly1 t ,dirty ,dick's _h a *ance (

 be+ cock-h\se4 ,! fact t ! ,manor has  
lo/ ca/e br\ght ab\t ?is possibility4   
,boys j "u fifte5 f\nd room at ! ,manor 
:5 o!r h\ses 7 full4 ,all ! ,manorites 9
 ! ,%ell & ,removes 7 fell[s :o _h come 
to ,h>r[ r ov] ?an "u f\rte5 ye>s ( age4
  ,& :5 ! li/ ( ! ,torpid ,elev5 0 po/$1
 didn't ,john's he>t boil ) pride :5 he 
read 8 own "n at ! bottom ( x8  ,!      
,manor won ! fir/ & ! second ( ! mat*es4
 ,!n came ! semi-f9al1 ) ,dam]'s4 ,:5 ! 
teams met 9 ! play+-fields ! diff]5ce 9 
! size ( ! play]s 0 rem>k$4 ,dam]'s     
,torpids 7 small boys1 n mu* bigg] ?an  
,john or ! ,duff]4 ,b !y _h beh9d !m t  
/up5d\s =ce :i* is fa%ion$ out ( pride1 
esprit de corps1 self-confid5ce begott5 
( long-cont9u$ success1 &1 /ronge/ (    
all1 ! conviction t e man-,jack w\ld    
fight till he dropp$ = ! hon\r & glory (
 ! crack h\se at ,h>r[4 ,n a boy 9      
,dam]'s team 0 ,scaife's equal z a      
play]1 b 9 ,scaife's /r5g? lay !        
weakness ( ! ,manorites4 ,!y reli$ ^u "o
 play]2 ,dam]'s p9n$ fai? to elev54  ,z 

x happ5$ to be a f9e day1 ! ,s*ool turn$
 out 9 =ce to witness ! mat*4 ,mo/ ( !  
ma/]s 7 pres5t1 & "s ladies4 ,rut=d1    
h[ev]1 _h bus9ess else:]e4 ,! ,s*ool    
comm5t$ ^u 8 abs5ce ) sly smiles & %rugs
 ( ! %\ld]4 ,"s ( ! ,manorites 7        
indiff]5t2 ! bett] sort rag$4 ,!        
,cat]pill> appe>$ ^u ! gr\nd 9 a        
faultless ov]coat1 c>ry+ a l>ge bag (   
lemons4 ,8 /raw hat 0 cock$ at a slight 
angle4  ,"o is really uncommonly oblig$ 
to ,dirty ,dick = /ay+ away1 he told    
ev]ybody4 ,speak+ p]sonally1 ! m]e sight
 ( him is v upsett+ to me4 ,ke5 z "o    
feels ab\t ?is mat*1 "o c't d5y t !re is
 n room 9 a foot] field = ,dirty ,dick &
 a self-respect+ p]son4  ,none ! less1 !
 abs5ce ( _! h\se-ma/] _h a bad effect  
^u ! ,torpids4 ,dam]1 y may be sure1 _h 
come d[n1 prep>$ to *e] l\d] ?an any boy
 9 8 h\se2 ,dam]1 x 0 :isp]$1 _h be5    
kn[n to %$ te>s :5 8 h\se suff]$ defeat2
 ,dam]1 9 f9e1 inspir$ ard\rs--a passion
 ( endeav\r4  ,scaife won ! toss & kick$
 (f4  ,= ! fir/ five m9utes no?+ (      

int]e/ happ5$4 ,dam]'s play$            
collectively2 ! ,manorites r wait$ ^u ! 
individual4 ,:5 ,scaife's *ance came1 s 
x 0 pr$ict$1 he w\ld g ?r\gh ! ,dam]'s  
c5tre z irresi/ibly z a ,russian        
battle%ip cuts ?r\gh a fleet (          
fi%+-smacks4  ,rut=d be+ abs5t1         
,dumbleton1 ! butl]1 /ood well to ! =e4 
,he nev] miss$ a h\se-mat*1 & no "o c\ld
 guess1 look+ at 8 wood5 c\nt5ance1 h[ !
 game 0 go+2 = he accept$ ei!r defeat or
 victory ) a dignifi$ self-re/ra9t4 ,a  
sm>t bit ( "w provok$ a bl&1 ,well      
play$1 sir1 v well play$1 sir6 utt]$ 9 !
 same respectful tone 9 :i* he reque/$  
,lovell1 let u say1 to g to ,mr4        
,rut=d's /udy aft] pray]s4 ,! fags      
believ$ t ,dumb]1 :o _h begun 8 c>e] z  
boot-boy at ! ,manor 9 ! glori\s days ( 
old1 _h giv5 notice to leave :5 he le>n$
 t ,dirty ,dick 0 ab\t to assume comm&2 
b _h be5 prevail$ ^u to /ay by ! promise
 ( an enorm\s sal>y4 ,no?+ di/urb$ 8    
equanimity4 ,on ! previ\s ,saturday     
ev5+1 ,john _h heat$ ! wrong end ( !    

pok] 9 ,no4 #ae1 kn[+ t ,dumb]'s duty   
con/ra9$ him to m>* r\nd ! ,h\se aft]   
lights out1 to rake out any fires t     
might be /ill burn+4 ,snug "u 8         
c\nt]pane1 ! practical jok] await$1     
*uckl+1 a *ol]ic ^w f ! impassive &     
impeccable butl]4 ,h[ did ,dumb] div9e t
 ! pok] 0 unduly hot & black ) soot     
und]nea?8 ,:o c answ] t "q8 ,! fact     
rema9s t he seiz$ ,john's be/ ,sunday   
tr\s]s :i* 7 laid out on a *air1 & hold+
 ! pok] ) ^!1 accompli%$ 8 task )\t     
rem>k or smile4 ,! tr\s]s _h to be s5t  
to ! tailor's to be clean$4  ,n f> f    
,dumb] /ood a gr\p ( small boys1 includ+
 ! unhappy ,fluff--unhappy because he 0 
n play+1 despite ardu\s tra9+ 7entirely 
to please ,john7 & sy/ematic coa*+4 ,8  
failure meant fur!r sep>ation f ,john1  
:om1 x w be rememb]$1 he w\ld h be5     
all[$ to call by 8 ,*ri/ian "n1 _h he   
be5 includ$ among/ ! ,torpids4 ,( late1 
,fluff _h n se5 mu* ( ,john1 & 9 8 d>k  
h\rs he all[$ 8 ?\ghts to l+]1 n        
unpleasantly sometimes1 ^u premature    

dea? & ,john's subsequ5t remorse4       
,meantime1 ,scaife & ,desmond 7 play+ a 
furi\s game :i* mu/ h prov$ successful  
_h x n be5 = ! admirable /ead9ess ( !   
enemy4 ,lawr5ce wat*$ _! ef=ts )        
compress$ lips & fr[n+ br[s4 ,he        
knew--:o bett]8--t 8 cracks 7 te>+      
!mselves to tatt]s2 b 8 prote/s 7 dr[n$ 
by ! %rill *e]s ( ! fags4               
,rut=ds--,rut=-r-r-r-r-ds6 ,g x1 old    
,demon6--,jolly well play$1             
,caes>6--,sky him6#ag--,well ski$1      
sir6--,ah-h-h-h6 ,well giv5--well tak56 
,! la/1 long-drawn-out exclamation      
proclaim$ t ,y>ds#ah _h be5 giv5 to     
,scaife "r 9 front ( ,dam]'s base4      
,dam]'s retreat$2 ,scaife1 ) heav+ *e/1 
balanc$ ! big ball betwe5 ! tips ( 8    
f+]s4  ,oh-h-h-h-h6  ,scaife _h miss$ an
 easy %ot4 ,lawr5ce c\ld see t ! boy 0  
trembl+ ) disappo9tm5t & mortification4 
,b>b$ arr[s f ,dam]'s small boys pi]c$  
,manorite he>ts4  ,jolly well bo%$1     
,scaife6--,good1 k9d1 old ,demon6--,?ank
 y1 ,scaife6-- & l d]isive approbation  

roll$ f lip to lip4 ,! ,cat]pill> turn$ 
to ,lovell4  ,%[+ temp]1 a9't he8  ,yes1
 said ,lovell4  ,clev] *ap1 said !      
,cat]pill>1 reflectively2 b "o is rem9d$
 t a /ream c't rise high] ?an its s\rce4
 ,n m9e t--! gov]nor's6 ,caes> is fac+ !
 *aff ) a gr94  ,! game began aga94 ,b  
soon x became evid5t t ,scaife _h lo/1 n
 only 8 temp]1 b 8 head4 ,he ru%$ "h &  
!re ) s little judgm5t t ! odds among/ !
 sport+ fell[s w5t to six to f\r aga9/ !
 ,manor4 ,at ! beg9n+ ( ! game !y 7 six 
to f\r ! o!r way4 ,&1 inevitably1       
,scaife's wild & furi\s ef=ts unbalanc$ 
,desmond's play4 ,bo? boys 7 out ( _!   
prop] places to ! confusion ( ! re/ ( ! 
team4 ,)9 half an h\r ,dam]'s _h scor$  
two bases to no?+4  ,! ,cat]pill>       
di/ribut$ halves ( lemons4 ,lawr5ce w5t 
up to ,scaife4 ,! capta9 ( ! ,torpids 0 
/&+ ap>t1 n f> f ,desmond1 :o 0 suck+ a 
lemon ) a puzzl$ expression4 ,gallant1  
sweet-temp]$1 & always hopeful1 ,caes>  
c\ld n und]/& 8 fri5d's passion ( rage &
 res5tm5t4 ,) ! tact ( 8 race1 h[ev]1 he

 held alo(1 smil+ feebly1 because he _h 
sworn to himself n to fr[n4 ,_h he look$
 to 8 "r1 he w\ld h se5 ,john1 also     
suck+ a lemon1 b und]/udy+ 8 idol's     
non*alant attitude & smile4 ,john 0     
s5sible ( an ov]p[]+ desire to fl+      
himself ^u ! gr\nd & h[l4 ,in/ead he    
suck$ 8 lemon1 />$ at ,desmond1 &       
smil$--valiantly4  ,scaife1 said        
,lawr5ce1 gravely1 y're n play+ ! game4 
,scaife sc[l$4 ,i only "k ,i've half    
kill$ myself1 he mutt]$4  ,lawr5ce      
cont9u$ 9 ! same /eady voice1 ,yes2     
because y miss$ an easy base :i* has    
happ5$ to me & e o!r play] scores (     
times4 ,come "h1 ,desmond4  ,desmond    
jo9$ !m4 ,lawr5ce's face bright5$ :5 he 
saw hopeful eyes & a gallant smile4  ,y 
don't despair8  ,we'll knock 'em into   
smi!re5s yet4  ,t's ! ,h>r[ _s1 b temp] 
y\r det]m9ation to w9 ) a little common 
s5se4 ,y've ov]done x1 bo? ( y4 ,take my
 tip3 !y'll play up l blazes4 ,def5d y\r
 own base2 & !n1 :5 !y're sp5t1 trample 
on 'em4  ,?ank y1 said ,desmond4        

,scaife nodd$ sulkily4  ,none ! less he 
_h too great respect = ,lawr5ce's       
ability & exp]i5ce z a capta9 to        
disreg>d 8 advice4 ,aft] ! kick-(f1     
,dam]'s did play up1 & ! ,manor _h to   
def5d its base aga9/ su/a9$ & fi]ce     
attack4 ,aga9 & aga9 a ?ird base 0 almo/
 kick$1 aga9 & aga9 sup]ior weight      
prevail$ 9 ! scrimmages4 ,)9 t5 m9utes  
,dam]'s 7 gasp+ & we>y4 ,& !n1 ! ball 0 
=c$ out ( ! scrimmage & kick$ to ! top  
side1 ,desmond's place 9 ! field4       
,comp>atively fre%1 see+ ! glori\s      
opportunity1 grasp+ x1 hugg+ x1 ,caes>  
swoop$ on ! ball4 ,he _h ! heels ( any  
boy on ! opposite side4 ,d[n ! field he 
sp$1 fa/] & fa/]1 amid ! ro>s ( !       
,s*ool1 ro>s :i* came to 8 e>s l ! deep 
boom+ ( break]s ^u a lee %ore4 ,to _m ( 
^? wat*+ him1 ! sight ( t graceful      
figure1 t %9+1 ard5t face1 reveal+ !    
promise :i* y\? & beauty always (f] to a
 delight$ _w1 became an ineffaceable    
memory4 ,dam] turn$ to ! ,head ( 8 h\se4
  ,& ,desmond ought to be "o ( u1 he    

groan$4  ,& n[ ,caes> _h pass$ all      
=w>ds4 ,if he keeps 8 wits a base is    
c]ta94 ,! full back alone lies betwe5   
him & triumph4 ,b ?is is ! mom5t1 !     
psy*ological mom5t1 :5 "o t9y mi/ake w  
prove irrevocable4 ,! ,head ( ,dam]'s   
:isp]s z mu* to ,dam]1 :o smiles sadly4 
,8 fa!r's son w n blund] n[1 he replies4
  ,nor does he4 ,! mi/ake--= mi/ake !re 
mu/ be on "o side or t'o!r--is made by  
,dam]'s back4 ,z ! ball rolls halfway   
betwe5 !m1 ! back hesitates & falt]s4   
,"o base to two--& eighte5 m9utes to    
play6  ,! second base 0 kick$ by ,scaife
 five m9utes lat]4  ,by ?is "t ! ,s*ool 
knew t !y 7 look+ on at a cock-h\se     
mat*1 n a semi-f9al4 ,x 0 ! weal? (     
,dives aga9/ ! wid['s mite t ! w9n] (   
?is mat* w\ld defeat easily ei!r ( ! two
 rema9+ h\ses4 ,& n a man or boy on !   
gr\nd c\ld "n ) any conviction ! bett]  
elev54 ,! bett+ langui%$ at ev5s4       
,moreov]1 bo? sides 7 play+ canny1 risk+
 no?+1 nurs+ _! en]gies = ! la/ furi\s  
five m9utes4 ,dam] began to fidget2 ?an 

he dropp$ out ( ! front rank (          
spectators4 ,he c\ldn't /& /ill to see 8
 boys w9--or lose4 ,he pac$ up & d[n    
beh9d ! fags1 :o w9k$ at ea* o!r4       
,dam]'s got ! ne$le1 !y :isp]$4         
,dumbleton1 h[ev]1 /ood /ill2 a grav5   
image ( ,high ,life bel[ ,/airs4  ,:at d
 y ?9k1 ,dumb]8 ask$ ,fluff4  ,i ?9k1 my
 "l1 repli$ ,dumb]1 solemnly1 t e m9ute 
improves our *ance1 b if x goes on mu*  
long]1 he add$ phlegmatically1 ,i %all  
fall d[n dead4 ,my 'e>t's weak1 my "l4  
,?is 0 an anci5t joke deliv]$ by ,dumb] 
z if x 7 br&-new1 & receiv$ by ! fags 9 
a l _s4  ,bless y1 y've got no he>t1    
,dumb]4 ,x's turn$ into tummy long ago1 
or1 9 sca?+ acc5ts1 ,x's n y\r he>t t's 
out ( :ack1 ,dumb]1 b y\r bli!r+ old    
headpiece4 ,:at a pity y c't buy a new  
"o6 & s on & s =?4  ,v soon1 h[ev]1 ?is 
*aff ceas$4 ,excitem5t began to %ake !  
spectators4 ,!y felt x up & d[n _! sp9al
 columns2 x =m$ itself into lumps 9 _!  
?roats2 x gave "o or two cramp 9 !      
calves ( _! legs2 x r$d5$ _m *eeks &    

:it5$ z _m m4 ,! ,cat]pill> pull$ out 8 
wat*4  ,?ree & a half m9utes1 he ann\nc$
 9 a voice :i* fell l ! crack ( doom ^u 
! sil5t cr[d4 ,if !y c\ld h *e]$ or     
*aff$6 ,b ! absolute equality ( ! la/   
desp]ate /ruggle prev5t$ any            
demon/ration4 ,! ball 0 worri$ ?r\gh a  
scrimmage1 escap$ to ! "r1 slid out to !
 left1 only to be return$ :5ce x came4  
,x seem$ z if bo? sides 7 unable to kick
 x1 & :5 kick$ x seem$ to refuse to move
 z if weight$ by ! ev]-increas+ burd5 ( 
susp5se4444  ,n[--n['s y\r *ance6 yell$ 
! ,manorites4 ,to _! flam+ s5ses ! ball 
appe>$ to be ly+1 a huge blurr$ sph]e1  
^u ! muddy grass2 & ! ,elev5s 7 /upidly 
/>+ at x4 ,! ,sa9ts be prais$6 ,"s fell[
 c move4 ,:o is x8 ,! play]s1 big &     
little1 are s daub$ ) mud f head to foot
 z to be unrecognizable4 ,ah-h-h6 ,x's  
"y ,v]ney4  ,good kid6 ,well play$--,i  
say1 well play$1 well pla-a-a-a-y$6     
,our ,john has1 x seems1 di/+ui%$       
himself4 ,he has *>g$ valiantly into !  
capta9 ( ,dam]'s at ! mom5t :5 t        

illu/ri\s *ief is ab\t to kick ! ball to
 a tru/$ lieut5ant on ! left4 ,he       
succe$s 9 kick+ ! ball into ,john's     
face4 ,john goes ov] backw>ds2 b ! ball 
falls j 9 front ( ! ,duff]4  ,kick x1   
,duff]--kick x1 y old ass6  ,! ,duff]   
kicks x mo/ accurately1 kicks x well out
 to ! top side4 ,n[1 c ,desmond repeat 8
 amaz+ p]=mance8 ,yes--,no--he c't4 ,!  
conditions are no long] ! same4 ,half a 
doz5 fell[s are betwe5 him & ! ,dam]    
base4  ,alas6 ,! ,manor is ab\t to      
receive a second object-lesson ^u !     
fatuity ( tru/+ to individuals4         
,confid5t 9 ,caes>'s ability to take !  
ball at lea/ )9 kick+ di/ance ( ! base1 
!y h ru%$ =w>d1 leav+ ungu>d$ _! own    
citadel4 ,caes>1 go+ too fa/1 misjudges 
! di/ance betwe5 himself & ! back4 ,a   
second lat] ! ball is well on its way to
 ! ,manor's base4 ,! back awaits x1     
coolly en\gh2 kn[+ t ,dam]'s =w>ds are  
(fside4 ,!n he kicks ! sodd51 slipp]y   
ball--h>d4 ,an exclamation ( horror     
bur/s f ! ,manorites4 ,_! back has kick$

 ! ball /raight into ! h&s ( ! ,dam]ite 
capta91 ! /eadie/ play] on ! gr\nd4     
,y>ds6  ,! *ief collects himself = a    
decisive ef=t1 & !n despat*es ! ball    
/raight & true = ! t>get4         99    
99       99       99       99  ,x pass$ 
betwe5 ! po/s )9 =ty-five seconds ( "t4 
,,footnotes3  #ad ,! b>maid coll> is !  
d\ble coll>1 at t "t j com+ into fa%ion4
  #ae ,*aw1 %ort = ,*awbacon4  #af      
,tique1 ab4 = ari?metic4 ,tique-beaks   
are ma!matical ma/]s4  #ag ,to sky1 i4e4
 to *>ge & ov]?r[4  #ah ,9 ! ,h>r[ game 
a boy may turn & kick ! ball into ! h&s 
( "o ( 8 own side4 ,! boy :o cat*es x   
calls ,y>ds6 &1 ! opposite side )draw+  
?ree y>ds1 ! cat*] is all[$ a free kick4
     ,,*apt] ,v  ,fell[%ip              
,fell[%ip is ,heav51 & ! lack ( x is    
,hell4   ,john 0 squel*+ ?r\gh ! mud1   
wond]+ :e!r 8 nose 0 brok5 or n1 :5     
,lawr5ce t\*$ 8 %\ld]4  ,nev] m9d1      
,v]ney1 he said *e]ily2 ! ,manor w be   
cock-h\se at ,torpids next ye>1 & ,i    
v5ture to prophesy t y'll be ,capta94   

,oh1 ?anks1 ,lawr5ce1 said ,john4  ,b1  
mu* z he appreciat$ ?is tribute f !     
great man1 & mu* z x s]v$ to mitigate ! 
pangs ( defeat1 a yet happi] /roke (    
=tune 0 ab\t to befall him4 ,desmond1 :o
 always walk$ up f ! football field )   
,scaife1 conf]r$ ^u ,john ! hon\r ( 8   
company4  ,:]e's ,scaife8 said ,john4   
,! ,demon is demoniac1 said ,desmond4   
,he's lo/ 8 hair1 & he blames me4 ,well1
 ,i did my be/1 & s did he1 & !re's no m
 to be said4 ,x's a bore t we %all be   
too old to play next ye>4 ,i told !     
,demon t if we _h to be beat51 ,i w\ld  
soon] take a lick+ f ,dam]'s ?an any o!r
 h\se2 & he told me t he believ$ ,i     
want$ 'em to w94 ,:5 a fell['s 9 t sort 
( bl9d rage1 ,i call him dotty1 don't y8
  ,yes1 said ,john4  ,y play$ jolly     
well1 ,v]ney2 ,i expect ,lawr5ce told y 
s4  ,he did say some?+ dec5t1 ,john     
repli$4  ,! ,cat]pill> jo9$ !m z !y 7   
pass+ ?r\gh ! /ile4 ,we %\ld h won1 he  
said delib]ately1 if ! ,demon hadn't    
behav$ l a rank outsid]4  ,scaife is my 

pal1 said ,desmond1 hotly4  ,!          
,cat]pill> %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s1 & held high 
8 well-cut1 aquil9e nose1 z he murmur$--
  ,"o doesn't pret5d to be a ,*ri/ian1 b
 z a g5tleman "o accepts a bit ( bad    
luck )\t gna%+ "o's tee?4 ,:at8 ,t      
,sp>tan boy ) ! fox 0 a well br$ 'un1 y 
c take my ^w = x4 ,scaife isn't4  ,!    
,cat]pill> jo9$ ano!r pair ( boys be=e  
,desmond c\ld reply4 ,john look$        
uncom=table4 ,!n ,desmond bur/ out )    
,iri% vehem5ce--  ,eg]ton is always jaw+
 ab\t bre$+4 ,x's r snobbi%4 ,i don't   
?9k ! worse ( ,scaife because 8 gr&fa!r 
c>ri$ a hod4 ,! ,eg]tons h be5 liv+ at  
,m\nt ,eg]ton ev] s9ce !y left ,m\nt    
,ar>at1 b :at h !y done8 ,& he ought to 
make all[ances = ! old ,demon4 ,he 0    
simply mad ke5 to w9 ?is mat*1 & he has 
a temp]4 ,y l him1 ,v]ney1 don't y8     
,john hesitat$1 realiz+ t to speak !    
tru? w\ld (f5d ! "o fell[ 9 ! s*ool :om 
he wi%$ to please & conciliate4 ,!n he  
blurt$ out--  ,no--,i don't4  ,y don't8 
,desmond's frank1 blue eyes1 ,iri% eyes1

 deeply blue1 ) black la%es encircl+ !m1
 betray$ amazem5t & curiosity--s ,john  
?\ght--r ?an ang]4 ,y don't8 he cont9u$4
 ,:y n8 ,! old ,demon likes y2 he says y
 got him out ( a tight place4 ,:y don't 
y l him1 ,v]ney8  ,john's m9d _h to     
speculate vaguely :e!r or n ,desmond    
knew ! nature ( ! tight place--tight 0  
su* a v descriptive adjective--out ( :i*
 he _h pull$ ,scaife4 ,!n he said       
n]v\sly--  ,i don't l him               
because--because he likes--y4  ,likes   
me8 ,:at a rum 'un y are1 ,v]ney6 ,:y   
%\ldn't he l me8  ,because1 said ,john1 
boldly meet+ ! em]g5cy ) ! conviction t 
he _h burnt 8 %ips1 & mu/ advance )\t   
fe>1 because he's n half good en\gh = y4
  ,desmond bur/ out laugh+2 ! cle>1 r++ 
laugh ( 8 fa!r1 :i* _h (t5 allay$ an    
incipi5t mut9y bel[ ! gangway1 & *>m$   
aside ! imp5d+ disa/] ( a               
snat*-division4 ,& x is on "o's own side
 9 ! ,h\se ( ,commons t good temp] tells
 pre-em95tly4  ,n good en\gh = me6 he   
repeat$4 ,?anks awfully4 ,evid5tly y h a

 high op9ion (--me4  ,yes1 said ,john4  
,! quiet monosyllable1 s sob]ly1 s      
s]i\sly utt]$1 *all5g$ ,desmond's       
att5tion4 ,he />$ = a mom5t at ,john's  
face--n an attractive object4 ,blood &  
mud disfigur$ x4 ,b ! grey eyes met !   
blue unwav]+ly4 ,desmond flu%$4  ,y've  
/uck me on a sort ( p$e/al4 ,8 tone 0 z 
s]i\s z ,john's4  ,yes1 said ,john4  ,!y
 7 opposite ! ,music ,s*ools4 ,! o!r    
,manorites _h run on4 ,= ! mom5t !y /ood
 alone1 t5 ?\s& leagues f ,h>r[1 alone 9
 ^? sublimat$ spaces :]e s\l meets s\l  
unfett]$ by fle%4 ,aft]w>ds1 n !n1 ,john
 knew t ?is 0 s4 ,he met ! real ,desmond
 = ! fir/ "t1 & ,desmond met ! real     
,john 9 a ?or\ghf>e o!r ?an t :i* leads 
to ! ,manor1 o!r ?an t :i* leads to any 
h\se built by human h&s1 ^u ! %9+       
highway ( ,heav54  ,%all we try to set  
d[n ,desmond's feel+s at ?is crisis8    
,till n[1 8 life _h run gaily ?r\gh     
fragrant g>d5s1 s to speak3 pleasaunces 
full ( fl[]s1 ( sweet-smell+ h]bs1 (    
/ately trees1 a p>adise inde$ f :i* !   

ugly1 ! crude1 ! h>mful _h be5 rigor\sly
 exclud$4 ,happy ! boy :o has su* a home
 z 0 allott$ to ,h>ry ,desmond6 ,& f x1 
ev] s9ce he c\ld rememb]1 he _h receiv$ 
t5d] love1 absolute tru/1 ! traditions (
 a great family ^: "n 0 "p ( ,engli%    
hi/ory1 an exquisite ref9em5t1 & ) ^!1 !
 gratification ( all reasonable desires4
 ,& ?is magnific5t upbr++ %one out ( 8  
radiant face1 ! inexpressible *>m ( y\? 
unspott$--:ite4 ,scaife's upbr++1 ( :i* 
y %all "k m pres5tly1 _h be5 f> diff]5t1
 & yet he1 ! cynic & ! unclean1         
recogniz$ ! ,god 9 ,h>ry ,desmond4 ,he  
_h n1 = in/ance1 told ,desmond ( !      
nature ( t tight place2 he _h kept a    
gu>d ov] 8 tongue2 he _h int]pos$ 8 own 
/rong w betwe5 8 fri5d & su* att5tion z 
a boy ( ,desmond's attractiv5ess might  
provoke f ,lovell s5ior & ! l4 ,x is    
true t ,scaife 0 well aw>e t )\t ^!     
precautions he w\ld h lo/ 8 fri5d2 none 
! less1 above & beyond ?is consci\sness 
hov]$ ! high]1 m subtle intuition t !   
good 9 ,desmond 0 some?+ n lightly to be

 tamp]$ )1 some?+ awe-inspir+2 ! m s    
because1 poor fell[6 he _h nev] enc\nt]$
 x be=e4  ,desmond /ood /ill1 ) 8 eyes  
^u ,john's discol\r$ face4 ,n ! lea/ (  
,caes>'s *>ms 0 8 lack (                
self-consci\sness4 ,n[1 = ! fir/ "t1 he 
tri$ to see himself z ,john saw him--on 
a p$e/al4 ,& s /rong 0 ,john's ideal t 9
 a s5se ,desmond did cat* a glimpse (   
himself z ,john saw him4 ,& !n foll[$ a 
rapid comp>ison1 fir/ betwe5 ! real & ! 
ideal1 & secondly betwe5 himself &      
,scaife4 ,8 face broke into a smile4    
,:y1 ,v]ney1 he exclaim$1 y mu/n't turn 
me into a sort ( ,gold5 ,calf4 ,& z =   
,scaife n be+ good en\gh = me1 :y1 he's 
miles ahead ( me 9 ev]y?+4 ,he's clev]]1
 bett] at games1 t5 ?\s& times bett]    
look+1 & "o day he'll be a big p[]1 & ,i
 %all always be a poor man4 ,:y1 ,i--,i 
don't m9d tell+ y t ,i us$ to keep out (
 ,scaife's way1 al?\gh he 0 always      
awfully civil to me1 because he has s   
mu* & ,i s little4  ,he's n half good   
en\gh = y1 repeat$ ,john1 ) ! ,v]ney    

ob/9acy4 ,unwitt+ly he slightly         
emphasiz$ ! good4  ,good8 ,d y mean     
'pi'8 ,he's n t1 ?ank ! ,"l6  ,?is made 
,john laugh1 & ,desmond jo9$ 94 ,n[ !y 7
 ,h>r[ boys aga91 )9 measurable di/ance 
( ! ,y>d1 al?\gh /ill 9 ! %ad[ ( !      
,spire4 ,! ,demon describ$ z pi tickl$  
_! ribs4  ,y mu/ le>n to l ! ,demon1    
,desmond cont9u$1 z !y mov$ on4 ,!n1 z  
,john said no?+1 he add$ quickly1 ,he & 
,i h made up our m9ds n to try = remove 
?is t]m4 ,y see1 next t]m is ! jollie/  
t]m ( ! ye>--cricket & ',duck]'#ai &    
,"l's4 ,& we %all "k ! =m's swat        
?or\ghly1 & h "t to enjoy ourselves4    
,y'll be ) u4 ,y\r remove is a          
'c]t'--eh8  ,john beam$4 ,he _h made    
c]ta9 t ,caes> w\ld be 9 ! ,?ird ,fif?  
next t]m & hopelessly out ( rea*4  ,oh  
yes1 ,i %all get my remove4 ,s w !      
,cat]pill>4  ,hang ! ,cat]pill>1 said   
,desmond4  ,he'd ask = a silk5 rope1 z  
,"l ,f]r]s did1 said ,john1 ) "o ( 8    
unexpect$ t\*es ( hum\r4 ,aga9 ,desmond 
b5t 8 head 9 ! ge/ure ,john knew s well1

 & laugh$4  ,i say1 ,v]ney1 y are a     
jok]4 ,well1 ! old ,cat]pill>'s a good  
sort1 b he's n fair to ,scaife4 ,"h we  
are6  ,!y ran up/airs to to% & *ange4   
,john f\nd ! ,duff] j slipp+ out ( 8    
ducks4 ,he look$ at ,john ) a rueful    
gr94  ,are y go+ to *uck me8 he ask$4   
,*uck y8  ,fluff says y've *uck$ him4   
,he 0 9 "h a mom5t ago to ask if y\r    
nose 0 squa%$4 ,i believe ! silly little
 ass ?9ks y ! greate/ ?+ on e>?4  ,i    
don't *uck anybody1 said ,john1         
indignantly4 ,& he made a po9t ( ask+   
,fluff to walk ) him on ,sunday4  ,aft] 
! ,torpid mat*es ! s*ool settl$ d[n to  
tra9 7m or less7 = ! a?letic sports4    
,john came to grief sev]al times at     
,k5ton brook1 essay+ to jump x at places
 obvi\sly--z ! ,duff] po9t$ out--beyond 
8 /ride4 ,! ,duff] & he put _! names d[n
 = ! h\se-h&icaps1 & curtail$ _! visits 
to ! ,cream]ies4 ,aft] ?is self-d5ial x 
is humiliat+ to record t nei!r boy      
succe$$ 9 w9n+ any?+4 ,caes> won ! h\se 
mile h&icap2 ,scaife won ! "u sixte5    

high jump--a triumph = ! ,manor2 &      
,fluff1 ! despis$ ,fluff1 actually      
secur$ an imm5se tank>d1 :i* "o ( !     
,six? (f]$ z a prize because he 0 q     
conv9c$ t 8 own p>ticul> pal w\ld w9 x4 
,! di/ance happ5$ to be half a mile4    
,fluff 0 all[$ an enorm\s />t & won 9 a 
cant]4  ,! t]m came to an end soon aft] 
^! a*ievem5ts1 & ,john sp5t a week ( !  
holidays at ,:ite ,ladies1 ! ,duke (    
,tr5t's ,%rop%ire place4 ,"h1 = ! fir/  
"t1 he saw t augu/ & solemn p]sonage1 a 
,groom ( ! ,*amb]s1 ) c>efully-trimm$   
:isk]s1 a :ite tie1 a silky voice1 & !  
appe>ance ( an ar*deacon4 ,?is visit is 
record$ because x made a pr(\nd         
impression ^u a pla/ic m9d4 ,john _h    
nev] sat 9 ! seats ( ! mighty4 ,v]ney   
,boscobel 0 a delightful old h\se1 b x  
might h be5 put1 /ables & all1 into     
,:ite ,ladies1 & nev] f\nd aga94 ,fluff 
%[$ ,john ! fam\s ,reynolds &           
,ga9sbor\gh portraits1 ! ,van ,dycks &  
,lelys1 ! ,romneys & ,ri*monds4 ,fair   
wom5 & brave m5 smil$ or fr[n$ at our   

h]o :]ev] he turn$ 8 wond]+ eyes4 ,aft] 
! fir/ t\r ( ! great gall]ies1 he turn$ 
to 8 companion4  ,i say1 he :isp]$      
solemnly1 "s ( 'em look z if !y didn't l
 my call+ y--,fluff4  ,i wi% y'd call me
 ,esme4  ,all "r1 said ,john1 ,i w2     
&--er--al?\gh y didn't get into !       
,torpids1 y c call me--,john4  ,oh1     
,john1 ?anks awfully4  ,ponies 7 provid$
 = ! boys to ride1 & !y %ot rabbits 9 ! 
,*ase4 ,also1 !y appe>$ at d9n]1 a      
trem5d\s function1 & 7 enc\rag$ by "s ( 
! y\ng] gue/s to sp> 7v]bally1 ( c\rse7 
) ! duke's ,etonian sons4 ,fluff look$ s
 mu* /rong] & happi] t 8 p>5ts1 delight$
 ) _! exp]im5t1 7 incl9$ to cry up !    
,hill1 mu* to ! exasp]ation ( ! dwell]s 
9 ! ,pla94  ,:5 he left ,:ite ,ladies   
,john _h le>n$ "o valuable lesson4 ,8   
s5se ( t hackney$ phrase1 noblesse      
oblige1 ! s5se :i* rema9s nons5se ) s _m
 boys 7old & "y71 _h be5 quick5$4       
,little m ?an a *ild 9 _m ways1 he      
realiz$1 z a man does1 ! true           
significance ( rank & weal?4 ,! ,duke ( 

,tr5t _h m>ri$ a pleasure-lov+ dame2    
,:ite ,ladies 0 ess5tially a            
pleasure-h\se1 to :i* came gladly en\gh 
! wit & beauty ( ! k+dom4 ,& yet ! duke1
 n clev] z comp>$ to 8 gue/s1 n ev5     
good-look+ z comp>$ to ! spl5did g5tlem5
 :om ,van ,dyck & ,lely _h pa9t$1       
undi/+ui%$1 9 f9e1 9 ev]y?+ save rank & 
weal?1 work$1 e>ly & late1 h>d] ?an any 
lab\r] ^u 8 va/ doma94 ,& :5 ,john said 
to ,fluff1 ,i say1 ,esme1 :y does ! duke
 "w s bea/ly h>d8 ,fluff repli$ )       
emphasis1 ,:y1 because he has to1 y "k4 
,x's no joke to be born a duke1 & ,i'm  
jolly glad t ,i'm a y\ng] son4 ,fa!r    
says t he has no amusem5ts1 b pl5ty (   
occupation4 ,"m says he's ! unpaid      
l&-ag5t ( ! ,tr5t prop]ty4  ,john w5t   
back to ,v]ney ,boscobel1 & repeat$ :at 
,fluff _h said1 z 8 own4  ,x 0 simply   
spl5did1 mum1 l a sort ( ca/le 9 fairyl&
 & all t1 b ,i am glad ,i'm n a duke4 ,&
 ,i expect t ev5 an e>l has a lot (     
bea/ly jobs to d :i* nev] bo!r u4  ,oh1 
y've f\nd t out1 h y1 ,john8 ,well1 ,i  

hesitat$ :5 ! invitation came2 b ,i'm   
glad n[ t y w5t4  ,yes2 & x's ripp+ to  
be home aga94         99       99       
99       99       99  ,! summ] t]m began
 9 glori\s sun%9e2 & ,john =got t he    
own$ an umbrella4 ,! ,cat]pill> & he _h 
a*iev$ _! remove1 b ! unhappy ,duff] 0  
left beh9d alone ) ! hide\s necessity ( 
do+ 8 =m's "w by himself4 ,! boys       
occupi$ ! same rooms1 b ,john prep>$ 8  
,greek & ,lat9 ) ,scaife1 ,caes>1 & !   
,cat]pill>2 :om he 0 n[ privileg$ to    
call by _! nick-names4 ,!y began to call
 him ,john1 he>+ "y ,k9lo* d s2 & !n "o 
day1 ,scaife1 look+ up ) 8 d]isive      
smile1 said--  ,i'm go+ to call y       
,jona?an4  ,good1 said ,desmond4 ,all ! 
same1 we c't call ei!r ! ,duff] or      
,fluff--,david1 c we8  ,i 0 n ?9k+ (    
,k9lo* or ,duff1 said ,scaife1 />+ h>d  
at ,john4 ,& ,john alone knew t ,scaife 
read him l a book1 9 :i* he 0           
contemptu\sly amus$--no?+ m4 ,aft] t1 z 
if ,scaife's w 7 law1 ! o!rs call$      
,john--,jona?an4  ,v soon1 ! sun 0      

obscur$ by ev]-?ick5+ cl\ds4 ,john      
happ5$ to provoke ! antipa?y ( a l\t 9 8
 =m kn[n z ,lubb] ,sprott4 ,sprott began
 to p]secute him ) a s]ies ( petty      
insults & injuries4 ,he accus$ him (    
suck+ up to a "l1 ( putt+ on lift       
because he 0 ! y\nge/ boy 9 ! ,upp]     
,remove1 ( k[-t[+ to ! ma/]s--& s =?4   
,!n1 f9d+ ^! repeat$ gibes gr[+ /ale1 he
 resort$ to mean] me?ods4 ,he upset ink 
on ,john's books1 or kick$ !m f "u 8 arm
 z he 0 go+ up to ! ,new ,s*ools4 ,he   
put a dr+]#bj into ! pocket ( ,john's   
blu]4#ba ,he p9*$ him unm]cifully if he 
f\nd himself next to ,john 9 =m1 kn[+ t 
,john w\ld n betray him4 ,:5 occasion   
(f]$ he kick$ ,john4 ,9 %ort1 he 0      
successful 9 tak+ all ! fun & sp>kle out
 ( ! m]rie mon? ( ,may4  ,f9ally1 ,caes>
 got an inkl+ ( :at 0 go+ on4  ,is      
,sprott ragg+ y8 he ask$ po9t-blank4    
,ye-es1 said ,john1 blu%+4 ,x's n-no?+1 
he add$ n]v\sly4 ,he'll get tir$ ( x1 ,i
 expect4  ,i saw him kick y1 said       
,desmond1 fr[n+4 ,n[1 look "h1 ,jona?an1

 y kick him2 kick him z h>d z ev] y c   
:]e1 :]e he kicks y--eh8 ,& d x to-morr[
 9 ! ,y>d1 at n9e ,bill1 :5 ev]ybody is 
look+ on4 ,y c dodge into ! cr[d2 b if  
,i 7 y ,i'd kick him at ! v mom5t he    
gets into l9e1 & !n he c't pursue4 ,& if
 he does pursue--:i* ,i'll bet y a bob  
he don't1 he'll h to tackle y & me4     
,i'll d x1 said ,john4  ,next day1 a    
:ole holiday1 at n9e ,bill1 bo? ,caes> &
 ,john 7 /&+ close to ! w9d[ ( ,cu/os'  
d51 wait+ = ,lubb] ,sprott to appe>4    
,:ile wait+1 an incid5t occurr$ :i* mu/ 
be duly *ronicl$ inasmu* z x has direct 
be>+ ^u ?is /ory4 ,only ! week be=e     
,rut=d _h come up to ! ,y>d late =      
,bill1 he be+ ! ma/] ^: turn x 0 to call
 ov]4 ,su* t>d9ess1 :i* happ5s seldom1  
is reckon$ z an unp>donable s9 by ,h>r[ 
boys4 ,briefly x means t six hundr$     
suff] f ! unpunctuality ( "o4 ,!re=e1 :5
 ,rut=d appe>$1 slightly flu%$ (        
c\nt5ance & visibly annoy$1 ! ,s*ool    
emphasiz$ _! displeasure by d]isive     
*e]s4 ,rut=d1 ev] tactless :]e boys 7   

conc]n$1 0 unwise en\gh to make a spee* 
f ! /eps condemn+1 9 8 usual bomba/ic   
/yle1 a demon/ration :i* he ought to h  
kn[n he 0 q p[]less to puni% or to      
prev5t4 ,:5 he _h f9i%$1 ! ,s*ool *e]$ m
 d]isively ?an be=e4 ,aft] ,bill1 he    
left ! ,y>d1 purple ) rage &            
humiliation4  ,^u ?is p>ticul> morn+1 "o
 ( ! y\ng] ma/]s1 ,basil ,w>de1 0 call+ 
,bill4 ,! ,s*ool knew little ( ,w>de1   
save t he 0 an ,old ,h>rovian 9 *>ge ( a
 ,small ,h\se1 & t 8 =m report$         
him--que]4 ,he _h in/itut$ a que] sy/em 
( puni%m5ts1 he made que] rem>ks1 he    
look$ que]3 9 f9e1 he 0 g5]ally reg>d$ z
 a radical1 & !re=e a p]son to be wat*$ 
) suspicion by boys :o1 z a body1 are   
int5sely cons]vative4 ,he 0 ( a cle> r$ 
complexion ) lapis-lazuli blue eyes1 t  
peculi> blue :i* is ! col\r ( ! sea on a
 bright1 /ormy day4 ,! ,upp] ,s*ool knew
 t1 z a memb] ( ! ,alp9e ,club1 ,w>de _h
 conqu]$ half a doz5 hi!rto unconqu]able
 peaks4  ,into ! ,y>d & into ?is book   
,w>de comes late4 ,z he hurri$ to 8     

place1 ! ,s*ool greet$ him z !y _h      
greet$ ,rut=d only ! week be=e4 ,if     
any?+1 ! demon/ration 0 slightly m      
ho/ile4 ,t ,bill %\ld be delay$ twice )9
 t5 days 0 unhe>d-( & outrage\s4 ,:5 !  
hoots & *e]s subsid$1 ,w>de held up 8   
h&4 ,he smil$1 & 8 *9 /uck out1 & 8 nose
 /uck up at an angle famili> to ^? :o _h
 scal$ peaks 9 8 company4 ,9 sil5ce1 !  
,s*ool await$ :at he _h to say1 hop+ t  
he might slate !m1 :i* w\ld af=d an     
excuse = m ragg+4 ,w>de1 guess+1 p]haps1
 ! wi% ( ! cr[d1 smil$ m g5ially ?an    
be=e4 ,!n1 9 a l\d1 cle> voice1 he      
said--  ,i beg p>don = be+ late4 ,& ,i  
?ank y = *e]+ me4 ,i hav5't be5 *e]$ 9 !
 ,y>d s9ce ! aft]noon :5 ,i got my      
,flannels4  ,a deaf5+ ro> ( applause    
broke f ! boys4 ,w>de might be que]1 b  
he 0 a good sort1 a g5tleman1 &1        
h5ce=w>d1 popul> ) ,h>rovians4  ,he     
began to call ov] z ,lubb] ,sprott ne>$ 
! place :]e ,desmond & ,john await$ him4
 ,! ,lubb] took up 8 position ne> !     
boys1 turn+ a broad back to !m4 ,he /ood

 ) 8 h&s 9 8 pockets1 talk+ to ano!r boy
 z big & /upid z himself4 ,! ,lubb]1 x  
may be add$1 ought to h worn ,*>ity     
tails1 b he _h n appli$ = p]mission to d
 s4 ,he 0 fat & gross r ?an tall1 &     
c]ta9ly too l>ge = 8 clo!s4  ,n[1 said  
,caes>4  ,john measur$ ! di/ance ) 8    
eye1 z ,caes> ?\ghtfully nudg$ o!r      
memb]s ( ! ,upp] ,remove4 ,john _h room 
= a v %ort run4 ,! ,lubb] 0 sway+       
backw>ds & =w>ds4 ,john tim$ 8 kick1 :i*
 = a small boy he deliv]$ ) surpris+    
=ce1 s accurately t ! ,lubb] fell on 8  
face4 ,! boys look+ on scream$ )        
laught]4 ,! ,lubb]1 pick+ himself up    
7,john dodg$ into ! cr[d1 :o receiv$ him
 joyfully7 & gl>+ r\nd1 enc\nt]$ !      
contemptu\s face ( ,desmond4  ,let me h 
a %ot1 said ,caes>4  ,! ,lubb] advanc$1 
splutt]+ ) rage4  ,:]e is he--:]e is he1
 t inf]nal "y ,v]ney8  ,by ?is "t fifty 
boys at lea/ 7 int]e/$ spectators ( !   
sc5e4 ,desmond /ood squ>e 9 ! ,lubb]'s  
pa?4  ,y l to kick small boys1 said     
,caes>1 9 a v l\d voice4 ,i'm small1    

half y\r size1 :y don't y kick me8  ,!  
,lubb] c\ld h cru%$ ! speak] by m]e     
weight2 b he hesitat$1 & ! h>d] he />$  
at ,desmond ! less he fanci$ ! job (    
kick+ him4 ,quality confront$ quantity4 
,kick me1 said ,desmond1 if--if y d>e1 y
 big1 hulk+ c[>d & cad6  ,come on1      
,lubb]1 get into l9e6 %\t$ "s boy4      
,sprott turn$ sl[ly1 glanc+ ov] 8 va/1  
fat %\ld] to gu>d aga9/ fur!r assault4  
,!n he took 8 place 9 ! l9e1 & pass$    
sl[ly out ( ! ,y>d & out ( ^! pages4 ,he
 nev] p]secut$ ,john aga94#bb  ,n yet1  
h[ev]1 0 ! sun to %9e 9 ,john's         
firmam5t4 ,z ! days l5g!n$1 z ,june t\*$
 all he>ts ) h] magic f+]s1 ins5sibly   
relax+ ! tissues & w>m+ ! s5ses1 ,john  
became m & m mis]ably aw>e t1 9 ! fight 
betwe5 ,scaife & himself = ! possession 
( ,desmond1 ! odds 7 /up5d\sly aga9/    
him4 ,truly ! ,demon _h ! subtlety ( !  
s]p5t1 = he us$ ! fail+s :i* he 0 unable
 to hide z cords :]e) to b9d 8 fri5d m  
closely to him4 ,:5 ! facts1 = in/ance1 
( :at _h tak5 place 9 ,lovell's room    

came to ,desmond's e>s1 he d5i$ fi]cely 
! possibility ( ,scaife1 8 pal1 mak+ a  
bea/ ( himself4 ,! laught] :i* greet$ 8 
passionate prote/ s5t him hot-foot to   
,scaife himself4  ,!y say1 pant$ ,caes>1
 t la/ w9t] y 7 dead drunk 9 ,lovell's  
room4 ,i told ! bea/s !y li$4  ,scaife's
 h&some face s(t5$4 ,0 he t\*$ by       
,caes>'s loyalty8 ,:o c tell8 ,always he
 subord9at$ emotion to intellig5ce3 head
 comm&$ he>t4  ,p]haps !y did1 he answ]$
 /eadily2 & p]haps !y didn't4 ,i d5y    
no?+2 ,i admit no?+4 ,b--8 f9e eyes1 s  
d>k & pi]c+1 flam$--,caes>1 if ,i 0 dead
 drunk at y\r feet n[1 w\ld y turn away 
f me1 w\ld y *uck me8  ,desmond w9c$4   
,scaife pursu$ 8 advantage4  ,if y are t
 sort ( a fell[--! ,ph>isee--,desmond   
w9c$ aga9--! sa9t :o is too pure1 too   
holy1 to associate ) a s9n]1 say s1 &   
let u "p "h--& n[4 ,= ,i am a--s9n]4 ,y 
are n a s9n]4 ,hold h>d6 let me h my    
say4 ,i've always kn[n t ?is mom5t 0    
com+4 ,yes1 ,i am a s9n]4 ,& my gov]nor 
is a s9n]1 a h>d5$ s9n]4 ,8 fa!r made   

our pile by :at y w\ld call robb]y4 ,!  
:ole _w kn[s x1 & condones x1 because we
 are s ri*4 ,ev5 my "m----  ,he paus$1  
trembl+1 :ite to ! lips4  ,don't1 said  
,desmond4 ,please don't4  ,y're "r4 ,i  
won't4 ,b ,i'm h&icapp$ on bo? sides4   
,x's only fair t y %\ld "k :at sort ( a 
fell[ y've *os5 = a pal4 ,& x's n too   
late to *uck me4 ,rut=d w put ,v]ney 9  
"h1 if ,i ask him4 ,&1 by ,god6 ,i'm 9 !
 mood to ask him n[4 ,%all ,i g to him1 
,desmond1 or %all ,i /ay8  ,he _h nev]  
rais$ 8 voice1 b x fell ^u ! s5sitive   
s\l ( ! boy fac+ him z if x 7 a         
cl>ion-call to battle4  ,desmond sprang 
=w>d1 ard5t1 eag]1 afire ) g5]\s        
self-surr5d]4  ,=give me1 he cri$4 ,oh1 
=give me1 because ,i c't =give myself6  
,aft] ?is break+ ( b>ri]s1 ,scaife took 
less pa9s to disguise a nature :i* turn$
 z in/9ctively to d>kness z ,desmond's  
to light4 ,a score ( times prote/ di$ :5
 ,scaife murmur$1 ,!re ,i g aga91 =gett+
 ! gulf betwe5 u2 & always ,desmond     
swore /\tly t ! gulf1 if a gulf did yawn

 betwe5 !m1 %\ld be bridg$ by fri5d%ip &
 hope4 ,b1 ins5sibly1 ,caes>'s ideals   
became ta9t$ by ,scaife's mat]ialism4   
,scaife1 = in/ance1 sp5t money lavi%ly  
^u food & clo!s4 ,s f> z a ,public      
,s*oolboy is able1 he nev] d5i$ 8       
spl5did "y body any?+ x covet$4         
,desmond1 too pr\d to receive fav\rs )\t
 return+ !m1 tri$ to vie ) ?is reckless 
sp5d?rift1 & f\nd himself 9 debt4 ,9 o!r
 ways a ke5 eye & e> w\ld h m>k$        
det]ioration4 ,john notic$ t ,caes>     
laugh$1 al?\gh he nev] sne]$1 at ?+s he 
us$ to hold sacr$2 t he condemn$1 z     
,scaife did1 :atev] t clev] "y reprobate
 0 pleas$ to /igmatize z n>r[-m9d$ or   
intol]ant4  ,cricket1 h[ev]1 kept !m    
fairly /raight4 ,ea* 0 c]ta9 to get 8   
cap1#bc if1 z ,lawr5ce told !m1 !y /uck 
to ! rig\r ( ! game4 ,?is 0 ,lawr5ce's  
la/ t]m4 ,he _h /ay$ on to play at      
,"l's1 & :5 he left ,trieve w\ld become 
! ,head ( ! ,h\se--a prospect v pleas+  
to ! turbul5t ,fif?4  ,ab\t ! middle (  
,june ,john suff]$ a p>l\s bl[4 ,he 0   

nev] s happy z :5 he 0 sitt+ 9 ,scaife's
 room1 *eek by j[l ) ,desmond1 %>+1     
p]haps1 a dr+]1 por+ ov] ! same         
diction>y4 ,?is delightful intimacy came
 to a sudd5 end 9 ?is wise4 ,! =m-ma/] (
 ! ,upp] ,remove happ5$ to be a         
precisian 9 ,engli%4 ,a sure road to 8  
fav\r 0 ! "r use ( a ^w4 ,! ,demon1     
appreciat+ ?is1 b\ght a diction>y (     
synonyms1 & made a po9t ( disc>d+ !     
commonplace & obvi\s1 sub/itut+ a phrase
 likely to elicit praise & m>ks4        
,desmond & ,john jo9$ 9 ?is hunt ( ! "r 
^w ) en?usiasm4  ,"o ev5+ ! f\r boys    
enc\nt]$ ! simple s5t5ce--majoris pretii
 quam quod ae/im>i possit4              
',priceless''ll cov] t1 said ,caes>4    
,or 'ine/eemable1' said ! ,demon4  ,!   
?ree o!r boys />$ at ! ,demon1 & !n at  
ea* o!r4 ,! ,cat]pill>1 some?+ ( a puri/
 9 8 way1 drawl$ out--  ,"o pron\nces t 
'ine/imable4'  ,my fa!r doesn't1 said   
,scaife1 hotly4 ,i've he>d him say      
'ine/eemable4'  ,no d\bt1 said ,eg]ton1 
coldly4 ,h[ does y\r fa!r pron\nce x1   

,caes>8  ,desmond said hurri$ly1 ,oh1   
'ine/imable'2 b :at does x matt]8  ,!   
,demon sprang up1 furi\s4 ,x matt]s ?is1
 he cri$4 ,i'm d----d if ,i'll h ,eg]ton
 sitt+ 9 my room sne]+ at my gov]nor4   
,aft] ?is he'll d 8 "w 9 8 own room1 or 
,i'll d m9e 9 ! passage4  ,be=e ,desmond
 c\ld speak1 ,scaife _h :irl$ out ( !   
room1 slamm+ ! door4 ,john look$ /upefi$
 ) dismay4  ,! ,cat]pill> %rugg$ 8      
%\ld]s4 ,!n he said sl[ly--  ,scaife's  
fa!r pron\nces 'connoisseur'            
'connoysure1' & s does ,scaife4         
,desmond /ood up1 flu%$ & di/ress$1 b   
emphatic4  ,scaife is "r ab\t "o ?+1 he 
said4 ,he won't sit "h l a cad & li/5 to
 ,eg]ton sne]+ at 8 fa!r4 ,i'm v sorry1 
b aft] ?is we'd bett] split up4 ,v]ney &
 y1 ,eg]ton2 & ,scaife & ,i4  ,c]ta9ly1 
said ! ,cat]pill>1 ris+ 9 8 turn4  ,poor
 ,john ca/ a di/ract$ & implor+ glance  
at ,desmond1 :i* fla%$ by unhe$$4 ,!n he
 got up1 & foll[$ ! ,cat]pill> out ( !  
room4 ,! passage 0 empty4  ,! ,cat]pill>
 sniff$ z if ! atmosph]e 9 ,scaife's    

room _h be5 pollut$4  ,"o has no?+ to   
regret1 he rem>k$4 ,scaife has good     
po9ts1 &--er--bad4 ,y've notic$ 8       
h&s--eh6 ,v unf9i%$6 ,& 8 foot--%ort1 b 
broad4 ,! ,cat]pill> survey$ 8 long1    
sl5d] feet ) inf9ite satisfaction2 !n he
 add$1 ) an acc5t ( f9ality1 ,scaife    
talks ab\t go+ into ! ,gr5adi]s2 b !y'll
 give him a hot "t !re1 a v hot "t4 ,"o 
is really sorry = ! poor fell[1 because1
 ( c\rse1 he c't help be+ a b\nd]4 ,:at 
does puzzle me is1 :y did ,caes> want   
su* a fell[ = 8 pal8  ,b he didn't1 said
 ,john4  ,eh8--:at8  ,scaife want$      
,caes>1 ,john expla9$4 ,& ,i've notic$1 
,cat]pill>1 t :atev] ,scaife wants he   
gets4  ,he wants bre$+1 ,jona?an1 b     
he'll nev] get t--nev]4  ,aft] ?is1     
,john saw b little ( ,desmond2 & ,scaife
 h>dly spoke to him4 ,accord+ly1 mu* (  
our h]o's "t 0 sp5t 9 ! company ( !     
,duff] & ,fluff4 ,! ?ree pass$ _m       
delightful h\rs toge!r at ,duck]4 ,arm$ 
) buns & *ocolate1 !y w\ld ru% d[n !    
hill1 ba!1 lie ab\t on ! grass1 eat !   

buns1 & *aff ! kids :o 7 le>n+ to swim4 
,long1 long1 9 ! mi/y h]eaft]           
,%all e*o1 9 e>s f> away1     ,! lilt ( 
t innoc5t laught]1       ,! spla% ( !   
spray4  ,dur+ ! ,s*ool mat*es !y sp5t ! 
aft]noons on ! ,six? ,=m gr\nd1 c>efully
 criticiz+ e /roke4 ,! !ory ( ! game lay
 pat to ! tongue1 b 9 practice ,john 0 a
 %ock+ bungl]4 ,at 8 small prep>atory   
s*ool 9 ! ,new ,=e/1 he _h n be5 taught 
! elem5t>y pr9ciples ( ei!r racquets or 
cricket2 b he _h a good eye1 play$ a    
capital game ( golf1 rode & %ot well = a
 small boy4 ,fluff1 al?\gh /ill         
delicate1 gave promise ( be+ a cricket] 
z good1 possibly1 z 8 bro!rs1 :5 he     
became /rong]4  ,^u ,spee* ,day ,john's 
"m & uncle came d[n to ,h>r[1 & y may be
 sure t ,john escort$ !m 9 triumph to ! 
,manor4 ,mrs4 ,v]ney has s9ce confess$ t
 ,john's expression z %e greet$ him     
surpris$ & di/ress$ h]4 ,he look$ q     
unhappy4 ,& ! de> woman1 ?9k+ t he mu/  
be 9 debt1 s]i\sly consid]$ ! propriety 
( tipp+ him h&somely 9 advance4 ,a mom5t

 lat]1 z %e slipp$ out ( an old & %abby 
du/-cloak1 reveal+ ! spl5d\rs ( a dress 
fre% f ,p>is1 %e div9$ f ,john's n[     
radiant face :at _h tr\bl$ him4  ,john1 
%e said1 y didn't really ?9k t ,i 0 go+ 
to %ame y by we>+ ?is dreadful          
cloak--did y8  ,i wasn't q sure1 ,john  
answ]$2 !n he bur/ out1 ,mum1 y look    
simply lovely4 ,all ! fell[s w take y = 
my si/]4  ,& aft] ! great function 9    
,spee*-room came ! *e]+4 ,h[ ,john's    
he>t ?robb$ :5 ! ,head ( ! ,s*ool1 /&+ j
 outside ! door1 proclaim$ ! illu/ri\s  
"n--  ,?ree *e]s = ,mr4 ,john ,v]ney4   
,& h[ ! boys 9 ! road bel[ *e]$1 z !    
little man desc5d$ ! /eps1 hat 9 h&1 b[+
 & blu%+6 ,ev]ybody knew t he 0 on ! eve
 ( dep>ture = fur!r explorations 9      
,man*uria4 ,he w\ld be abs5t1 s ! pap]s 
said1 ?ree ye>s at lea/4 ,! ,s*ool *e]$ 
! l\d]1 because ea* boy knew t !y might 
nev] see t gallant face aga94  ,lat] 9 !
 aft]noon a selection ( ,h>r[ songs 0   
giv5 9 ! ,spee*-room4 ,five ,hundr$     
,faces1 z usual1 0 sung by a new boy1 :o

 is answ]$1 9 *orus1 by ! :ole ,s*ool4  
,h[ ,john recall$ 8 own feel+s1 less ?an
 a ye> ago1 z he /ood %iv]+ ^u ! bank ( 
! riv]1 funk+ ! fir/ plunge6 ,& 8 uncle1
 n[ sitt+ beside him1 _h said t he w\ld 
soon enjoy himself amaz+ly--& s he _h6  
,! new boy began ! second v]se4 ,8      
voice1 n a /rong "o1 quav]$ %rilly--    
,a qu>t] to sev56 ,!re goes ! bell6     
,! sleet is driv+ aga9/ ! pane2       ,b
 woe to ! slugg>d :o turns aga9     ,&  
sleeps1 n wisely1 b all too well6  ,9   
reply to ! weak1 timid notes came ! glad
 ro> ( ! ,s*ool--      ,yet ! "t may    
come1 z ! ye>s g by1       ,:5 y\r he>t 
w ?rill       ,at ! ?\ght ( ! ,hill1    
,& ! pitiless bell1 ) its pi]c+ cry6    
,ah1 t pitiless bell6 ,& yet because ( x
 "o wall[$ 9 ,sunday & :ole-holiday     
fr[/s4#bd ,john1 y see1 _h ! mak+s ( a  
philosoph]4 ,& n[ ! ,elev5 7 grunt+     
,will[ ! ,k+4 ,& :5 ! la/ e*o ( ! *orus 
di$ away 9 ! great room1 ,uncle ,john   
:isp]$ to 8 nephew t he _h he>d ,h>r[   
songs 9 e corn] ( ! e>?1 & t conv9c+    

pro( ( m]it %one out ( ! fact t _! *>m  
wax$ r ?an wan$ ) ! ye>s2 !y improv$1 l 
w9e1 ) age4  ,caes>'s fa!r came d[n ) ! 
,duke ( ,tr5t4 ,! duke tipp$ ,john      
magnific5tly & ask$ him to sp5d 8 exeat 
at ,tr5t ,h\se1 & to witness ! ,eton &  
,h>r[ mat* at ,"l's f ! ,tr5t coa*4     
,john accept$ gratefully en\gh2 b 8 he>t
 0 sore because1 j be=e ! r[ ov] t      
inf]nal ^w ine/imable1 ,caes> _h ask$   
,john if he w\ld l to occupy an attic 9 
,eaton ,squ>e4 ,aft] ! r[ no?+ m 0 said 
ab\t ! attic2 b ,john w\ld h pref]r$ b>e
 bo>ds 9 ,eaton ,squ>e to a tape/ri$    
*amb] 9 ,p>k ,lane4  ,n[1 dur+ ! :ole ( 
?is summ] t]m !re 0 mu* animat$         
discussion 9 reg>d to ! rival claims (  
l9es or spots ^u ! :ite wai/coat worn by
 all self-respect+ ,h>rovians at ,"l's4 
,^u ?is important subject ,john _h      
betray$ sc&al\s indiff]5ce4 ,accord+ly1 
j be=e ! mat*1 ! ,cat]pill> took him    
aside & spoke a solemn ^w4  ,look "h1 he
 said2 "o doesn't z a rule make p]sonal 
rem>ks1 b x's r too obvi\s t y buy y\r  

clo!s 9 ,lyndhur/4 ,i 0 sorry to see t !
 ,duke ( ,tr5t 0 ! wor/-dress$ man at   
,spee*]2 b a duke c look l a t9k]1 &    
nobody c>es4  ,i'd be awfully oblig$ if 
y'd tell me :at's wrong1 said ,john1    
humbly4  ,ev]y?+'s wrong1 said !        
,cat]pill>1 decisively4 ,he look$       
critically at ,john's boots4 ,y\r boots1
 = in/ance--mo/ excell5t boots = wad+   
?r\gh ! swamps 9 ! ,new ,=e/1 b q       
impossible 9 t[n4 ,& ! 'topp]' y we> on 
,sunday6 ,s\?ampton1 y say8 ,ah1 ,i     
?\ght x 0 a ,v]ney heirloom4 ,n[1 x     
w\ldn't surprise me to he> t y\r "m1 :o 
dresses h]self q *>m+ly1 b\ght y\r kit4 
,%e did1 ,john confess$4  ,j s4 ,"o ne$ 
say no m4 ,n[1 y come along ) me4  ,!y  
m>*$ d[n ! ,high ,/reet to ! mo/        
fa%ionable ( ! ,s*ool tailors1 :]e ,john
 0 measur$ = an ,eton jacket ( ! be/1   
:ite wai/coat ) blue spots1 light bags2 
:ile ! ,cat]pill> select$ a new topp]1  
an umbrella1 a pair ( gloves1 & a tie4  
,be v c>eful ab\t ! bags1 said !        
,cat]pill>4 ,!y are cutt+ 'em 9 t[n a   

trifle tight] ab\t ! l[] leg1 b loose   
above4 ,y und]/&8  ,p]fectly1 ,mr4      
,eg]ton1 repli$ ! obsequi\s snip4 ,:at  
we call ! 'tighto-looso' /yle1 sir4  ,i 
don't ?9k !y call x t 9 ,savile ,r[1    
said ! ,cat]pill>2 b be c>eful4  ,!     
tailor 0 assur$ t he w\ld receive an    
ord] prop]ly sign$ by ,mr4 ,rut=d4 ,& !n
 ,john 0 l$ to ! bootmak]'s1 & !re      
measur$ = 8 fir/ pair ( pat5t-lea!rs4 ,!
 ,cat]pill> 0 s exhau/$ by ^! lab\rs t a
 protract$ visit to ! ,cream]ies became 
imp]ative4  ,y've always look$ l a      
g5tleman1 said ! ,cat]pill>1 aft] 8     
dr+]1 & x's a com=t to me to ?9k t n[   
y'll be dress$ l "o4  ,s ,john w5t up to
 t[n look+ v sm>t inde$2 & ,fluff 7:o _h
 ord]$ a simil> kit7 :isp]$ to ,john at 
lun*eon t 8 bro!rs1 ! ,etonians1 _h     
express$ surprise at ! *ange = ! bett] 9
 _! g5]al appe>ance4  ,?is lun*eon 0    
eat5 on ! top ( ! duke's coa*1 & x      
happ5$ t ! next coa* b "o belong$ to    
,scaife's fa!r4 ,john c\ld j see        
,scaife's h&some head1 & ,caes> sitt+   

beside him4 ,! boys nodd$ to ea* o!r1 & 
! ,etonians ask$ que/ions4 ,at ! "n (   
,scaife1 h[ev]1 ! "y ,k9lo*s curl$      
contemptu\s lips4  ,unspeakable b\nd]1  
old ,scaife1 isn't he8 !y ask$2 & !     
du*ess repli$--  ,my de>s1 8 *eques are 
hon\r$ to any am\nt1 ev5 if he isn't4   
,h] laught] t9kl$ delightfully2 b ,john 
reflect$ t ,desmond 0 eat+ ! ,scaife    
food & dr9k+ ! ,scaife w9e--all b\ght ) 
ill-gott5 gold4  ,lat] 9 ! aft]noon x   
became evid5t t ! ,scaife *ampagne 0    
fl[+ freely4 ,to ,john's dismay1 !      
,h>rovians 7includ+ ,caes>7 on ! top ( !
 ,scaife coa* became noisy4 ,!          
,cat]pill> & 8 fa!r1 ,colonel ,eg]ton1  
saunt]$ up1 & 7 invit$ by ! duke to re/ 
& refre% !mselves4 ,john 0 amus$ to note
 t ! colonel 0 ev5 a great] buck ?an 8  
son4 ,he q cut out ! poor old           
,cat]pill>1 *all5g+ & monopoliz+ !      
att5tion ( all :o beheld him4  ,^? boys 
are mak9' ! devil ( a r[1 said !        
colonel1 fix+ 8 eyeglass4 ,ah1 !        
,scaifes6 ,a man ,i "k d9$ ) !m la/     

week4 ,he report$ ev]y?+ ov]done1 except
 ! food4 ,_! *ef is ,m>cobruno1 y "k4   
,pres5tly1 to ,john's relief1 ,desmond  
left ! ,scaifes & jo9$ ! ,tr5t p>ty1 ^u 
:om 8 gay1 radiant face & *>m+ mann]s   
made a mo/ fav\rable impression4 ,he    
laugh$ at ! du*ess's /ories1 & made love
 to h] q unaffect$ly4 ,! ,etonians look$
 r glum1 because _! wickets 7 fall+ fa/]
 ?an _h be5 expect$4 ,desmond told !    
duke1 9 answ] to a "q1 t 8 fa!r 0 9 8   
seat 9 ! pavilion1 ) 8 eyes glu$ to !   
pit*4  ,he's awfully ke51 said ,caes>4  
,y boys are n s ke5 z we 71 said ! duke1
 nodd+ reflectively4  ,oh1 b we are1    
sir--inde$ we are1 said ,caes>4 ,ar5't  
we1 ,cat]pill>8  ,! ,cat]pill> repli$1  
?\ghtfully1 ,"o bottles up t sort ( ?+1 
,i suppose4  ,ah1 said ! duke1 k9dly1 if
 x's ! "r sort ( ?+1 x's none ! worse = 
be+ bottl$ up4  ,! boys w5t to ! play t 
night & enjoy$ !mselves hugely4 ,next   
day1 h[ev]1 ! mat* end$ 9 a draw4 ,john 
0 /&+ on ! top ( ! coa*1 v disconsolate1
 :5 he saw ,desmond beckon+ to him f    

bel[4 ,! expression on ,caes>'s face    
puzzl$ him4  ,h[ c y pal up ) ^?        
,etonians8 :isp]$ ,caes>1 aft] ,john _h 
desc5d$4 ,e ,eton face ,i see n[ ,i want
 to hit4 ,!n he add$1 ) a smile & a     
*uckle1 ,i say1 !re's go+ to be a       
ruction 9 front ( ! ,pavvy4 ,come on4   
,a m9ute lat] ,john 0 9 ! ?ick ( a v    
pretty scrimmage betwe5 ! ,hill & !     
,pla94 ,hats 7 ba%$ 92 cornfl[]s torn f 
buttonholes2 pale-blue tassels 7        
captur$2 umbrellas brok54 ,f9ally1 !    
police int]f]$4  ,%ort1 b v1 v sweet1   
said ,caes>1 pant+4  ,john & he 7       
lam5table objects = fond p>5ts to       
behold1 b ! s5se ( depression _h vani%$4
 ,& !n ,caes> said sudd5ly--  ,by ,jove6
 ,i h got a bit ( news4 ,x q takes ! /+ 
out ( ?is draw4  ,:at's happ5$8  ,my    
gov]nor has be5 talk+ ) ,w>de4 ,rut=d is
 leav+ ,h>r[4  ,john gasp$4 ,t is ripp+4
  ,isn't x8 ,b :o d y ?9k is com+ to u8 
,:y1 ,w>de himself4 ,he 0 at ! ,manor :5
 x 0 ! h\se1 & ! gov]nor says t ,w>de w 
make x ! h\se1 aga94 ,he's got 8 "w cut 

out = him--eh8  ,y bet y\r life1 said   
,john4   ,,footnotes3  #ai              
,duck-,puddle1 ! s*ool ba?+-place4  #bj 
,a ,dr+] is compos$ ( ! foll[+ +r$i5ts3 
a lay] ( /rawb]ries is secret$ 9 sug> & 
cream at ! bottom ( a clean jam-pot2 &  
?is receives a dec5t cov]+ ( /rawb]ry   
ice1 :i* br+s ! surface ( ! dr+] & ! top
 edge ( ! jam-pot into ! same plane4 ,! 
:ole may be b\ght = sixp5ce4 7,p4 ,c4   
,t41 #aije47  #ba ,a ,blu] is !         
blue-flannel jacket worn 9 ! play+      
fields4 ,x mu/ be worn button$ by boys  
:o h be5 less ?an ?ree ye>s 9 ! s*ool4  
#bb ,small boys are n advis$ to copy    
,john's tactics4 ,! victory is n always 
to ! weak4  #bc ,! h\se-cap1 only worn  
by memb]s ( ! ,h\se ,cricket ,elev54    
#bd ,ly+ 9 b$ 9 ! morn+ :5 !re is no    
,fir/ ,s*ool is a fr[/4 ,by a subtle law
 ( association1 an arm*air is also a    
fr[/4     ,,*apt] ,,vi  ,a ,revelation  
,=ty ye>s on1 :5 af> & asund]           
,p>t$ are ^? :o are s++ to-day1     ,:5 
y look back1 & =getfully wond]          

,:at y 7 l 9 y\r "w & y\r play2     ,!n1
 x may be1 !re w (t5 come o'er y        
,glimpses ( notes l ! cat* ( a song1--  
,visions ( boyhood %all float !m be=e y1
       ,e*oes ( dreaml& %all be> !m     
along4   ,be=e ! end ( ! summ] t]m1 bo? 
,desmond & ,scaife receiv$ _! caps & a  
^w ( advice f ,lawr5ce4  ,!re are go+ to
 be *anges "h1 said he2 & ,i wi% ,i c\ld
 see 'em1 & help to br+ 'em ab\t4 ,n[1  
,i'm n giv5 to butt]+ fell[s up1 b ,i   
see pla9ly t ! rebuild+ ( ?is h\se      
dep5ds a lot ^u y two4 ,x's n likely t  
y're able to measure y\r influ5ce2 if y 
c\ld1 !re w\ldn't be mu* to measure4 ,b 
take x f me1 n a ^w1 n an action ( y\rs 
is )\t weight ) ! l[] boys4 ,ev]y?+     
helps or h9d]s4 ,next t]m !re w be      
w>--to ! knife--betwe5 ,w>de & "s fell[s
 ,i ne$n't "n1 & ,w>de w w94 ,rememb] ,i
 said s4 ,i hope y1 he look$ h>d at     
,desmond1 w fight on ! "r side4  ,! boys
 return$ to _! room1 jubilant because ! 
h\se-cap 0 !irs1 b uneasy because ( !   
words giv5 ) x4 ,z soon z !y 7 alone1   

,scaife said sull5ly--  ,does ,lawr5ce  
expect u to /& 9 ) ,w>de aga9/ ,lovell &
 8 pals8 ,if he does1 he's jolly well   
mi/ak51 z f> z ,i'm conc]n$4  ,desmond  
flu%$4 ,he _h sp5t ne>ly five t]ms at   
,h>r[1 b only two at ! ,manor4 ,( :at _h
 be5 done or left undone by c]ta9 fell[s
 9 ! ,fif? he 0 /ill 9 twilight         
ignorance4 ,he disc]n$ %ad[s1 no?+ m1 &1
 boylike1 he ran f %ad[s into !         
sunlight4 ,desmond knew t !re 7 bea/s at
 ! ,manor4 ,_h y =c$ f him an expression
 approa*+1 let u say1 def9it5ess1 he    
w\ld h admitt$ t bea/s lurk$ 9 e h\se1 9
 e s*ool 9 ! k+dom4 ,y mu/ keep out ( _!
 way 7& ways7--t 0 all4 ,& he knew also 
t too _m bea/s wreck a h\se1 z !y wreck 
a regim5t or a nation4  ,b once or twice
 )9 ! pa/ few mon?s he _h suspect$ t 8  
cut-&-dri$ views on good & evil 7 n %>$ 
by ,scaife4 ,scaife confess$ to ,desmond
 t ! ,old ,adam 0 /rong 9 him4 ,he lik$1
 crav$ =1 ! excitem5t ( break+ ! law4   
,hi!rto1 ?is break+ ( ! law _h be5      
conf9$ to su* (f5ces z smok+ or dr9k+ a 

glass ( be] at a pub1#be or us+ cribs1  
or1 g5]ally speak+1 sett+ at naught     
au?ority4 ,t ,scaife _h escap$ sev]e    
puni%m5t 0 due to 8 ke5 wits4  ,n[1 :5  
,scaife gave ,desmond ! unexpurgat$     
hi/ory ( ! r[ :i* s ne>ly result$ 9 !   
expulsion ( six boys1 ,desmond _h ask$ a
 "q--  ,d y l :isky8 ,i loa! x4  ,scaife
 laugh$ be=e he answ]$4 ,d\btless "o    
reason :y he exact$ int]e/ & admiration 
f ,desmond lay 9 a r>e 7r>e at fifte57  
ability to analyse 8 own & o!rs'        
actions4  ,i loa! x1 too1 he admitt$4   
,really1 y "k1 we drank preci\s little1 
because x is su* bea/ly /uff4 ,b ,i     
lik$1 we all lik$1 to believe t we 7 do+
 ! correct ?+--eh8 ,& x w>m$ u up4 ,j a 
ta/e made ! ,cat]pill> awfully funny4   
,i see4  ,d y see8 ,i d\bt x1 ,caes>4   
,p]haps ,i %all horrify y :5 ,i tell y t
 vice int]e/s me4 ,i us$ to buy !       
,police ,news :5 ,i 0 a kid1 & simply   
wall[ 9 x4 ,i told a woman t la/ ,ea/]1 
& %e laugh$--%e 0 z clev] z !y make     
'em--& said t ,i suff]$ f :at ! ,fr5*   

call la no/algie de la b\e2 t means1 y  
"k1 ! homesickness = ! gutt]4 ,r        
p]sonal1 b dev'li% %>p1 wasn't x8  ,i   
?9k %e 0 a bea/4  ,n %e1 %e's a sort (  
c\s92 %e came f ! same old place h]self2
 t's :y %e und]/ood4 ,y don't want to "k
 :at goes on 9 ! slums1 b ,i d4 ,:y8    
,because my gr&-dad 0 born 9 'em4  ,he  
pull$ himself out by bra9s & muscles4   
,b he w5t back--sometimes4 ,oh yes1 he  
did4 ,& ! gov]nor--,i'm up to "s ( 8    
little games4 ,i c\ld tell y----        
,oh--%ut up6 said ,caes>1 ! col\r flood+
 8 *eeks4  ,^u ! la/ ,saturday ( ! t]m !
 ,s*ool ,conc]t took place4 ,few ( !    
boys 9 ! ,manor1 & none out ( x1 knew t 
,john ,v]ney _h be5 *os5 to s+ ! treble 
solo2 always an attractive numb] ( !    
programme4 ,john1 inde$1 0 pa9fully %y 9
 reg>d to 8 s++1 s %y t he nev] told    
,desmond t he _h a voice4 ,& !          
music-ma/]1 en*ant$ by its quality1     
impress$ ^u 8 pupil ! exp$i5cy ( sil5ce4
 ,he wi%$ to surprise ! ,s*ool4  ,!     
conc]ts at ,h>r[ take place 9 ! great   

,spee*-room4 ,_! *>act]i/ic note is !   
s++ ( ,h>r[ songs4 ,to any boy ) an e> =
 music & a he>t susceptible ( emotion ^!
 songs mu/ appeal pr(\ndly1 because bo? 
words & music seem to en%r9e all t is   
noble & uplift+ 9 life4 ,&1 sung by !   
:ole ,s*ool 7z are mo/ ( ! *oruses71 _! 
message becomes curi\sly emphatic4 ,! _s
 ( ! ,hill is acclaim$1 gladly1         
triumphantly1 unmi/akably1 by ,h>rovians
 repeat+ ! cre$ ( _! fa!rs1 kn[+ t cre$ 
w be s repeat$ by _! sons & sons' sons4 
,0 x happy *ance or a happi] sagacity   
:i* decre$ t c]ta9 v]ses %\ld be sung by
 ! ,s*ool ,twelve1 :o h /ruggl$ ?r\gh =m
 aft] =m & "k 7& h n yet _h "t to =get7 
! difficulties & temptations :i* beset  
all boys8 ,!y1 to :om _! fell[s         
unanim\sly accord respect at lea/1 &    
(t5--z 9 ! case ( a ,capta9 ( ! ,cricket
 ,elev5--en?usia/ic admiration & fealty2
 ^!1 ! gods1 9 a ^w1 deliv] _!          
injunction1 transmit1 9 turn1 :at has   
be5 transmitt$ to !m1 & invite _!       
successors to receive x4 ,to _m h[      

poignant mu/ be ! reflection t ! tru/ !y
 are ab\t to resign might h be5 bett]   
adm9i/]$6 ,b to _m !re mu/ come ^u ! w+s
 ( ^? mighty1 ru%+ *oruses ! assurance t
 ! ,p[] :i* has upheld !m 9 ! pa/ w     
cont9ue to uphold !m 9 ! future4 ,9     
_m--w\ld "o c\ld say 9 all--is quick5$1 
= ! fir/ "t1 p]haps1 a s5se ( :at !y owe
 to ! ,hill1 ! ov]:elm+ debt :i* nev] c 
be dis*>g$4  ,desmond sat beside        
,scaife4 ,scaife boa/$ t he c\ld n tell 
,god save ! ,que5 f ,! ,dead ,m>* 9     
,saul4 ,he confess$ t ! conc]t bor$ him4
 ,desmond1 on ! o!r h&1 0 always t\*$ by
 music1 or1 inde$1 by any?+ appeal+ to  
an imag9ation :i* gild$ all ?+s &       
p]sons4 ,he 0 ,scaife's fri5d1 n only 7z
 ,john discov]$7 because ,scaife _h a w 
/rong en\gh to desire & secure t        
fri5d%ip1 b because--a subtl] reason--he
 _h nev] yet se5 ,scaife z he 01 b      
always z he might h be54  ,desmond told 
,scaife t he c\ld n und]/& :y ,john _h  
bottl$ up ! fact t he 0 *os5 to s+ ^u   
su* an occasion4 ,scaife smil$          

contemptu\sly4  ,y nev] bottle up any?+1
 ,caes>1 said he4  ,:y %\ld ,i8 ,& :y   
%\ld he8  ,i expect he'll make an awful 
ass ( himself4  ,oh no1 he won't1       
,desmond repli$4 ,he's a clev] fell[ is 
,jona?an4  ,z he gave ,john 8 nickname1 
,desmond's *>m+ voice s(t5$4 ,a boy (   
less quick p]ceptions ?an ,scaife w\ld h
 div9$ t ! speak] lik$ ,john1 lik$ him1 
p]haps1 bett] ?an he knew4 ,scaife      
fr[n$4  ,!re are sev]al ,old ,h>rovians1
 he said1 indicat+ ! seats res]v$ = !m4 
,x's que] to me t !y come d[n = ?is     
cat]waul+4  ,desmond glanc$ at him      
%>ply1 ) a wr9kle betwe5 8 eyebr[s4 ,= !
 mom5t he look$ z if he 7 %ort-sight$1 z
 if he 7 try+ to def9e an image some:at 
blurr$1 consci\s t ! image itself 0 cle>
 en\gh1 t ! fault lay 9 ! obscurity ( 8 
own vision4  ,!y come d[n because !y're 
ke51 he repli$4 ,my gov]nor c't leave 8 
(fice1 or he'd be "h4 ,i l to see 'em1  
don't y1 ,demon8  ,i c\ld worry along   
)\t 'em1 ! ,demon repli$1 half-smil+4 ,y
 see1 he add$1 ) ! bl5d ( irony & pa?os 

:i* always captivat$ 8 fri5d1 y see1 my 
de> old *ap1 ,i'm ! fir/ ( my family at 
,h>r[1 & ! sight ( all y\r bro!rs &     
uncles & fa!rs makes me feel l ,m>k     
,twa9's good man1 r lonesome4  ,at once 
,desmond respond$1 clut*+ ,scaife's arm4
  ,y're go+ to be ,capta9 ( ! cricket & 
foot] ,elev5s1 & ,s*ool racquet-play]1 &
 a monitor2 & aft] y leave y'll come d[n
 "h1 & y'll see t ,h>r[ hasn't =gott5 y1
 & !n y'll "k :y ^! fell[s cut          
engagem5ts4 ,my gov]nor says t an h\r at
 a ,s*ool ,conc]t is ! f9e/ tonic 9 ! _w
 = an ,old ,h>rovian4  ,oh1 %ut up6 said
 ,scaife2 y make me feel m ( an outsid] 
?an good old ,sn[ball4 ,he glanc$ at a  
y\? sitt+ close to !m4 ,sn[ball 0 z     
black z a coal3 ! son ( ! ,sultan ( !   
,sah>a4 ,yes1 ,caes>1 y c't get away f  
x1 ,i am an 'ali54'  ,y're a silly old  
ass6 ,i say1 :o's ! gue/ ( hon\r8  ,next
 to ! ,head ,ma/] 0 sitt+ a ?9 man ^u ^:
 face 7 fix$ hundr$s ( eyes4 ,! ,s*ool  
_h n be5 told t a fam\s ,field ,m>%al1 !
 h]o ( a hundr$ fights1 0 com+ to !     

conc]t4 ,&1 inde$1 he _h accept$ an     
invitation giv5 at ! la/ mom5t--accept$ 
x1 moreov]1 on ! und]/&+ t 8 visit 0 to 
be in=mal4 ,none ! less1 8 face 0       
famili> to all read]s ( illu/rat$ pap]s4
 ,&1 sudd5ly1 conviction seiz$ ! boys t 
a conqu]or 0 among !m1 an ,old ,etonian1
 mak+1 possibly1 8 fir/ visit to !      
,hill4 ,scaife :isp]$ 8 "n to ,desmond4 
,:y1 ( c\rse1 ,desmond repli$ eag]ly4   
,h[ spl5did6  ,he lean$ =w>d1 dev\r+ !  
h]o ) 8 eyes1 try+ to pi]ce ! bronz$    
sk91 to read ! record4 ,f 8 seat ^u !   
/age ,john1 also1 />$ at ! illu/ri\s    
gue/4 ,john 0 frightfully n]v\s1 b look+
 at ! vet]an he =got ! fe> ( ! recruit4 
,bo? ,desmond & he 7 wond]+ :at x felt l
 to h done s mu*4 ,&--!y comp>$ notes   
aft]w>ds--ea* boy deplor$ ! fact t !    
great man 0 n an ,old ,h>rovian4 ,!re he
 sat1 cool1 calm1 slightly impassive4   
,john ?\ght he mu/ be r tir$1 z a man   
ought to be tir$ aft] a life ( /r5u\s   
endeav\r & a*ievem5t4 ,he _h done--s    
,john reflect$--an awful lot4 ,ev5 n[1  

he rema9$ ! active1 untir+ s]vant (     
,que5 & c\ntry4 ,& he _h tak5 "t to come
 d[n to ,h>r[ to he> ! boys s+4 ,&1 da% 
x all6 he1 ,john1 0 go+ to s+ to him4   
,at t mom5t ,desmond 0 :isp]+ to        
,scaife--  ,i say1 ,demon2 ,i'm jolly   
glad t ,i've n got to s+ be=e him4 ,i   
bet ,jona?an is 9 a funk4  ,a big bit ( 
luck1 repli$ ,scaife1 reflectively4 ,!n1
 see+ ! surprise on ,desmond's face1 he 
add$1 ,if ,jona?an c s+--& ,i suppose he
 c1 or he w\ldn't be *os5--?is is a     
*ance----  ,( :at8  ,caes>1 sometimes ,i
 ?9k y've no bra9s4 ,:y1 a *ance (      
attract+ ! notice ( a trem5d\s swell--a 
man1 !y say1 :o nev] =gets--nev]6       
,jona?an may want a commission 9 !      
,gu>ds1 z ,i d2 & if he pleases ! great 
man1 he may get x4  ,jona?an's n ?9k+ ( 
t1 said ,desmond4 ,%u%-h-h6  ,! s+]s    
/ood up4 ,!y fac$ ! ,field ,m>%al1 & he 
fac$ !m4 ,he look$ h>de/ at ,lawr5ce1   
po9t$ out to him by ! ,head ,ma/]4      
,p]haps he 0 ?9k+ ( ,india2 & ! "n (    
,lawr5ce indelibly cut ^u ! memories (  

all :o f\ght 9 ! ,mut9y4 ,& ,lawr5ce1 y 
may be sure1 met 8 glance /eadily1 be+  
=tifi$ by x4 ,! good fell[ felt t]ribly 
di/ress$1 because he 0 leav+ ! ,hill2 &1
 be+ a humble g5tleman1 ! old songs s]v$
 to rem9d him1 n ( :at he _h done1 b (  
:at he _h left undone--! words unspok51 
! actions nev] n[ to be p]=m$4 ,! *ief  
caught 8 eye1 smil$1 & nodd$1 z if to   
say1 ,i claim y\r fa!r's son z a fri5d4 
,:5 ! song came to an end1 ,john 0 seiz$
 ) an almo/ irresi/ible impulse to bolt4
 ,8 turn _h come4 ,he mu/ /& up to s+   
be=e ne>ly six hundr$ boys1 :o w\ld />e 
d[n ) gravely critical & c\rte\sly amus$
 eyes4 ,& already 8 legs trembl$ z if he
 7 seiz$ ( a palsy4 ,john knew t he c\ld
 s+4 ,8 "m1 :o sang glori\sly1 _h tra9$ 
him4 ,f h] he _h inh]it$ 8 vocal *ords1 
& f h] he drew ! k h[ to use !m4  ,:5 he
 /ood up1 pale & trembl+1 ! sil5ce fell 
^u 8 s5sibilities z if x 7 a d5se1 yell[
 fog4 ,?is sil5ce1 z ,john knew1 0 an   
unwritt5 law4 ,! small boy select$ to s+
 to ! ,s*ool1 z ! repres5tative ( !     

,s*ool1 mu/ h e *ance4 ,let 8 voice be  
he>d6 ,! ma/] play+ ! accompanim5t paus$
 & glanc$ at 8 pupil4 ,john1 h[ev]1 0 n 
look+ at him2 he 0 look+ )9 at a ,john  
he despis$--a poltroon1 a des]t] ab\t to
 run f 8 fir/ engagem5t4 ,he knew t !   
introduction to ! song 0 be+ play$ a    
second "t1 & he saw ! ,head ,ma/] :isp]+
 to 8 gue/4 ,p>alys$ ) t]ror1 ,john's   
intuition told him t ! ,head ,ma/] 0    
murmur+1 ,t's ! nephew ( ,john ,v]ney4  
,( c\rse y "k him8 ,& ! ,field ,m>%al   
nodd$4 ,& !n he look$ at ,john1 z ,john 
_h se5 him look at ,lawr5ce1 ) ! same   
fl>e ( recognition 9 ! /eel-grey eyes4  
,out ( ! confus$ welt] ( faces %one t   
pair ( eyes--tw9 beacons fla%+ _!       
message ( enc\ragem5t & salvation to a  
fell[-creature 9 p]il--at lea/1 s ,john 
int]pret$ t pi]c+ glance4 ,x seem$ to   
say1 f> pla9] ?an words1 ,i h /ood alone
 z y /&2 ,i h felt my knees z wax2 ,i h 
wi%$ to run away4 ,b--,i didn't4 ,nor   
mu/ y4 ,op5 y\r m\? & s+6  ,s ,john op5$
 8 m\? & sang4 ,! fir/ v]se ( ! lyric   

w5t halt+ly4  ,scaife gr[l$ to ,desmond1
 ,he is go+ to make an ass ( himself4   
,& ,desmond1 meet+ ,scaife's eyes1 half 
?\ght t ! speak] wi%$ t ,john w\ld      
fail--t he grudg$ him a triumph4 ,none !
 less1 ! fir/ v]se1 sung feebly1 ) wrong
 phras+ & imp]fect articulation1 reveal$
 ! quality ( ! boy's voice2 & ?is       
quality ,desmond recogniz$1 z he w\ld h 
recogniz$ a f9e pa9t+ or a bit ( p]fect 
porcela94 ,all 8 %ort life 8 fa!r _h    
tra9$ him to look = & acclaim quality1  
:e!r 9 ?+s animate or inanimate4 ,he    
caught hold ( ,scaife's arm4  ,make an  
ass ( himself6 he :isp]$ back4 ,n he4 ,b
 he may make an ass ( me4  ,ev5 z he    
spoke he 0 aw>e t te>s 7 horribly ne> 8 
eyes4 ,"s cat* 9 ,john's voice1 "s      
subtle inflection1 _h smitt5 8 he>t1 ev5
 z ! prophet smote ! rock4  ,rot6 said  
,scaife1 angrily4  ,he 0 angry1 furi\sly
 angry1 because he saw t ,caes> 0 beyond
 8 rea*1 :irl$ innum]able leagues away  
by ! s\nd ( ano!r's voice4 ,john _h     
begun ! second v]se4 ,he />$1 z if      

hypnotiz$1 /raight into ! face ( ! great
 soldi]1 :o 9 turn />$ z /eadily at     
,john2 & ,john 0 s++ l a l>k1 ) a l>k's 
spontane\s delight 9 s++1 ) an ease &   
self-ab&onm5t :i* *>m$ eye almo/ z mu* z
 e>4 ,high] & high] rose ! cle>1 sexless
 notes1 till two ( !m met & m+l$ 9 a    
triumphant trill4 ,to ,desmond1 t trill 
0 ! answ] to ! quav]+1 tr\bl$ cad5ces ( 
! fir/ v]se2 ! v9dication ( ! _s so>+   
upw>ds unfett]$ by ! fle%--! pure _s1 n 
releas$ f ! pitiful human clay )\t a    
fi]ce /ruggle4 ,at t mom5t ,desmond lov$
 ! s+]--! s+] :o call$ to him out (     
heav51 :o summon$ 8 fri5d to jo9 him1 to
 see :at he saw--! vision spl5did4      
,john began ! ?ird & la/ v]se4 ,! fam\s 
soldi] cov]$ 8 face ) 8 h&1 releas+     
,john's eyes1 :i* asc5d$1 l 8 voice1    
till !y met joyfully ! eyes ( ,desmond4 
,at la/ he 0 s++ to 8 fri5d--& 8 fri5d  
knew x4 ,john saw ,desmond's radiant    
smile1 & across t ocean ( faces he smil$
 back4 ,!n1 kn[+ t he 0 ne>] to 8 fri5d 
?an he _h ev] be5 be=e1 he ga!r$ toge!r 

8 en]gies = ! la/ l9e ( ! song--a l9e to
 be repeat$ ?ree times1 l\dly at fir/1  
!n m s(tly1 dim9i%+ to ! m]e/ :isp] (   
s\nd1 ! voice cele/ial melt+ away 9 ! e>
 ( e>?-b\nd mortals4 ,! ma/] knew well !
 supreme difficulty ( produc+ prop]ly   
?is la/ att5uat$ note2 b he knew also t 
,john's lungs 7 /rong1 t ! vocal *ords  
_h nev] be5 /ra9$4 ,/ill1 if ! boy's    
brea? fail$2 if any?+--a smile1 a fr[n1 
a c\gh--di/ract$ 8 att5tion1 ! end w\ld 
be--weakness1 failure4 ,he wond]$ :y    
,john 0 />+ s fix$ly 9 "o direction4    
,n[--n[6  ,! piano cra%$ out ! la/ l9e2 
b f> above x1 dom9at+ x1 float$ ,john's 
flute-l notes4 ,! ma/] play$ ! same b>s 
= ! second "t4 ,he 0 /ill able to su/a91
 if x 7 necess>y1 a quav]+1 imp]fect    
phrase4 ,b ,john deliv]$ ! second       
repetition )\t a mi/ake1 s++ easily f ! 
*e/4 ,! ma/] put 8 foot ^u ! s(t p$al4  
,nobody 0 wat*+ him4 ,_h any "o done s1 
he w\ld h se5 ! p]spiration break ^u !  
musician's =ehead4 ,! piano purr$ its   
accompanim5t4 ,!n1 9 ! middle ( !       

phrase1 ! ma/] lift$ 8 h&s & held !m    
pois$ above ! in/rum5t4 ,john _h to s+  
?ree notes unsupport$4 ,he 0 smil+ & />+
 at ,desmond4 ,! fir/ note came l a "q f
 ! he>t ( a *ild2 ! second1 high] up1   
might h be5 int]pret$ z an e*o to !     
innoc5t int]rogation ( ! fir/1 ! head no
 wis] ?an ! he>t2 b ! ?ird & la/ note _h
 no?+ 9 x ( int]rogation3 x 0 an answ]1 
all-satisfy+--sublime4 ,nor did x seem  
to come f ,john at all1 b f above1 fall+
 l a sn[flake out ( ! sky4  ,& !n1 = "o 
immeasurable mom5t--sil5ce4  ,john      
slipp$ back to 8 seat1 crimson )        
ba%fulness1 :ile ! ,s*ool ?und]$        
applause4 ,! ,field ,m>%al %\t$ ,encore1
 z l\dly z any fag2 b ! ,head ,ma/]     
:isp]$--  ,we don't enc\rage encores4 ,a
 small boy's head is easily turn$4  ,n  
81 ! h]o repli$4  ,two numb]s foll[$1 & 
!n ! ,s*ool /ood up1 & ) !m all ,old    
,h>rovians1 to s+ ! fam\s ,national     
,an!m ( ,h>r[1 ,=ty ,ye>s on4 ,only !   
gue/s & ! ma/]s rema9$ seat$4      ,=ty 
ye>s on1 gr[+ old] & old]1       ,%ort] 

9 w9d1 z 9 memory long1     ,feeble (   
foot & rheumatic ( %\ld]1       ,:at w x
 help y t once y 7 /rong8     ,god give 
u bases to gu>d or beleagu]1            
,games to play out1 :e!r e>ne/ or fun2  
,fights = ! fe>less1 & goals = ! eag]1  
,tw5ty1 & ?irty1 & =ty ye>s on6         
,foll[ up6 ,foll[ up6 ,foll[ up6 ,foll[ 
up6     ,till ! field r+ aga9 & aga91   
,) ! tramp ( ! tw5ty-two m54            
,foll[--up6  ,z ! hundr$s ( voices1 pa/ 
& pres5t indissolubly l9k$ toge!r1      
impos$ ! m&ate1 ,foll[ up6 ! ,head ,ma/]
 glanc$ at 8 gue/1 b left unsaid ! words
 ab\t to be utt]$4 ,te>s 7 trickl+ d[n !
 *eeks ( ! man :o1 =ty ye>s be=e1 _h won
 8 ,sov]eign's ,cross--,= ,val\r4       
99       99       99       99       99  
,aft] ! conc]t1 b be=e he left !        
,spee*-room1 ! ,field ,m>%al ask$ !     
,head ,ma/] to introduce ,lawr5ce &     
,john1 &1 ( c\rse1 ! ,head ( ! ,s*ool4  
,:5 ,john came up1 !re 0 a tw9kle 9 !   
vet]an's eye4  ,ha--ha6 said he2 y 7 9 a
 preci\s funk1 ,john ,v]ney4  ,i 01 sir1

 said ,john4  ,gad6 ,don't ,i "k !      
feel+8 ,well1 well1 he *uckl$1 smil+ at 
,john1 y climb$ up high] ?an ,i've ev]  
be5 9 my life4 ,:at 0 x--hey8 ',f' 9    
'alt'8  ',g1' sir4  ,y sang             
delightfully4 ,tell y\r uncle to br+ y  
to see me next "t y are 9 t[n4 ,y mu/   
consid] me a fri5d1 he *uckl$ aga9--an  
old fri5d4 ,& look ye "h1 8 pleasant    
voice sank to a :isp]1 ,i d>5't tip ^!  
trem5d\s swells1 b ,i feel t ,i c take  
su* a lib]ty ) y4 ,%u%-h-h6 ,good-bye4  
,john scurri$ away1 bur/+ ) pride1 feel+
 to ! core ! /rong grip ( ! /rong man1  
he>+ ! ?rill ( 8 voice1 ! ?rill :i* _h  
vibrat$ 9 ?\s&s ( soldi]-he>ts4         
,outside1 ,fluff 0 await+ him4  ,oh1    
,jona?an1 y c s+1 & no mi/ake4          
,five--six--sev5 mi/akes1 ,john answ]$4 
,! boys laugh$4  ,john told ,fluff :at !
 h]o _h said to him1 & %[$ ! piece (    
gold4  ,:at ho6 ,! ,cream]ies6 ,come on1
 ,esme4  ,at ! ,cream]ies sev]al boys   
congratulat$ ,john1 & ! ,cat]pill>      
said--  ,y a/oni%$ u1 ,jona?an2 'pon my 

s\l y did4 ,h a 'dr+]' ) me8 ,& ,fluff1 
too8 ,by ! way1 be sure to keep y\r hair
 clipp$ close4 ,^! s++ fell[s ) manes   
may be lions 9 _! own e/imation1 b ! _w 
looks ^u 'em z asses4  ,t's n bad = y1  
,cat]pill>1 said a boy 9 ! ,fif?4  ,n my
 own1 said ! ,cat]pill>1 solemnly--my   
fa!r's4 ,i take f him all ! good ?+s ,i 
c get hold (4  ,john poli%$ (f 8 dr+]1  
li/5+ to ! *aff1 b 8 ?\ghts 7 )         
,desmond4 ,he _h an intuition t ,desmond
 w\ld h some?+ to say to him4 ,z soon z 
possible he return$ to ! ,manor4  ,!re  
he f\nd 8 room empty4 ,john %ut ! door &
 sat d[n1 look+ ab\t him half-abs5tly4  
,! ,duff] _h n contribut$ mu* to ! mural
 decoration1 say+1 l(tily1 t he pref]r$ 
b>e walls to rubbi%y engrav+s &         
,japanese fans4 ,b1 ) curi\s inconsi/5cy
 7= he 0 ! lea/ va9 ( mortals71 he _h   
b\ght at a leav+ auction a ?ree-sid$    
mirror--once ! prop]ty ( a great buck 9 
! ,six?4 ,! ,duff] _h got x *eap1 b he  
nev] us$ x4 ,! l[] boys rem>k$ to ea*   
o!r t ,duff didn't d>e to look 9 x1     

because :at he w\ld see mu/ n only break
 8 he>t b %att] ! glass4 ,g5]ally1 x    
hung1 fold$ up1 close to ! w9d[1 & !    
,duff] said t x w\ld come 9 h&y :5 he   
took to %av+4  ,john's eye re/$ on ?is  
mirror1 vacantly at fir/1 !n ) ga!r+    
int5sity4 ,pres5tly he got up1 cross$ ! 
room1 op5$ ! two fold+ panels1 & exam9$ 
himself att5tively1 purs+ up 8 lips &   
fr[n+4 ,he c\ld see ,john ,v]ney full   
face1 ?ree-qu>t] face1 & half-face4 ,&  
he c\ld see ! back ( 8 head1 :]e an     
ob/9ate lock ( hair /uck out l a drake's
 tail4 ,john 0 s occupi$ 9 tak+ /ock ( 8
 p]sonal disadvantages t a r++ laugh q  
/>tl$ him4  ,:y1 ,jona?an6 ,giv+ y\rself
 a treat--eh8  ,john turn$ a solemn face
 to ,desmond4 ,i ?9k my head is hide\s1 
he said ruefully4  ,:at d y mean8  ,x's 
too long1 ,john expla9$4 ,i l a nice    
r\nd head l y\rs1 ,caes>4 ,i wi% ,i     
wasn't s ugly4  ,desmond laugh$4 ,john  
always amus$ him4 ,caes> 0 easily amus$1
 saw ! funny side ( ?+s1 & contra/s     
tickl$ 8 fancy agreeably4 ,b he /opp$   

laugh+ :5 he realiz$ t ,john 0 hurt4    
,!n1 quickly1 impulsively1 he said--    
,y\r head is all "r1 old ,jona?an4 ,&   
y\r voice is simply beautiful4 ,he spoke
 s]i\sly1 />+ at ,john z he _h />$ 9 !  
,spee*-room :5 ,john began to s+4 ,i    
came "h to tell y t4 ,i felt odd :5 y 7 
s++--q weepsy1 y "k4 ,y l me1 old       
,jona?an1 don't y8  ,awfully1 said      
,john4  ,:y did y look at me :5 y sang t
 la/ v]se8 ,did y "k t y 7 look+ at me8 
,yes4  ,y look$ at me because--well1    
because--b> *aff--y--lik$--me8  ,yes4   
,y--y l me bett] ?an any o!r fell[ 9 !  
s*ool8  ,yes2 bett] ?an any o!r fell[ 9 
! _w4  ,is x possible8  ,i h always felt
 t way s9ce--yes--s9ce ! v fir/ m9ute ,i
 saw y4  ,h[ rum6 ,i've =gott5 j :]e we 
did meet--= ! fir/ "t4  ,i %all nev]    
=get1 said ,john1 9 ! same sl[1         
delib]ate fa%ion1 nev] tak+ 8 eyes f    
,desmond's face4 ,ev] s9ce he _h sung1  
he _h kn[n t ?is mom5t 0 com+4 ,i %all  
nev] =get x1 he repeat$--nev]4 ,y 7 /&+ 
ne> ! ,*apel4 ,i 0 pok+ ab\t alone1 try+

 to f9d ! %op :]e we buy our /raws4 ,&  
,i 0 feel+ z all new boys feel1 only m  
s1 because ,i didn't "k a s\l4  ,yes1   
said ,desmond1 gravely2 y told me t4 ,i 
rememb] n[2 ,i mi/ook y = "y ,h>dacre4  
,y smil$ at me1 ,caes>4 ,x w>m$ me ?r\gh
 & ?r\gh4 ,i suppose t :5 a fell[ is    
/>v+ he nev] =gets ! fir/ meal aft] x4  
,i say4 ,g on2 ?is is awfully int]e/+4  
,i c rememb] :at y wore4 ,"o ( y\r      
bootlaces _h bur/----  ,well2 ,i'm----  
,i _h a wild sort ( wi% to run (f & buy 
y a new lace----  ,( all ! rum />ts     
,i----  ,aft]w>ds1 ,john cont9u$1 ,i    
tri$ to suck-up4 ,i ask$ y to come & h  
"s 'food4' ,d y rememb]8  ,i'll bet ,i  
came1 ,jona?an4  ,no2 y didn't4 ,y said 
',no4'  ,da% x all6 ,i c]ta9ly said1    
',no ?anks4'  ,i d>e say2 b ! ',no' hurt
 awfully because ,i did feel t x 0 *eek 
ask+ y4  ,jona?an1 y funny old bu/]1    
,i'll nev] say ',no' aga94 ',pon my ^w1 
,i won't4 ,s ,i said ',no4' ,t's odd1   
because x's n easy = me to say ',no4' ,!
 gov]nor po9t$ t out la/ hols4 ,someh[1 

,i c't say ',no1' p>ticul>ly if !re's   
any excitem5t 9 say+ ',yes4' ,& my      
bea/ly ',no' hurt1 did x8 ,well1 ,i'm v1
 v sorry4  ,he held out 8 h&1 :i* ,john 
took4 ,!n1 = a mom5t1 !re 0 a pause be=e
 ,desmond cont9u$ awkw>dly--  ,y "k1    
,jona?an1 t ! ,demon is my pal4 ,y l him
 bett] ?an y did1 don't y8  ,john _h !  
tact n to speak2 b he %ook 8 head       
dolefully4  ,& ,i c\ldn't *uck him1 ev5 
if ,i want$ to1 :i* ,i don't--:i* ,i    
don't1 he repeat$1 ) an air ( satisfy+  
himself r ?an ,john4 ,& ,john div9$ t   
,scaife's hold ^u ,desmond's affections 
0 n s /rong z he _h deem$ x to be4      
,desmond cont9u$1 ,b ,i want y1 too1 old
 ,jona?an1 & if--if----  ,all "r1 said  
,john1 nobly4 ,he p]ceiv$ t ,desmond's  
loyalty to ,scaife made him hesitate &  
flu%4 ,i und]/&1 ,caes>1 & if ,i c't be 
fir/1 let me be second2 only1 rememb]1 )
 me y're fir/1 ra9 or %9e4  ,desmond    
look$ uneasy4 ,isn't t a case ( 'heads  
,i w91 tails y lose'8  ,john consid]$2  
!n he smil$ *e]fully1 ,y "k y are a     

w9n]1 ,caes>4 ,y're cut out = a w9n]2 y 
c w9 :atev] y want to w94  ,oh1 t's all 
rot1 said ,desmond4 ,he look$ v grave1 &
 9 8 eyes lay %ad[s :i* ,john _h nev]   
se5 be=e4  ,& s end$ ,john's fir/ ye> at
 ,h>r[4   ,,footnotes3  #be ,all ,public
 ,h\ses are out ( b\nds4     ,,*apt]    
,,vii  ,re=m      ',x mu/ be a gran' ?+ 
to be a coll$ge pr(issor4'      ',n mu* 
to d1' said ,mr4 ,h5nessy4      ',b a   
gr--reat deal to say1' said ,mr4        
,dooley4   ,:5 ,john return$ to ! ,hill 
at ! beg9n+ ( ! w9t] t]m ! great *ange  
_h tak5 place4 ,rut=d _h assum$ ! duties
 ( ,pr(essor ( ,greek at a ,scot*       
,univ]sity2 ,w>de 0 9 possession ( !    
,manor2 ,scaife & ,desmond & ,john--b n 
! ,cat]pill>--_h got _! remove4 ,!y 7   
,fif? ,=m boys--& 9 tails6 ,john1 x is  
true1 al?\gh t\gh] & broad]1 0 /ill %ort
 = 8 ye>s & juv5ile ( appe>ance1 b      
,scaife & ,desmond 7 q big fell[s1 & _! 
new coats became !m mightily4 ,trieve 0 
,head ( ! ,h\se2 ,lovell1 ,capta9 ( !   
,h\se football ,elev5 & 9 ! ,l[] ,six?4 

,lovell w h to behave himself n[1 !     
,duff] rem>k$ to ,scaife1 :o laugh$     
d]isively1 z he answ]$--  ,he c\ldn't1  
ev5 if he tri$4  ,w>de welcom$ ! ,h\se  
at lock-up1 & introduc$ ! boys to 8 wife
 & daught]4 ,mrs4 ,w>de _h a pla91      
pleasant face4 ,miss ,w>de1 h[ev]1 0 a  
beauty1 & %e knew x1 ! coquette1 & _h   
kn[n x f ! h\r %e c\ld peep into a      
mirror4 ,! ,cat]pill> pron\nc$ h] fet*+4
 ,be+ only fifte51 %e wore h] hair 9 a  
plait ti$ by a huge b[1 & ! hem ( h]    
skirt b>ely t\*$ ! neate/ ankle on ,h>r[
 ,hill4 ,give h] a saucy1 p9k-&-:ite    
face1 pop a p]t1 tip-tilt$ nose into !  
middle ( x j above a p\t+ r$ m\?1 & j   
bel[ h] fa!r's lapis-lazuli eyes1 & y w 
see ,iris ,w>de4 ,h] hair 0 r$di%1 n    
r$--call x w>m *e/nut2 & %e _h a dimple4
  ,aft] ! introductions1 "m & daught]   
left ! hall4 ,w>de /ood up1 invit+ !    
,h\se to sit d[n4 ,w>de 0 ab\t half !   
wid? ( ! late ,rut=d1 b someh[ he seem$ 
to take up m room4 ,he _h sp5t ! summ]  
holidays 9 ,switz]l&1 climb+ t]rific    

peaks4 ,sn[ & sun _h col\r$ 8 cle>      
complexion4 ,john1 :o saw b5ea? tann$   
sk9s1 reflect$ t ,w>de seem$ to be      
saturat$ ) fre% air & all ! sweet1 clean
 ?+s :i* "o associates ) m\nta9s4 ,he   
loves hills1 ?\ght ,john1 & he loves our
 ,hill4 ,w>de began to speak 9 8 j]ky1  
confid5tial tones4 ,dirty ,dick _h      
always be5 insuff]ably dull1 pomp\s1 &  
didactic4  ,i don't l spee*mak+1 said   
,w>de1 b ,i want to put "o ?+ to y z    
/rongly z a man may4 ,i h always wi%$ to
 be ma/] ( ! ,manor4 ,"s m5 may ?9k m9e 
a small ambition4 ,ma/] ( a h\se at     
,h>r[8 ,no?+ big ab\t t4 ,p]haps n4 ,b  
,i ?9k x big4 ,& x is big--= me4 ,und]/&
 t ,i'm 9 love ) my job--head ov] heels4
 ,i'd soon] be ma/] ( ! ,manor ?an      
,prime ,m9i/]4 ,i c\ldn't tackle 8 "w4  
,en\gh ( t4 ,n[1 =get = a mom5t t ,i'm a
 ma/]4 ,let me talk z an ,old ,h>rovian1
 an old ,manorite :o rememb]s ev]y?+1   
ay--ev]y?+1 good & bad4 ,"s lucky fell[s
 rememb] ! good only2 we call !m        
optimi/s4 ,o!rs rememb] ! bad4          

,pessimi/s ^?4 ,put me betwe5 ! two4 ,! 
o!r day ,i _h an eye1 "o eye1 fix$ on ! 
top ( a c]ta9 peak--by ,jove6 h[ ,i     
long$ to rea* t peak6--b ! o!r eye 0 on 
a crevasse at my feet4 ,_h ,i kept bo?  
eyes on ! peak1 ,i %\ld be ly+ n[ at !  
bottom ( t crevasse4 ,y take me8 ,well1 
tw5ty ye>s ago ,i sat "h1 9 hall1 my la/
 night 9 ! old h\se1 & ,i hop$ t "o day 
,i might come back4 ,:y8 ,?is is betwe5 
ourselves1 a confid5ce4 ,i came to !    
,manor f a bea/ly s*ool1 su* s*ools are 
h>dly to be f\nd n[adays--a h>d5$ "y    
s9n] at ?irte54 ,! ,manor lick$ me into 
%ape4 ,speak+ g5]ally1 ,i suppose ! tone
 ( ! h\se ins5sibly communicat$ itself  
to me4 ,! ,manor 0 cock-h\se at games & 
"w4 ,i began by %irk+ bo?4 ,b ! _s ( !  
,hill 0 too mu* = me4 ,i c\ldn't %irk t4
 ,"s jolly old boys1 we all "k !m & l   
!m1 are always say+ t _! e>ly s*ool-days
 7 ! happie/ ( _! lives4 ,!y're fond (  
tell+ ?is big lie j z !y're settl+ d[n  
to _! cl>et4 ,i really believe t !y     
believe :at !y say1 b x is a lie4 ,!    

smalle/ boy "h kn[s x's a lie4 ,let's   
h>k back a bit4 ,i said ,i 0 lick$ into 
%ape--& ,i mean lick$4 ,i _h a lot (    
really h>d fagg+--mu* h>d] ?an any ( y  
boys "k--,i 0 s5t up & swi%$1 ,i _h     
:opp+s innum]able1 & x wasn't pleasant4 
,my "m _h p9*$ h]self to s5d me "h1     
because my fa!r _h be5 "h be=e me2 & ,i 
wond]$ :y %e did x4 ,at t "t ,i c\ldn't 
see :y *eap] s*ools %\ldn't be n only z 
good z ,h>r[1 b p]haps bett]4 ,n till ,i
 0 9 ! ,fif? did ,i get a glimm]+ ( :at 
my "m & ! ,manor 7 do+ = me4 ,:5 ,i got 
into ! ,six? & into ! ,elev51 ,i knew4  
,& my la/ ye> "h made up1 & m1 too1 = ! 
previ\s f\r4 ,i enjoy$ t ye> ?or\ghly2  
,i _h ceas$ to be a slack]4 ,i tell y1  
all ( y1 t happ9ess1 l lib]ty1 mu/ be   
e>n$ be=e we c enjoy x4 ,& y are s5t "h 
to e>n x4 ,i'm n go+ to keep y mu*      
long]4 ,i h come to ! m>r[ ( ! matt]4 ,i
 owe ! ,manor a debt :i* ,i hope to pay 
to--y4 ,j z y1 9 turn1 w pay back to    
boys n yet born ! money y\r p h gladly  
sp5t on y1 & o!r great] ?+s besides4 ,i 

want to see ?is h\se at ! top ( ! tree  
aga93 cock-h\se at cricket1 cock-h\se at
 foot]1 ) a ,balliol ,s*ol> 9 x1 & a    
s*ool racquet-play]4 ,& n[ ,dumbleton is
 go+ to br+ 9 a little *ampagne4 ,we'll 
dr9k high heal? & fell[%ip to ! ,manor &
 ! ,hill6  ,8 face broke into ! smile 8 
=m knew s well2 he sat d[n1 z ! h\se    
ro>$ its welcome to a fri5d4  ,z soon z 
! *ampagne 0 drunk 7,dumb] 0 c>eful to  
put m fro? ?an w9e into ! glasses ( !   
kids71 ! boys fil$ out ( ! ,hall4 ,!    
,duff]1 ,desmond1 ,john1 & ! ,cat]pill> 
assembl$ 9 ,john's room4 ,desmond1 y may
 be sure1 0 afire ) resolution4 ,w>de 0 
! "r sort1 a cl9k]1 a fir/ flight]4 ,&  
he meant to /ick by him ?r\gh ?ick & ?94
 ,john said no?+4 ,! ,cat]pill> drawl$  
out--  ,w>de didn't surprise me--mu*4   
,i've f\nd out t he's "o ( ! ,w>des (   
,w>de-,pom]oy1 ! real old /uff4 ,our    
families int]m>ri$ 9 ,elizabe?'s reign4 
,*ance to d x aga91 ,cat]pill>1 said !  
,duff]4 ,w>de's daught] is an uncommonly
 pretty girl4  ,!n ! ,cat]pill> us$ !   

epi!t fet*+4  ,%e's fet*+1 v fet*+1 he  
said4 ,x's a pleasure to rememb] t we're
 ( k94 ,"o mu/ be civil to ,w>de4 ,he's 
a well br$ 'un4  ,y ?9k too mu* (       
family1 said ,desmond4  ,"o c't1 repli$ 
! ,cat]pill>1 solemnly4 ,"o kn[s t      
family is n ev]y?+1 b1 o!r ?+s be+      
equal1 x means ref9em5t4 ,! fir/ ( !    
,h[>ds 0 a sw9eh]d1 ,i d>e say1 b       
g5]ations ( education1 ( association ) !
 be/1 h turn$ !m f sw9e-h]ds into       
g5tlem51 & x takes g5]ations to d x4    
,good old ,cat]pill>6 said ! ,duff]4  ,n
 my own1 said ! ,cat]pill>2 add+1 z     
usual1 ,my gov]nor's1 y "k4  ,w>de      
hasn't a s(t job ahead ( him1 said      
,desmond4  ,s(t or h>d1 he'll h&le x 8  
own way4  ,desmond w5t out1 wond]+ :at  
_h become ( ,scaife4 ,scaife 0 9 8 room1
 talk+ to ,lovell s5ior1 :o sp5t a      
=tnight ) ,scaife's p 9 ,scotl&1 fi%+ & 
gr\s+4 ,desmond _h be5 ask$ also1 b 8   
fa!r1 r to ,caes>'s disgu/ 7= ! ,scaife 
moor 0 fam\s71 _h refus$ to let him g4  
,lovell & ,scaife 7 argu+ ab\t some?+   

:i* ,desmond c\ld n und]/&4  ,i left x  
to my p>tn]1 said ,scaife1 & ! fool w5t 
no trumps hold+ two miss+ suits4 ,!     
enemy d\bl$1 my p>tn] r$\bl$1 & ! o!rs  
r$\bl$ aga93 t made x n9ety-six a trick4
 ,! fell[ on ! left held my p>tn]'s     
miss+ suits2 he made ! ,little ,slam1 & 
scor$ ne>ly six hundr$ bel[ ! l9e4 ,x   
gave 'em ! rubb]1 too1 & ,i _h to =k out
 a c\ple ( quid4  ,:at are y jaw+ ab\t1 
,demon8 said ,desmond4  ,bridge4 ,x's ! 
new game4 ,x's go+ to be ! rage4 ,d y   
play bridge1 ,caes>8  ,no4 ,i want to   
le>n x4  ,all "r1 ,i mu/ tea* y4  ,we   
c\ld get up a f\r 9 ?is h\se1 said      
,lovell4 ,we ?ree & ! ,cat]pill>4 ,he   
plays1 ,i "k4 ,! ,colonel is "o ( !     
cracks at ! ,turf4 ,x w\ld be an awful  
l>k4 ,a mild gamble3 small po9ts--eh8 ,a
 bob a hundr$4 ,:at d y say1 ,caes>8    
,desmond hesitat$4 ,bridge _h n yet     
rea*$ its deliri\s /age4 ,b ,desmond _h 
se5 x play$1 _h he>d 8 fa!r praise x z !
 mo/ fasc9at+ ( c>d-games1 & _h det]m9$ 
to le>n x at ! fir/ conv5i5t            

opportunity4 ,none ! less ,w>de's words 
/ill e*o$ 9 8 e>4  ,i ?9k we ought to   
give ,w>de a *ance1 he said4  ,y don't  
mean to say y 7 tak5 9 by him8 said     
,lovell1 contemptu\sly4  ,desmond bur/  
into en?usia/ic praise ( ,w>de & 8      
me?ods4 ,lovell %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s & walk$ 
out ( ! room1 nodd+ to ,scaife1 b ignor+
 ,desmond4  ,y mu/ g canny ) ,lovell1   
said ,scaife4 ,he's ! fell[ :o ought to 
give y y\r 'fez' aft] ! fir/ h\se-game4 
,nev] m9d t4 ,y won't play bridge1      
,demon1 w y8  ,:y n8 said ,scaife4      
,:]e's ! h>m8 ,y\r gov]nor plays----    
,yes2 b----  ,y're afraid ( gett+ sack$8
  ,i'm n4  ,all "r2 ,i'll take t back4  
,y're n a funk1 ,caes>1 b y're s easily 
humbugg$4 ,w>de caught y ) 8 'pi jaw' & 
a glass ( gooseb]ry4  ,! *ampagne 0 all 
"r1 wasn't x8  ,oh1 ho6 ,s y d mean to  
/& 9 ) ,w>de aga9/ ,lovell & me8 ,?anks 
= be+ s c&id4 ,n[ ,i'll be c&id ) y4 ,i 
l ,lovell4 ,!re's no nons5se ab\t him4  
,he don't put on frills because he's 9 !
 ,six?1 & he don't mean to take to _!   

sneak+1 spy+ ways4 ,he's j z anxi\s z   
,w>de to see ! ,manor cock-h\se at foot]
 & cricket1 & ,i'm z ke5 z he is2 b we  
/op !re4 ,! ,balliol ,s*ol>%ip may g    
hang4 ,& z = sympa?y & fell[%ip & pull+ 
toge!r betwe5 ma/]s & boys1 ,i nev] did 
believe 9 x1 & nev] %all4 ,my h& is     
aga9/ ! ma/]s1 s long z !y int]f]e )    
any?+ ,i want to d4 ,i l bridge1 & ,i   
mean to play x4 ,& ,i'll take jolly good
 c>e t ,i'm n nail$4 ,t's "p ( ! fun1 z 
! dr9k+ us$ to be4 ,i *uck$ t because x 
wasn't good en\gh2 b bridge is ripp+1 &1
 take my ^w = x1 y'll be ke5] ?an ,i :5 
y beg94  ,p]haps4 ,b ,i'm n go+ to beg9 
"h4  ,"r--oh6  ,scaife turn$ aside1     
:i/l+1 b out ( ! corn] ( 8 %rewd eye he 
m>k$ ! expression ( ,desmond's face1 !  
col\r ebb+ & fl[+ 9 ! r\nd1 boyi% *eeks1
 ! p]plexity on ! br[4 ,!n he spoke 9 a 
diff]5t voice4  ,don't worry1 old *ap4  
,y've /uck to me ?r\gh ?ick & ?91 & ,i'm
 grateful1 really & truly4 ,y're "r1 &  
,i'm wrong2 ,i always am wrong4 ,i 0    
look+ =w>d to l>ks4 ,if y c\nt 'em      

purple s9s1 ,i don't blame y = lett+ me 
g to ! devil by myself4  ,i nev] said   
bridge 0 a purple s94  ,w>de ?9ks x is4 
,if y're go+ to look at life "h ) 8     
eyes1 y'll h to r5ame ?+s4 ,babies play 
,begg> my ,neighb\r = *ocolates2 :y     
%\ldn't we play bridge = a bob a hundr$8
 ,! game is spl5did = ! bra92 t5 ?\s&   
times bett] ?an translat+ ,greek        
*oruses4  ,b x is--gambl+1 ,demon2 y c't
 get away f t4  ,pooh6 ,x's gambl+ if ,i
 bet y a 'dr+]' t y won't make t5 runs 9
 a h\se-mat*2 x's gambl+ if ,i raffle a 
picture & y take a sixp5ny ticket4 ,are 
y go+ to give up t sort ( gambl+8  ,no2 
b----  ,:at w\ld ,w>de say to our       
co-op]ative sy/em ( "w--eh8 ,y're n     
prep>$ to g ! :ole hog8 ,y want to pick 
& *oose4 ,good6 ,b give me ! same "r1   
t's all4 ,play bridge ) y\r old pals1 or
 don't play1 j z y please4  ,no m 0     
said4 ,scaife's mann] r ?an 8 matt]     
conf\nd$ ! y\ng] & less exp]i5c$ boy4   
,scaife1 too1 tackl$ problems :i* _m m5 
pref] to leave alone4 ,"h h]$ity cropp$ 

up4 ,scaife's sire & gr&sire 7 e>n+ _!  
bread be=e !y 7 sixte54 ,( necessity !y 
fac$ & ov]came ob/acles :i* ! ord9>y    
,public ,s*ool-boy nev] meets till he   
leaves ! ,univ]sity4  ,= "s "t aft] ?is 
bridge 0 n m5tion$4 ,lovell1 act+1      
possibly1 "u advice f ,scaife1 treat$   
,desmond c\rte\sly1 & gave him 8 fez    
aft] ! fir/ h\se-game4 ,bo? boys n[ 7   
memb]s ( ! ,manor cricket & football    
,elev5s1 &1 z su*1 p]sons ( di/9ction 9 
_! small _w4 ,scaife1 moreov]1 began to 
play football ) su* extraord9>y da% &   
brilliancy1 t x seem$ to be q on ! c>ds 
t he might get 8 ,s*ool ,flannels4 ,?is 
possibility1 & ! ,greek 9 ! ,fif?1      
absorb$ 8 en]gies = ! fir/ six weeks ( !
 w9t] qu>t]4 ,john _h come back to      
,scaife's room to prep>e "w4 ,desmond   
felt t ,scaife _h be5 g5]\s 9 propos+ t 
,john %\ld jo9 !m1 because 9 _m small   
ways x _h become evid5t t ! ,demon      
dislik$ ,john1 al?\gh he /ill spoke ( ! 
tight place out ( :i* ,john _h haul$    
him4 ,?r\gh ,scaife ,john receiv$ 8 fez2

 & :5 ,john wore x = ! fir/ "t1 ,scaife 
came up & said1 smil+--  ,i'm ne>ly ev5 
) y1 ,v]ney4  ,:at d y mean8 said ,john4
  ,y "k well en\gh :at ,i mean1 said    
,scaife1 w9k+ 8 eye malici\sly4  ,john  
flu%$1 because 9 8 he>t he did "k4 ,b :5
 he told ,eg]ton :at ,scaife _h said1 t 
exp]i5c$ man ( ! _w turn$ up 8 nose4  ,j
 l him1 he said4 ,he wants y to feel t  
he has wip$ out 8 debt4  ,d y ?9k my    
'fez' ought to h be5 giv5 to "y ,lovell8
  ,! ,cat]pill>1 :o play$ back = !      
,manor1 consid]$ ! "q4  ,i don't "k1 he 
said4 ,y are pretty ne>ly equal2 b x's a
 fact t ! ,demon turn$ ! scale4 ,he     
po9t$ out to ,lovell t if he gave a     
'fez' to 8 "y bro!r1 ! h\se might accuse
 him ( fav\ritism4 ,t did ! trick4  ,?is
 made ,john uneasy & unhappy = a week or
 two2 b ! consci\sness t ano!r might be 
bett] entitl$ to ! covet$ fez made him  
play up ) su* en]gy t he succe$$ 9 prov+
 to all critics t he _h hone/ly e>n$ :at
 luck _h be/[$ on him4  ,dur+ ! la/ week
 ( ,octob]1 ,john began ^? long walks ) 

,desmond :i*1 aft]w>ds1 he came to reg>d
 z p]haps ! mo/ delightful h\rs sp5t at 
,h>r[4 ,scaife dete/$ walk+4 ,he _h 8   
fa!r's p[] ( focus+ att5tion & en]gy ^u 
a s+le object4 ,= ! mom5t he 0 mad ab\t 
football4 ,talk ab\t books1 sc5]y1 p1   
bor$ him1 & he said s ) 8 usual         
frankness & impati5ce ( re/ra9t4        
,desmond1 on ! o!r h&1 0 also l 8 fa!r1 
inasmu* z 8 ta/es 7 ca?olic4 ,he 0 a bit
 ( a naturali/1 le>n$ 9 ! lore ( woods &
 fields1 & he lik$ to talk ab\t books1 &
 he lik$ to talk ab\t 8 home4 ,simple   
,john w\ld soon] he> ,caes> talk ?an    
li/5 to ! heav5ly *oir4 ,s x came to    
pass t once a week at lea/ ! boys w\ld  
/roll d[n ! av5ue at ,orley ,f>m 7:]e   
,an?ony ,trollope's sad boyhood 0       
pass$71 or take ! ,nor?wick ,walk1 :i*  
w9ds ?r\gh mead[s to ! ,bridge1 or visit
 ,john ,lyon's f>m at ,pre/on1 or1 gett+
 sign$ = ,bill1 attempt a long] ramble  
to ,ruislip ,res]voir1 or ,oxhey ,wood1 
or ,head/one ) its moat$ grange1 or     
,hors+ton ,hill ) its long-/ret*+ view  

across ! ,uxbridge pla94  ,v soon x     
became ! natural ?+ = ,caes> to give    
,john a glimpse1 at lea/1 ( :atev]      
float$ 9 & out ( 8 m9d4 ,john1 be+      
himself a creature ( res]ves1 c\ld n q  
und]/& ?is unlock+ ( doors1 b he        
appreciat$ 8 privileges4 ,caes>'s       
+5u\sness1 sympa?y1 & impulsiv5ess1     
seem$ ! m en*ant+ because ,john himself 
0 ( ! look-be=e-y-leap1                 
?9k-be=e-y-speak1 sort4 ,"o ,sunday ev5+
 !y 7 hurry+ back to ,*apel1 :5 !y pass$
 a woman c>ry+ a heavy *ild4 ,! poor    
creature appe>$ to be almo/ fa9t+ )     
fatigue & possibly hung]4 ,h] p9*$ face1
 h] b5t figure1 h] ?9 g>m5ts1 bespoke a 
passionate prote/ aga9/ conditions :i*  
obvi\sly %e 0 p[]less to av]t or        
control4 ,! boys glanc$ at h] ) pity+   
eyes z !y pass$4 ,!n ,desmond said      
quickly--  ,i say1 ,jona?an1 %e looks z 
if %e 0 go+ to fall d[n4  ,john1 see+   
:at 0 9 8 fri5d's m9d1 said--  ,we mu/  
hurry up1 or we %all miss ,*apel4  ,!y  
(f]$ ! woman sixp5ces1 & blu%es1 because

 ?r\gh ! tatt]$ %awl might be se5 a     
%runk5 bosom4  ,! woman />$1 /amm]$1 &  
bur/ into te>s4  ,we %all miss ,*apel1  
,john repeat$4  ,hang ,*apel1 said      
,desmond4  ,he 0 look+ at ! *ild4 ,:5 ! 
woman took ! silv]1 %e let ! *ild slip  
to ! gr\nd1 :]e x lay in]t4  ,:at's !   
matt] ) x8 said ,desmond4  ,half sobb+1 
! woman expla9$ t ! *ild _h spra9$ its  
ankle4  ,i'm j ab\t done1 %e gasp$2 an' 
! sight o' y two "y g5'lem5 runn9' up ! 
'ill f9i%$ me4 ,i a9't ! leaky sort1 %e 
add$ fi]cely1 /ill gasp+ & trembl+4  ,!n
 %e b5t d[n & tri$ to lift ! heavy *ild1
 :i* moan$ feebly4  ,y run on1 ,jona?an1
 said ,desmond4  ,:y8  ,i'm go+ to c>ry 
?is kid up ! hill4  ,i'll help4         
,no--hook x1 y ass4  ,i won't hook x4   
,betwe5 !m !y c>ri$ ! *ild z f> z !     
,spee*-room1 :]e a policeman accept$ a  
%ill+1 & gave 9 return a positive       
assurance t he w\ld see woman & *ild to 
_! de/9ation4 ,:5 ! boys 7 alone1 ,john 
said--  ,caes>----  ,well8  ,:at a fell[
 y are6 ,i w\ldn't h ?\ght ( t4 ,x 0    

spl5did4  ,oh1 %ut up4 ,!re 0 a slight  
pause2 !n ,caes> said defiantly1 ,i     
?\ght ( c>ry+ t kid2 b ,i w\ldn't h done
 x1 unless ,i'd kn[n t e boy 0 safe 9   
,*apel4 ,i c\ldn't h fac$ ! *aff4 ,&--y 
c\ld4  ,!y 7 puni%$ = cutt+ ,*apel1     
because ,caes> refus$ to give ! reason  
:i* w\ld h sav$ !m4  ,i'd h told ! tru?1
 he admitt$ to ,john1 if ,i c\ld h      
%\ld]$ t kid ) ! ,manorites look+ on4   
,john agre$ t ?is 0 an excell5t & a     
,caes>ean 7he co9$ ! adjective on ?is   
occasion7 reason4         99       99   
99       99       99  ,among ! ,fif? ,=m
 boys ( ! ,manor 0 a big1 co>se-look+   
y\? ( ! "n ( ,beaumont-,gre5e4 ,ev]ybody
 call$ him ,beaumont-,gre5e 9 full1     
because ^u 8 fir/ appe>ance at ,bill he 
_h /opp$ ! l9e ( boys by refus+ to answ]
 to ! "n ( ,gre5e4  ,my "n1 said he1 9 a
 %rill pipe1 is ,beaumont-,gre5e1 & we  
spell ! ,gre5e ) a f9al 'e'4            
,beaumont-,gre5e 0 a type ( boy1        
unhappily1 too common at all ,public    
,s*ools4 ,he _h no feel+ :atev] = ,h>r[1

 save t x 0 a place :]e x behov$ a boy  
to escape puni%m5t if he c\ld1 & to run1
 hot foot1 t[>ds any?+ :i* w\ld yield   
pleasure to 8 body4 ,he 0 kn[n to !     
,manorites z a funk at foot]1 & a       
prodigi\s consum] ( food at !           
,cream]ies4 ,8 fa!r1 hav+ accumulat$ a  
l>ge =tune 9 manufactur+ :at 0 adv]tis$ 
9 mo/ ( ! public pr9ts z ! ,imp]i%able1 
,seamless1 ,:ale-sk9 ,boot1 gave 8 son  
pl5ty ( money4 ,z a ,l[] ,boy1          
,beaumont-,gre5e _h b a sorry "t ( x4   
,somebody discov]$ t he 0 :at ,gilb]t   
once describ$ z an imp]fect ablution]4  
,! ,cat]pill> made a po9t ( tell+ new   
boys ! nature ( ! puni%m5t met$ out to !
 unclean4 ,he _h assi/$ at ! to%+ (     
,beaumont-,gre5e4  ,a na/y job1 !       
,cat]pill> w\ld rem>k1 look+ at 8 own   
speckless f+]-nails3 b x _h to be done4 
,we took ! ,gre5e p]son 7! ,cat]pill>   
alone refus$ to defame ! f9e "n (       
,beaumont by l9k+ x to ,gre5e7 & plac$  
him nak$ 9 a l>ge to%4 ,into t to% !    
h\se 0 invit$ to p\r any fluid t c\ld be

 sp>$4 ,"o =gets ?+s2 b1 unless ,i'm    
mi/ak51 ! p>ticul> %eep-wa% us$ 0 made  
up ( lemonade1 syrups1 ink--pl5ty (     
t--milk 7,i b\ght a qu>t myself71       
too?-p[d]1 p>aff91 & a cake (           
,sapolio--,monkey ,br&6 ,we scrubb$ !   
,yahoo ?or\ghly1 wa%$ its tee?1 e>s1    
hair1 & !n we dri$ x4 ,i don't "k :o    
sme>$ m>malade on to ! t[el1 b ! dry+ "p
 0 n v successful4 ,r t\gh--eh8 ,yes1 v 
t\gh--on u1 b effective4 ,! ,gre5e p]son
 has to%$ regul>ly ev] s9ce4 ,at lea/1 s
 ,i'm told2 ,i nev] g ne> him myself1 & 
he's consid]ate en\gh to keep out ( my  
way4  ,beaumont-,gre5e _h n1 x is true1 
! appetite = reckless break+ ( ! law :i*
 di/+ui%$ ,lovell & 8 p>ticul> pals2 b  
,lovell's good qualities cancell$ to a  
c]ta9 ext5t :at 0 vici\s4 ,a f9e        
cricket]1 a plucky football-play]1 he   
might h prov$ a cr$it to 8 h\se _h a    
ma/] o!r ?an ,dirty ,dick be5 orig9ally 
9 comm& ( x4 ,be=e he 0 out ( ! ,%ell1  
he _h decl>$ w> aga9/ ,au?ority4        
,beaumont-,gre5e1 on ! o!r h&1 dete/$   

games1 & sne]$ at ^? :o play$ !m4       
,pulpy1 pimply1 gross 9 m9d & body1 he  
/ood = t heavy1 amorph\s resi/ance to   
good1 :i* is s difficult to ov]come4    
,dur+ ! fir/ half ( ! w9t] qu>t]1 ,john 
saw b little ( ,esme ,k9lo*4 ,x is "o ( 
! *>act]i/ics ( a ,public ,s*ool t !    
boys--z 9 ! great] _w = :i* x is a      
prep>ation--are 9 lay]s4 ,"s lay]s      
ov]lap2 o!rs nev] t\*4 ,fluff 0 a fag2 8
 fri5d ,john 0 9 ! ,fif? ,=m1 & a fez4  
,9 a ^w1 an ,atlantic roll$ betwe5 !m4  
,john1 h[ev]1 w\ld (t5 give ,fluff a    
con1 & occasionally !y w\ld walk toge!r4
 ,fluff 0 no long] ! delicate1 girli%   
*ild ( a ye> ago4 ,he _h bloom$ into a v
 h&some boy1 attractive1 l all ! memb]s 
( 8 "m's family1 ) engag+ mann]s1 & he  
_h also %[n signs ( develop+ into a     
cricket]4 ,fluff c\ld paddle 8 own      
canoe1 provid$1 ( c\rse1 t he kept out (
 ! rapids4  ,b ab\t ! middle ( ! t]m    
,john notic$ t ,fluff 0 los+ col\r &    
spirits1 ! latt] nev] v exub]ant4 ,x 0 n
 9 ,john's nature to ask que/ions :i* he

 might answ] = himself by tak+ pa9s to d
 s4 ,he wat*$ ,fluff closely4 ,!n he    
dem&$ bluntly--  ,:at's up8  ,no?+4     
,t's a cram1 said ,john1 sev]ely4 ,i    
didn't believe y'd tell me a cram1      
,esme4  ,y don't c>e tupp5ce :e!r ,i    
tell crams or n--n[4  ,john weigh$ ! n[ 
delib]ately4  ,t's ano!r cram1 he said  
sl[ly4 ,has anybody be5 rott+ y8        
,sil5ce4 ,john repeat$ ! "q4 ,/ill      
sil5ce4 ,!n ,john add$--  ,y "k1 ,esme1 
t ,i %all /ick to y till ,i f9d out     
:at's up2 s y may z well save "t by     
tell+ me at once4  ,x's                 
,beaumont-,gre5e1 falt]$ ,fluff4  ,t fat
 bea/6 ,:at's he done8  ,he hasn't done 
mu*--yet4  ,tell ev]y?+6  ,he came into 
my room "o night & turn$ me up 9 my b$4 
,i woke1 on my head1 9 ! d>k1           
half-smo!r$1 & c\ldn't ?9k :at _h       
happ5$2 x 0 simply awful4 ,!n ,i he>d 8 
bea/ly voice say+1 ',if ,i let y d[n1 w 
y d :at ,i ask y8' ,i'd h promis$ any?+ 
to get out ( t horrible1 *ok+ prison1 & 
n[ he ?reat5s to turn me up e night1 &  

,i dream ( x----  ,g on1 said ,john1    
grimly4 ,no1 y ne$n't g on4 ,i c guess  
:at ?is l[ cad is up to4  ,he said he'd 
be my fri5d2 z if ,i'd h a bea/ l t = a 
fri5d4  ,did y tell him t8  ,yes1 ,i    
did4  ,y're a good-pluck$ 'un1 ,esme4 ,&
 he's made x w>m = y ev] s9ce8  ,yes4   
,b he hasn't turn$ y up aga98  ,n-no2 b 
he w4 ,i'd almo/ soon] he'd d x1 & h    
done ) x4 ,i c't sleep4  ,n[1 don't be a
 silly fool1 ,john comm&$4 ,i'm go+ to  
?9k ?is out1 & ,i'll bet ,i make t fat1 
pimply bea/ sit up & h[l4  ,?anks       
awfully1 ,john4  ,b ! m ,john ?\ght (   
:at he _h und]tak5 to d1 ! less cle>ly  
he saw 8 way to d x4 ,evid5tly          
,beaumont-,gre5e 0 too prud5t to bully  
,fluff2 he _h resort$ to ! cruell]      
alt]native ( t]roriz+ him4 ,lawr5ce w\ld
 h settl$ ?is fell['s ha%--s ,john      
reflect$--9 a jiffy1 b ,trieve1 ,miss   
,trieve1 0 hopelessly incapable4        
,pres5tly inspiration came4 ,he seiz$ an
 opportunity :5 ,beaumont-,gre5e happ5$ 
to be by himself2 !n he m>*$ boldly into

 8 room1 leav+ ! door aj>4  ,hullo6 :at 
d y want8  ,beaumont-,gre5e 0 sitt+     
opposite ! fire1 read+ a novel &        
leisurely consum+ mac>oons4  ,i want y  
to leave "y ,k9lo* alone--please4       
,beaumont-,gre5e ne>ly *ok$2 !n he      
splutt]$ out--  ,say t aga91 w y8  ,i   
want y to leave "y ,k9lo* alone4        
,really8 ,any?+ else8  ,no?+ m1 ?ank y4 
,beaumont-,gre5e sl[ly rais$ himself out
 ( 8 *air & gl>$ at ,john1 ^: head came 
to 8 *94  ,y've pl5ty ( *eek4  ,:at ,i h
 isn't spotty1 anyway4  ,john saw ! ve9s
 beg9 to swell 9 ,beaumont-,gre5e's     
?roat4 ,he ?\ght ) relief ( ! door aj>1 
b x 0 "p ( 8 policy--a c>efully devis$  
policy--to provoke1 if possible1 a sc5e4
 ,!n o!rs w\ld int]f]e1 explanations    
w\ld be 9 ord]1 & public op9ion w\ld    
accompli% ! re/4  ,y inf]nal "y         
jackanapes6  ,y pretty pet6  ,get out ( 
my room6 ,hook x6  ,i want to1 said     
,john1 coolly en\gh1 al?\gh 8 he>t 0    
?robb+4 ,x's horribly fuggy 9 "h1 &     
,i've ,jambi#bf to d2 b ,i'm n go+ till 

y give me y\r ^w t y'll leave "y ,k9lo* 
alone4  ,if y don't walk out ,i'll *uck 
y out4  ,y mu/ cat* me fir/1 said ,john4
  ,& !n a v pretty *ase took place4     
,beaumont-,gre5e1 fat1 scant ( brea?1   
full ( mac>oons1 began to pursue ,john  
r\nd & r\nd ! table4 ,john skilfully    
int]pos$ *airs1 s(a-cu%ions1 any?+ he   
c\ld lay h&s on4 ,pass+ ! wa%/&1 he     
secur$ an enorm\s sponge1 :i* an in/ant 
lat] flew s\se into ! face ( ! grampus4 
,an abridg$ edition ( ,liddell &        
,scott's ,greek ,lexicon foll[$4 ,?is   
ne>ly br\ght ! big fell[ to grass4 ,9 8 
rage he1 too1 began to hurl :at objects 
happ5$ to be )9 rea*1 b he 0 a %ock+ bad
 %ot2 he miss$1 or ,john dodg$ e "t4    
,john did n miss4 ,f9ally1 z ,john _h   
=ese51 a c\ple ( ,six? ,=m fell[s ru%$  
94  ,:at's ! mean+ ( ?is inf]nal r[8    
ask$ "o4  ,ask him1 said ,john4         
,au?ority />$ at ,beaumont-,gre5e1 & !n 
at 8 wreck$ room4  ,i told him to hook  
x1 & he w\ldn't1 splutt]$ ! gasp+       
,gre5e4  ,:y8  ,half a doz5 o!r fell[s  

_h come into ! room4 ,among/ !m ! ,duff]
 & ! ,cat]pill>4  ,i want$ to hook x1   
,john expla9$1 because x's s bea/ly     
fuggy2 b ,beaumont-,gre5e w\ldn't       
promise me to d some?+ he ought to d4   
,?is is my/]i\s4  ,! swagg]+ "y         
blackgu>d *eek$ me1 gr[l$ ,gre5e4  ,i 0 
v polite--at fir/1 plead$ ,john4  ,hook 
x n[1 anyway1 said ,au?ority4  ,n till  
he promises4 ,if y turn me out1 ,i'll   
come back aft] y're gone4  ,:at is x y  
want him to promise8  ,john _h a*iev$ 8 
object4  ,i want him to leave "y ,k9lo* 
alone4  ,! two ,six? ,=m boys glanc$ at 
ea* o!r2 at ,john2 at ! gross1 spott$   
face ( ,beaumont-,gre5e4 ,!n ! s5ior    
said coldly--  ,i suppose y h no        
objection1 ,beaumont-,gre5e1 to promis+ 
,v]ney or any "o else t y w leave "y    
,k9lo* alone8  ,i've nev] laid a f+] on 
! kid1 gr[l$ ! big fell[2 b he look$    
pale & fright5$4  ,!n y promise--eh8    
,yes4  ,on y\r ^w ( hon\r8  ,yes4  ,t   
night ,john told ,fluff ) great glee h[ 
,beaumont-,gre5e _h be5 made to sit up &

 h[l4   ,,footnotes3  #bf               
,jambi--,iambic v]ses4     ,,*apt]      
,,viii  ,v]ney ,boscobel      ,9 hon\r (
 all :o believe t life 0 made =         
fri5d%ip4   ,! imm$iate result ( !      
incid5t describ$ 9 ! la/ *apt] 0 to     
/r5g!n ! bond betwe5 ,john & ,desmond4  
,desmond _h ! epic f ,fluff1 f !        
,cat]pill>1 & f9ally f ,john himself4   
,y be>d$ t poison\s bea/ 9 8 d51        
exclaim$ he2 y plott$ & plann$ = !      
scrimmage2 y =esaw :at w\ld happ54      
,well1 y are a cork]1 ,jona?an4  ,y'd h 
?\ght ( some?+ mu* bett]4  ,n ,i1       
,desmond repli$4  ,scaife1 h[ev]1 made  
no rem>ks4 ,possibly1 because ,desmond  
made too _m1 s++ ,john's praises beh9d 8
 back & to 8 face1 9 & out ( season4    
,?is1 ( c\rse1 0 indiscreet1 & l$ to h>d
 words & h>d] feel+s4 ,beaumont-,gre5e  
realiz$ t ,john _h t>r$ & fea!r$ him4 ,!
 fags1 y may be sure1 rubb$ ! t> 94 ,if 
,beaumont-,gre5e ?reat5$ to kick an     
impud5t ,f\r? ,=m boy1 t y\ng/] w\ld bid
 him be c>eful4  ,if y don't behave     

y\rself1 he w\ld say1 ,i %all h to s5d  
,v]ney to y\r room4  ,lovell s5ior      
rem>k$ t ,beaumont-,gre5e 0 a sw9e1 b t 
,v]ney _h put on lift & mu/ be snubb$4  
,:at8 ,a boy :o _h n be5 two ye>s 9 !   
s*ool d>$ to take ! law into 8 own h&s6 
,! matt] ought to h be5 laid be=e !     
,head ( ! ,h\se4  ,accord+ly1 ,john f\nd
 himself1 mu* to 8 dismay1 unpopul> ) ! 
,olympians4 ,! la/ mon? ( ?is t]m 01 9  
"s ways1 ! mo/ disagreeable he _h yet   
sp5t at ,h>r[4  ,b ! ga9 ( ,desmond's   
fri5d%ip f> outweigh$ ! loss (          
popul>ity4 ,john t+l$ ) pleasure :5 he  
reflect$ t he _h a*iev$ 8 ambition to /&
 betwe5 ,scaife & ,desmond4 ,at ! same  
"t1 he 0 uncom=tably aw>e t ,scaife     
seem$ to h climb$ high above ,desmond1  
:o _h /ood /ill4 ,9 mom5ts ( depression 
,john told himself t he 0 a make%ift1 t 
,desmond w\ld leave him & jo9 ! ,demon  
:5ev] t spl5did "y p]son *ose to :i/le  
him up4 ,scaife _h fail$ to get 8       
,football ,flannels1 b he came s ne> to 
beat+ all previ\s records t ! ,s*ool    

began to reg>d him z a ,blood4 ,he 0 se5
 arm-9-arm ) ,lovell1 /roll+ up & d[n ! 
,high ,/reet1 & ! fags brea?lessly      
repeat$ :at ,desmond _h pr$ict$ a ye>   
ago3 ! ,demon 0 ! com+ man4 ,& always1  
:5 ,john & ,desmond pass$ him1 ,john    
?\ght he c\ld read a d]isive triumph ^u 
! ,demon's h&some face1 an expression   
:i* said pla9ly3 ,y "y fool1 don't y "k 
t ,i'm play+ cat & m\se ) y8  ,! ?ree   
/ill met twice daily to prep>e "w4 ,b ! 
mom5t t 0 done1 ,scaife disappe>$1 leav+
 ,john & ,desmond toge!r4  ,he's play+  
bridge 9 ,lovell's room1 said ,desmond4 
,m facts 7 glean$ f ! ,cat]pill>1 :o _h 
jo9$ ! bridge-play]s1 b play$ seldom4   
,"o draws ! l9e1 said he1 at play+ =    
/akes "o c't af=d to lose4 ,lovell & !  
,demon h made x too hot4  ,& ,w>de w    
make x hott]1 said ,john4  ,n he1 repli$
 ! ,cat]pill>4 ,! ,demon is a wond]4    
,?anks to 8 bra9s1 detection is         
impossible4 ,he sugge/$ t ,lovell's room
 %\ld be us$4 ,w>de w\ldn't d>e to bur/ 
9 ^u "o ( ! ,six?4 ,& y ought to see _! 

dodgy arrangem5ts4 ,lovell has 8 "y     
bro!r on gu>d4 ,i'm hang$ if ! ,demon   
didn't inv5t a sort ( drill1 :i* !y g   
?r\gh ) a /op-wat*4 ,x's a /> p]=mance1 
,i tell y4 ,"y ,lovell bolts 94 ,9      
?irty-five seconds--!y h got x d[n to   
t--! c>ds & m>k]s are hidd52 & ! f\r (  
'em are jaw+ away ab\t foot]4  ,all !   
same1 said ,john1 ob/9ately1 ,w>de w be 
too mu* = 'em4  ,oh1 rot6 said !        
,cat]pill>4  ,! ,manor got into !       
semi-f9als ( ! football mat*es1 & :5 !  
,s*ool broke up = ! ,*ri/mas holidays x 
0 g5]ally conc$$ t ! =tunes ( ! anci5t  
h\se 7 m5d+4 ,9 ! ,manor itself ,w>de's 
influ5ce 0 h>dly yet p]ceptible3 only a 
v few knew t x 0 diffus+ itself1        
p]colat+ into nooks & crevices undream$ 
(3 ! he>ts ( ! ,f\r? ,=m1 = in/ance4 ,9 
,dirty ,dick's "t !re _h be5 almo/      
univ]sal slackness4 ,9 pupil-room ,rut=d
 read a book2 boys c\ld "w or n z !y    
pleas$1 provid$ _! tutor 0 n di/urb$4   
,w>de1 on ! o!r h&1 made x a po9t (     
hon\r to "w ) 8 pupils4 ,8 indefatigable

 en]gies1 8 good hum\r1 8 pati5ce1 7    
nev] s conspicu\s z :5 he 0 coa*+       
duff]s4 ,9 o!r ways he made ! boys      
realize t he 0 at ! ,manor = _!         
advantage1 n 8 own4 ,! g>d5s & p>k 7    
kept /rictly private by ,dirty ,dick4   
,w>de ?rew !m op53 a fav\r h>dly        
appreciat$ 9 ! :it] qu>t]1 b ! ,h\se    
admitt$ t x w\ld be awfully jolly 9 !   
summ] to lie "u ! trees f> f ! cr[d4 ,9 
a ^w--a privilege4  ,^u ! la/ ,saturday1
 to ,john's delight1 ,desmond ask$ him  
to sp5d a week 9 ,eaton ,squ>e4 ,john _h
 paid two visits to ,:ite ,ladies2 he 0 
n[ ab\t to exp]i5ce some?+ entirely new4
 ,:ite ,ladies & ,v]ney ,boscobel 7     
typical ( ! pa/2 !y illu/rat$ ! hi/ory (
 ! families :o _h inhabit$ !m4 ,! great 
_w w5t to ,:ite ,ladies to see !        
pictures & ! g>d5s1 ! ,gobel9 tape/ries1
 ! ,du*ess & h] gue/s2 b ! same _w d9$ 9
 ,eaton ,squ>e to see ,*>les ,desmond4  
,dur+ ?is visit1 our ,john fir/ le>n$   
:at miracles "o individual may          
accompli%4 ,at ,:ite ,ladies1 he _h     

dimly p]ceiv$1 z has be5 said1 ! duties 
& responsibilities impos$ ^u rank &     
weal?4 ,9 ,eaton ,squ>e he saw m pla9ly 
! duties & responsibilities impos$ ^u a 
man ( great tal5ts4 ,bo? ,*>les ,desmond
 & ! ,duke ( ,tr5t 7 h>d work]s1 b !    
lab\rs ( ! duke seem$ to ,john 7& to o!r
 wise p]sons7 drab-col\r$4 ,*>les       
,desmond's "w1 9 contra/1 pres5t$ all ! 
col\rs ( ! spectrum4 ,john left ,:ite   
,ladies1 ?ank+ 8 />s t he 0 n a duke2 he
 came away f ,eaton ,squ>e fill$ ) !    
ambition to be ,private ,secret>y to !  
great ,m9i/]4 ,& :5 ,mr4 ,desmond said  
to him ) 8 g5ial smile1 ,well1 "y ,john1
 ,h>ry1 ,i hope1 w be my secret>y1 & !  
crut* ( my decl9+ ye>s4 ,b :at w\ld y l 
to be8 ,john repli$ f]v5tly1 ,oh1 sir1  
,i %\ld l to be ,h>ry's und]/udy4  ,w\ld
 y8  ,& !n ,john saw ! face ( 8 k9d ho/ 
*ange4 ,! smile fad$4 ,mr4 ,desmond _h  
tak5 8 answ] z ,john meant x to be      
tak5--s]i\sly4 ,he exam9$ ,john z if he 
7 already a c&idate = (fice4 ,! pi]c+   
eyes prob$ deep4 ,!n he said sl[ly1 ,i  

%\ld l to h y "u me1 ,john4 ,we %all    
talk ( ?is aga91 my boy4 ,my own        
sons---- ,he paus$1 sigh$1 & !n laugh$1 
tapp+ ,john's *eek ) 8 sl5d]1 f9ely-=m$ 
f+]s4 ,b he pass$ on )\t f9i%+ 8 s5t5ce4
 ,john knew t1 ( ,caes>'s bro!rs1 ,hugo1
 ! elde/1 0 ,secret>y ( ,legation at    
,teh]an2 ,bill devill$ = a fam\s b>ri/]2
 ,lionel wore h] ,maje/y's liv]y4       
,/range t none _h elect$ to s]ve 8 own  
fa!r6 ,caes> expla9$ lat]4  ,y see1 he  
said1 ! de> old gov]nor out%9es         
ev]ybody4 ,hugo & ! o!rs felt t "u him  
!y w\ld be 9 eclipse1 = ev] & ev]--eh8  
,i see1 said ,john1 gravely4 ,yes1 !re's
 some?+ 9 t4 ,he wants y1 ,caes>4  ,de> 
old gov]nor6 ! o!r repli$4 ,yes--he's   
ke5 on t4 ,b ,i hope to make my own     
little m>k4 ,i'd l to h my "n on a brass
 tablet 9 ,h>r[ ,*apel2 t w\ld be       
some?+4 ,8 eyes began to gl[ & sp>kle4  
,next day1 at d9n]1 ,rodney's "n cropp$ 
up4  ,rodney pav$ ! way = ,nelson1 ,mr4 
,desmond obs]v$4 ,i look ^u him z "o (  
our greate/ ,h>rovians4 ,we ought to h a

 build+ to ,rodney's memory4 ,i put him 
be=e ,peel or ,byron4  ,oh1 ,i say1     
fa!r---- ,hot prote/ f ,caes>4  ,act    
be=e ^w1 ,h>ry2 practice be=e precept4  
,rodney 0 a man ( action4 ,i %\ld l to h
 be5 ,rodney4  ,i %\ld l to h be5       
,%]idan1 said ,caes>4 ,i (t5 look at 8  
"n on ! ?ird panel ( ! ,f\r? ,=m ,room4 
,he glanc$ at 8 fa!r1 :o smil$1 kn[+ t a
 delicate complim5t 0 int5d$1 =         
en?usia/ic admir]s _h spok5 ( ,*>les    
,desmond z ! ,ri*>d ,br9sley ,%]idan ( !
 mod]n ,h\se ( ,commons4 ,! fa!r said   
curtly--  ,a sky-rocket1 my de> ,h>ry4  
,!n he turn$ to ,john4 ,& ( all our     
fam\s ,h>rovians :om w\ld y l to take z 
a patt]n1 "y ,john8  ,john hesitat$4    
,two or ?ree ( ! gue/s pres5t 7         
celebrities4 ,among/ !m 0 ,engl&'s      
greate/ critic sitt+ beside an          
ambassador4 ,!re happ5$ to be a lull 9 !
 talk4 ,all look$ curi\sly at ,john4    
,i'd l to be ano!r ,"l ,%aftesbury1 he  
said sl[ly4  ,good6 ,capital6 ,mr4      
,desmond nodd$ 8 head4 ,i knew him well4

 ,he p\r$ out anecdote aft] anecdote    
illu/rat+ ! "* & temp]am5t ( !          
/atesman-philan?ropi/3 8 self-sacrifice1
 8 devotion to an ideal1 8 curi\s       
exclusiv5ess1 8 ref9em5t1 8 fai? 9 an   
ari/ocracy nev] dim9i%$ by !            
indefatigable zeal :]e9 he lab\r$ to    
bett] ! condition ( ! poor4 ,if e ri*   
man 7 animat$ by ,%aftesbury's _s1 said 
,mr4 ,desmond1 9 conclusion1 extreme    
pov]ty w\ld be wip$ out ( ,engl&1 & yet 
we %\ld reta9 all t makes life *>m+ &   
pr(itable4 ,he 0 no levell]1 save ( f\l 
rook]ies4 ,fir/ & la/ he believ$ 9 ord]1
 p>ticul>ly 8 own--a true nobleman4 ,& !
 inspiration ( 8 great c>e] came to him 
on ! ,hill4  ,inde$8 said ! ,critic4    
,john ,v]ney w tell y all ab\t x1 said  
,mr4 ,desmond1 glanc+ *e]ily at our h]o4
 ,8 0 ev] ! habit to draw out ! humble/ 
( 8 gue/s4  ,s ,john recit$ h[ "y       
,an?ony ,a%ley1 /&+ on ! ,hill1 j bel[ !
 *ur*y>d1 *anc$ to see a paup]'s c(f9   
fall to ! gr\nd & bur/ op51 reveal+ !   
pitiful corpse )91 & h[ he _h exclaim$ 9

 horror1 ,good heav5s6 ,c ?is be p]mitt$
 simply because ! man 0 poor &          
fri5dless8 ,& h[1 !n & !re1 ! boy _h    
sworn to devote 8 p[]s to ! amelioration
 ( pov]ty-/rick5 lives4  ,yes1 said ,mr4
 ,desmond4 ,he told me t ! next fifte5  
m9utes decid$ 8 c>e]4 ,ah1 he succe$$   
greatly4 ,:y1 :5 ,i 0 at ,h>r[ we us$ to
 cross f ,wat]loo to ,eu/on ?r\gh "s ( !
 wor/ slums 9 ! _w4 ,y boys c't realize 
:at !y look$ l4 ,& ,%aftesbury's "w &   
example wip$ !m out ( our               
civilization4#bg  ,:5 ,john return$ to 8
 uncle's h\se ( ,v]ney ,boscobel 78 home
 s9ce 8 fa!r's dea?71 ,caes> ,desmond   
accompani$ him4 ,!n x seem$ to ,john t 8
 cup brimm$1 t ev]y?+ he desir$ _h be5  
grant$ unto him4 ,v]ney ,boscobel /ood 9
 ! he>t ( ! great =e/1 "o ( ! few l>ge  
manors )9 t spl5did demesne4 ,! boys    
arriv$ at ,lyndhur/ ,road ,/ation late 9
 ! ev5+1 long aft] dusk1 & 7 driv5 9    
d>kness ?r\gh ,b>tley & ,m9/ead up to ! 
high-ly+ moors ( ,/oneycross4 ,next     
morn+1 e>ly1 ,john woke 8 fri5d1 & op5$ 

! %utt]s4  ,jolly morn+1 he said4 ,h a  
look at ! ,=e/1 old *ap4  ,caes> jump$  
out ( b$1 & drew a long brea?4  ,ah6 he 
exclaim$2 x's fairyl&4  ,fro/ _h silv]$ 
all ?+s bel[4 ,above1 motionless ^u !   
blue heav5s1 z if /ill froz5 by ! icy   
f+]s ( a ,decemb] night1 7 "s a]ial     
transp>5cies ( aque\s vap\r1 ame?y/9e 9 
col\r1 ) edges ( :ite foam4 ,9 ! ea/1   
obscur$1 b n conceal$1 by grey mi/1 hung
 ! crimson orb ( ! sun4 ,f x fa9t rays  
%ot =?1 t\*+ ! cl\ds b5ea?1 :i*1 r\s$1 s
 to speak1 out ( sleep1 drift$          
le?>gically 9 a s\!rly direction4       
,und]nea? ! "y grey dawn     ,a         
multitude ( d5se1 :ite1 fleecy cl\ds    
,7 w&]+ 9 ?ick flocks1 444     ,%eph]d$ 
by ! sl[1 unwill+ w9d4  ,desmond drew 9 
8 brea?1 sigh+ ) pure/ delight4 ,f !    
lawns encompass+ ! h\se 8 eyes /ray$    
into a glade ( brack51 gold gleam+ ?r\gh
 silv]--a glade %ad[$ by noble oaks &   
bee*es1 ) "o bir* tree 9 ! middle ( x   
surpass+ly graceful4 ,^u ?is ea*        
delicate b\gh & spray 7 outl9$ %>ply    

aga9/ ! sky4 ,beyond ! glade /ret*$ !   
moor1 rugg$1 bleak1 & treeless1 slop+   
%>ply upw>d4 ,beyond ! moor lay !       
,=e/--belts ( firs d>kly purple2 &      
flank+ ^! ! irregul> masses ( oaks &    
bee*es1 v>y+ 9 t9t f pale/ lav5d] to    
rose & br[n1 "s /ill 9 %ad[1 "s 9       
ev]-increas+ gl[ ( sunlight2 n "o ! same
 & ea* 9 itself conta9+ a ?\s& diff]+   
=ms1 yet all h>moni\s p>ts ( ! respl5d5t
 :ole4  ,i'm s glad y l my home1 said   
,john4 ,%all we h a gallop be=e         
breakfa/8 ,x's only a :ite fro/4  ,s !y 
gallop$ away into fairyl&1 return+ )    
mortal appetites to ! oak-panell$       
d9+-hall1 :5ce a ,v]ney _h ridd5 =? to  
jo9 8 k9sman1 ,sir ,edmund1 9 arms = !  
,k+ ^u ! di/ant field ( ,edge ,hill4    
,aft] breakfa/ ! boys explor$ ! qua9t   
old h\se2 & ,john %[$ ,caes> !          
tw5ty-bore gun1 & promis$ 8 gue/ mu*    
rabbit-%oot+1 & two days' hunt+1 at     
lea/1 ) ! ,new ,=e/ ,h\nds1 & "s        
pike-fi%+1 & possibly an enc\nt] ) a big
 grayl+--:i*1 lat]1 ! boys saw wallop+  

ab\t 9 ! ,te/ above ,broadl&s--a spl5did
 fi%1 once hook$ by ,john1 & lo/--a     
?ree-p\nd]1 ( c\rse4  ,o gold5 age6 ,y w
 nev] =get t ,*ri/mas--w y1 ,john8 ,if y
 live to be ,prime ,m9i/] ( ,engl&1 !   
memory ( ^? fir/ days alone ) y\r fri5d 
w rema9 gre5 :5 ! col\r has be5 suck$ by
 ,"t out ( ev]y?+ else4 ,fifty ye>s     
h5ce1 maybe1 y w see ,caes>'s curly head
 & 8 blue eyes full ( fun & life1 & y w 
he> 8 joy\s laught]--peal ^u peal--e*o+ 
?r\gh ! corridors ( ,v]ney ,boscobel4   
,y\r "m took him to h] he>t--didn't %e8 
,& all ! s]vants1 f butl] to scull]y    
maid1 vot$ him ! jollie/1 *e]ie/ boy t  
ev] came to ,hamp%ire4 ,:y1 ,mrs4       
,osman1 ! cook1 ) a temp] l t9d] f too  
mu* heat1 refus$ flatly to let ,caes>   
make t(fee 9 h] kit*54 ,b j !n a        
b>rel-organ turn$ up1 & be=e %e c\ld op5
 h] m\?1 ,caes> 0 danc+ a polka ) h]2 & 
aft] t he c\ld make t(fee1 or hay1 or   
any?+ else1 :]ev] & :5ev] he pleas$4    
,:5 !y return$ to ! ,manor1 ,john hop$ &
 pray$ t ?is bless$ intimacy w\ld       

cont9ue4 ,x did--= a "t4 ,! ?ree boys   
got _! remove1 & f\nd !mselves 9 !      
,second ,fif?1 :]e !y propos$ to l+]    
till aft] ! summ] t]m4 ,lovell & ,scaife
 seem$ insep>able1 & bridge began aga91 
app>5tly an inexhau/ible s\rce (        
amusem5t & excitem5t4 ,!n came ! ,torpid
 mat*es2 & ,john1 z ,lawr5ce pr$ict$1 0 
capta9 ( ! cock-h\se ,elev5--! fir/     
great victory ( ! ,manorites4 ,dur+ !   
t]m1 ,scaife & ,desmond won no races1   
be+ 9 age betwixt & betwe5 w9n]s ( ,upp]
 & ,l[] ,s*ool races4 ,scaife refus$ to 
tra94 ,desmond took a few runs1 b ab&on$
 !m = racquets1 ! *ief game 9 ! ,ea/]   
t]m1 b only play$ regul>ly by boys ^:   
purses are well l9$4 ,john conf9$ 8     
att5tion to ,squa%4 ,caes> play$ ,h>d] )
 ! ,demon4 ,! ?ree work$ toge!r z (     
yore4 ,john n[ p]ceiv$ t ,scaife _h jo9$
 a clique pl$g$ to fight ,re=m4 ,x 0 9 !
 air t some?+ might happ54 ,w>de ey$ !  
big fell[s %rewdly1 z if measur+        
weapons4 ,he conf\nd$ "s by ask+ !m to  
d9e ) him4 ,at dess]t he w\ld talk (    

sport1 or games1 or politics--ev]y?+1 9 
f9e1 except %op4 ,! m wor?y came away f 
^! pleasant ev5+s ) r a hangdog         
expression1 z if !y _h be5 receiv+ goods
 "u false pret5ces4 ,john & ,desmond 7  
made especially welcome4 ,&1 aft] d9n]1 
,john1 ^: voice _h n yet crack$1 w\ld   
s+1 to ,mrs4 ,w>de's accompanim5t1 su*  
songs z ,o ,bay ( ,dubl91 my he>t yu're 
?r\bl9'1 or ,?9k ( me sometimes1 or     
,h&el's ,:]e'er y walk4 ,! ,cat]pill>   
made no secret ( a passion = ,iris      
,w>de1 & became a dang]\s rival ( "o ( !
 y\ng] ma/]s4 ,he talk$ to ,w>de ab\t   
g5ealogies & hunt+1 topics ( conv]sation
 9 :i* !y _h a common int]e/ outside    
,h>r[4 ,john guess$ t ,w>de 0 mak+ an   
ef=t to secure ,eg]ton1 :o1 = 8 "p1 took
 ! _w z he f\nd x1 consort+ alike )     
,john & 8 fri5ds1 & also ) ,lovell &    
,co4 ,f ! ,cat]pill> ,john le>n$ t      
,beaumont-,gre5e _h begun to play       
bridge4  ,scaife & ,lovell are sk9n+ !  
bea/1 he add$ confid5tially4 ,gre5 he   
is1 & no error4  ,ructions soon1 said   

,john4  ,i don't believe x1 repli$ !    
,cat]pill>4 ,take my ^w1 ,w>de kn[s :at 
he's ab\t4 ,he's play+ up to ! y\ng]    
memb]s ( ! h\se--y1 ,caes>1 & y1        
,jona?an--& he's lett+ ! o!rs slide4    
,giv+ 'em rope1 said ,john1 to hang     
'emselves4  ,well1 n[1 !re's some?+ 9 t4
 ,t hadn't occurr$ to me4 ,:at8 ,y ?9k t
 he's egg9' 'em on1 eh8 ,egg9' 'em on6  
,i ?9k t1 if ,i 7 y1 ,cat]pill>1 ,i'd   
cut loose f t gang4  ,!y've made x r w>m
 = y4  ,i don't c>e a hang ab\t t4  ,z a
 matt] ( fact1 ,john's life _h be5 made 
v unpleasant by ! fa/ set4 ,^u ! o!r h&1
 ! ,duff]1 ,fluff1 & _m ,l[] ,s*ool boys
 reckon$ him _! lead] & advis]4 ,&--su* 
is ! irony ( ,fate--,john's popul>ity ) 
fri5ds caus$ him m anxiety ?an          
unpopul>ity ) enemies4 ,t[>ds ! end ( ! 
t]m1 ,desmond spoke ( apply+ to ,w>de = 
a c]ta9 room to be %>$ by himself &     
,john4 ,john _h to decl9e an arrangem5t 
desir$ passionately1 because he _h      
indiscreetly promis$ n to *uck ! ,duff]4
 ,caes> dropp$ ! subject4 ,aft] ?is1    

,john notic$ a slight coldness4 ,he     
wond]$ :e!r ,caes> 7 jeal\s1 jeal\sy be+
 ,john's own besett+ s94 ,f9ally1 he    
came to ! conclusion t 8 fri5d might be 
n jeal\s b unreasonable4 ,9 any case1   
dur+ ! la/ ?ree weeks ( ! t]m1 ,john saw
 less ( ,caes>1 & m--m1 inde$1 ?an he   
want$--( ! ,duff] & ,fluff4  ,& !n came 
! p>alys+ news t ,desmond _h promis$ to 
sp5d t5 days ) ,scaife's p1 t a         
,pr(essional _h be5 hir$1 & t bo? boys 7
 go+ to give _! undivid$ en]gies to     
cricket4  ,aft]w>ds1 ,john (t5 wond]$   
:e!r ,scaife1 ) truly demoniac insight  
into ,desmond's "*1 _h let him g1 s z to
 seize him ) m t5aci\s grasp :5 an      
opportunity pres5t$ itself4         99  
99       99       99       99  ,z soon z
 ,john saw ,caes> aft] ! ,ea/] holidays1
 he knew t1 tempor>ily1 at any rate1 he 
_h lo/ 8 fri5d4 ,caes>1 inde$1 0        
demon/ratively glad to see him1 & dragg$
 him (f next day to walk to a c]ta9     
bridge :]e a few %ort weeks be=e ! boys 
_h c>v$ _! names ^u ! wood5 rail+1      

surr\nd+ !m ) a circle & ! ,cross$      
,arr[s4 ,b ,caes> c\ld talk ( no?+ else 
b ,scaife & cricket4 ,!y _h bo? come on 
trem5d\sly4 ,scaife's p _h a spl5did    
cricket-gr\nd4  ,poor ,john6 ,if he c\ld
 h subm]g$ ! ,scaife cricket-gr\nd & !  
,scaife family by nodd+ 8 head1 ,i fe> t
 he w\ld h nodd$ x1 al?\gh he told      
himself t he 0 an ung5]\s bea/ & cad n  
to sympa?ize ) 8 pal4  ,& be=e ! boys   
got back to ! ,manor1 ,caes> said1 n )\t
 a blu%1 t he _h le>n$ to play bridge4  
,i %all tea* y1 ,jona?an4  ,no4  ,i     
say--yes4  ,y're n go+ to play ) ,lovell
 & t bea/ ,beaumont-,gre5e8  ,! ,demon  
says no c>ds ?is t]m1 :5 lock-up's late4
 ,& look "h1 ,jona?an1 ,i've made !     
,demon promise to make ! peace betwe5   
,lovell & y4 ,y'll play = ! ,h\se1 (    
c\rse1 & we mu/ all pull toge!r1 z ,w>de
 says4  ,john might h smil$ at ?is      
opportune m5tion ( ,w>de1 b s5se ( hum\r
 0 swamp$ 9 appreh5sion4 ,desmond w5t on
 to talk ab\t ,scaife4  ,he'll make 'em 
sit up1 y see6 ,! 'pro4' we _h is ! f9e/

 cov]-po9t 9 ,engl&4 ,i nev] saw su* a  
*ap4 ,he da%es at ! ball4 ,hit x z h>d z
 y please1 he runs 91 picks x up1 &     
snaps x back to ! wicket-keep] z easy z 
if he 0 play+ pit* & toss4 ,&1 by ,jove6
 ! ,demon c d x4 ,y wait4 ,i nev] saw   
any fell[ l him4 ,he's only j sixte51 & 
he'll get 8 ,flannels4 ,y ne$n't %ake   
y\r old head1 ,i "k he w4 ,& we mu/ "w l
 blazes to get ours next summ]4  ,john  
disc\nt$ mu* ( ?is talk1 b he soon f\nd 
out t ,caes> _h n ov]e/imat$ ! ,demon's 
activity4 ,! draw at ,"l's 9 ! previ\s  
summ] _h be5 attribut$1 by su* exp]ts z 
,webbe & ,hornby1 to bad field+4 ,!     
,demon told ,john1 ) 8 hateful1 d]isive 
smile1 t he _h rememb]$ ?is :5 he       
select$ a pro4 ,n = ! fir/ "t1 ,john    
realiz$ ,scaife's ov]p[]+ ability to    
a*ieve 8 own ends4 ,:o1 b ,scaife1 w\ld 
h made field+ ! pr9cipal object ( 8     
holiday practice8  ,)9 a =tnight1       
,scaife 0 put into ! ,six? ,=m game4    
,desmond f\nd himself--?anks to         
,scaife--play+ 9 ! ,fir/ ,fif? game2 b  

,john 0 plac$ 9 ,second ,fif? ,beta4    
,=tunately1 he f\nd an ally 9 ,w>de1 :o 
_h a private pit* 9 ! small p>k surr\nd+
 ! ,manor1 :]e he coa*$ ! weak] play]s (
 8 ,h\se4 ,john told himself t he ought 
to get 8 cap2 b1 z ! weeks slipp$ by1   
despite sev]al cr$itable p]=mances1 he  
became aw>e t ! cap 0 )held1 al?\gh x _h
 be5 giv5 to ,fluff4 ,!re 7 five        
vacancies 9 ! ,h\se ,elev51 b1 accord+  
to prec$5t1 ^! ne$ n be fill$ up till   
aft] ! la/ ,h\se-mat*1 & possibly n ev5 
!n4 ,9 a ^w1 ,john might play = ! ,h\se1
 & ev5 di/+ui% himself1 )\t receiv+ !   
covet$ di/9ction4 ,h[ sore ,john felt6  
,ab\t ! end ( ,may he notic$ t some?+ 0 
amiss ) ,caes>4 ,g5]ally !y walk$ toge!r
 on ,sunday1 b n always4 ,dur+ ^! walks1
 z has be5 said1 ,caes> did mo/ ( !     
talk+4 ,n[1 ( a sudd51 he became a      
half-he>t$ li/5]1 & to ,john's repeat$  
"q1 ,:at's up8 he w\ld reply irritably1 
,oh1 don't bo!r--no?+4  ,f9ally1 ,john  
he>d f ! ,cat]pill> t ,caes> 0 play+    
bridge1 & los+4  ,!y don't play (t51 !  

,cat]pill> add$2 b on wet aft]noons !y  
make up = lo/ "t4 ,caes> is outclass$4  
,i've told him1 b he's mad ke5 ab\t !   
game4  ,lat]1 ,john le>n$ f ! same s\rce
 t ,sunday aft]noon 0 a bridge-fixture )
 ,lovell & ,co4 ,at any rate1 ,caes> did
 n play on ,sunday4 ,t 0 some?+4  ,^u ! 
foll[+ ,saturday1 aft] mak+ an hone/    
fifte5 runs & tak+ ?ree wickets 9 a     
closely-conte/$ game1 ,john 0 runn+ into
 ! ,y>d j be=e six ,bill1 :5 ,lovell    
/opp$ him4  ,y c get y\r 'cap1' he said 
coldly4  ,oh1 ?anks2 ?anks awfully6     
,caes> receiv$ ?is agreeable news )     
indiff]5ce4  ,y ought to h _h x be=e    
,fluff1 he gr[l$4  ,to-morr[1 we'll walk
 to ,john ,lyon's f>m1 said ,john1      
eag]ly4  ,engag$1 ,caes> repli$4  ,oh1  
,caes>1 y're--y're----  ,well8  ,y're   
go+ to play bridge8  ,yes4 ,:at ( x8    
,x's only once 9 a way4 ,i d b> c>ds on 
,sunday2 b !re are reasons4  ,:at       
reasons8  ,reasons :i*--er--,i'll keep  
to myself4  ,all "r1 said ,john1 /iffly1
 b ) a break+ he>t4  ,next day he ask$  

,fluff to walk ) him1 b ,fluff 0 walk+ )
 "s "o else4 ,! ,duff] _h lett]s to     
write1 & /igmatiz$ walk+ z a bea/ly     
gr9d4 ,john det]m9$ to walk by himself2 
b z he 0 leav+ ! ,manor he met !        
,cat]pill>1 a trem5d\s buck1 array$ 9 8 
be/--pat5t-lea!r boots1 :ite wai/coat1 a
 fl[] 9 8 buttonhole4  ,:]e are y (f to1
 ,jona?an8  ,to ,pre/on4 ,y'd bett]     
come1 ,cat]pill>4  ,i nev] walk f> 9 ^! 
boots4 ,peal made 'em4  ,*ange 'em1 c't 
y8  ,"r4  ,:ile he 0 abs5t1 ,john       
s]i\sly consid]$ ! propriety ( tak+     
,eg]ton into 8 confid5ce4 ,s9c]ely      
atta*$ to ,eg]ton1 & valu+ 8 advice1 he 
knew1 none ! less1 t ! ,cat]pill> look$ 
at ev]ybody & ev]y?+ ) ! eyes ( a       
colonel 9 ! ,gu>ds4 ,to tell ,colonel   
,eg]ton's son t "o's he>t 0 lac]at$     
because ,caes> ,desmond 0 play+ bridge  
on ,sunday seem$ to invite je]s4 ,&1    
besides1 t wasn't ! real reason4 ,john  
felt wret*$ because ! ,sunday walk _h   
be5 sacrific$ to ,molo*4 ,pres5tly      
,eg]ton came d[n/airs1 spick & span1 b n

 q s sm>t4 ,! boys walk$ quickly1 talk+ 
( cricket4  ,! ,demon'll get 8          
,flannels1 said ,eg]ton4 ,i'm glad      
,lovell gave y y\r cap1 ,jona?an2 y     
des]v$ x a mon? ago4 ,x wasn't my fault 
y didn't get x at ! beg9n+ ( ! t]m4     
,i'm sure ( t1 said ,john1 gratefully4  
,y don't look p>ticul>ly buck$-up4 ,a   
gr9 improves y\r face1 my de> fell[4    
,at ?is ,john bur/ into explosive spee*4
 ,^? bea/s _h got hold ( ,caes>4 ,!     
,cat]pill> />$2 he _h nev] he>d ,john   
let himself g4 ,john's vocabul>y        
surpris$ him4  ,:ew-w-w6 he :i/l$4 ,gad6
 ,jona?an1 y d pile on ! agony4 ,caes>'s
 all "r4 ,don't worry4  ,he's n all "r4 
,i ?\ght ,caes> _h backbone1 ,i----     
,hold on1 said ! ,cat]pill>1 gravely4   
,john ?\ght he 0 ab\t to be rebuk$ =    
disloyalty to a pal1 an abom9able s9 9 !
 ,cat]pill>'s eyes4  ,well8 said ,john4 
,i'm go+ to tell y some?+1 said ,eg]ton4
 ,b y mu/ swe> n to give me away4  ,i'll
 swe>4  ,y're a good little cove1       
,jona?an1 b sometimes y smell j a little

 bit (--er--bread & butt]4 ,keep cool4  
,p]sonally1 ,i w\ld soon] t y1 at y\r   
age1 did smell ( bread & butt] ?an      
:isky4 ,well1 y ?9k t ,caes> is go+     
/raight to ! b[-w[s because he plays    
bridge4 ,y accuse him 9 y\r own little  
m9d ( feebl5ess1 & s =?4 ,yes1 j s4 ,&  
x's doosid unfair to ,caes>1 because    
he's giv5 up 8 walk to-day entirely on  
y\r acc\nt4 ,ah6 ,i ?\ght t w\ld make y 
sit up4  ,my acc\nt8 ,john repeat$      
blankly4  ,yes2 ,caes> w\ld be furi\s if
 he knew t ,i 0 pea*+1 b he won't "k1 & 
in/ead ( ?is--er--trifl+ affair weak5+  
y\r good op9ion ( y\r pal1 x w /r5g!n x4
  ,oh1 d g on1 ,cat]pill>4  ,ye/]day ,i 
0 9 ,lovell's room4 ,we 7 talk+ ( ! fir/
 ,h\se mat*4 ,scaife & ,caes> 7 !re4 ,i 
took x ^u myself to say y ought to be   
giv5 y\r 'cap'2 & !n ,caes> bur/ out1   
',oh yes1 ,lovell1 d give him 8 cap4 ,if
 y knew h[ he'd slav$ to e>n x4' ,b     
,lovell only laugh$4 ,& !n ,scaife *ipp$
 91 ',look "h1 ,caes>1' he said1 'd ,i  
und]/& t y put ?is ?+1 :i* aft] all is  

none ( y\r bus9ess or m9e1 z a fav\r :i*
 ,lovell might d y8' ,& ,caes> answ]$1  
',y c put x t way1 if y l1 ,demon4' ,&  
!n ,scaife laugh$4 ,i don't l ,scaife's 
laugh1 ,jona?an4  ,i loa! x1 said ,john4
  ,well1 :5 ,scaife laugh$1 ,lovell     
look$ fir/ at him & !n at ,caes>4 ,x    
came to me t ,lovell 0 prim$ to say     
some?+4 ,at any rate1 he turn$ to       
,caes>1 & said sl[ly1 ',tit = tat4 ,if  
,i d ?is = y1 w y d some?+ = me8' ,&    
,caes> spoke up z usual1 )\t a second's 
hesitation1 ',( c\rse ,i w4' ,& !n      
,scaife laugh$ aga91 j z ,lovell said1  
',all "r1 ,i'll give ,v]ney 8 cap be=e  
tea1 & y w make a f\r? at bridge ) u    
to-morr[ aft]noon4'  ,oh1 oh6 groan$    
,john4  ,da% x all1 don't look s wret*$4
 ,!re's n mu* m4 ,caes> hesitat$ a      
mom5t4 ,!n he said quietly en\gh1       
',done6' ,p]sonally1 ,i don't ?9k       
,lovell 0 play+--well--cricket1 b ,i d  
"k t he want$ a f\r? at bridge1 because 
,i'd j refus$ to make t f\r? myself4 ,!y
 play too high = me4  ,x's awfully good 

( y to h told me ?is4  ,pray don't      
m5tion x6 ,hullo6 ,:at's up n[8  ,john's
 face 0 v r$1 & 8 fi/s 7 cl5*$4  ,no?+1 
he gasp$4 ,only ?is--,i'd l to kill     
,scaife4 ,i'd l to cut (f 8 inf]nal     
head4  ,! ,cat]pill> laugh$ indulg5tly4 
,jona?an1 y're a rum 'un4 ,y ?9k x wick$
 to play c>ds on ,sunday2 b y w\ld l--he
 imitat$ ,john's trembl+1 passionate    
voice--y w\ld l to cut (f ,scaife's     
inf]nal head4  ,yes--,i w\ld1 said      
,john4  ,t same week he _h a memorable  
talk ) ,w>de2 record$ because x         
illu/rates ,w>de's me?ods1 & because1   
ultimately1 x came to be reg>d$ by ,john
 z ! turn+-po9t ( 8 intellectual life4  
,s9ce he _h tak5 ! ,l[] ,remove1 ,john's
 en]gies ( m9d & body _h be5 conc5trat$ 
^u improv+ himself at games4 ,vaguely   
aw>e t "s ( ! ,s*ool-prizes 7 )9 8      
grasp1 he _h n deem$ !m wor? ! w9n+4 ,to
 him1 !re=e1 ,w>de abruptly began--  ,y 
pride y\rself ^u be+ /raight--eh1       
,v]ney8  ,:y1 yes1 said ,john1 meet+    
,w>de's blue eyes n )\t misgiv+4  ,well1

 to me1 y're ab\t z /raight z a note (  
int]rogation4 ,i nev] see y )\t say+ to 
myself1 ',is ,v]ney go+ to bury 8 tal5ts
 9 ! cricket-gr\nd8'  ,oh6  ,"s p>5ts1  
too _m ( !m1 s5d _! boys "h to make a   
few nice fri5ds1 to play games1 to      
scrape up ! ,s*ool ) a remove once a    
ye>4 ,t1 ,i take x1 is n :at ,mrs4      
,v]ney wants8  ,n--no1 sir4  ,y ought to
 be 9 ! ,six?--& y "k x4 ,twice1 or     
(t5]1 y h delib]ately tak5 ?+s easy1    
because y want$ a s(t "t ( x dur+ !     
summ] t]m1 & because y wi%$ to rema9 9 !
 same =m ) ,desmond1 :o1 intellectually1
 is y\r--inf]ior4 ,is t squ>e deal+ )   
y\r p8  ,john 0 sil5t1 b r$ ( c\nt5ance4
 ,w>de w5t on1 m vehem5tly--  ,i "k all 
ab\t y\r co-op]ative sy/em ( "w4 ,i h a 
h>d] "n = x4 ,& ,i "k j :at y c d1 & ,i 
want to see y d x1 = y\r own sake1 = !  
sake ( ,mrs4 ,v]ney1 & = ! ,hill's sake4
 ,i've pu%$ y on at cricket a bit1      
hav5't ,i8 ,yes4 ,y owe me some?+4 ,pay 
up by ent]+ = a ,s*ool-prize1 & w9n+ x6 
,a ,s*ool-prize8  ,yes2 ,"l ,*>les      

,russell's ,%akespe>e ,m$al4 ,! exam4 is
 next ,octob]4 ,i'll coa* y4 ,is x a    
b>ga98  ,he held out 8 h&1 />+ frankly1 
b pi]c+ly1 into ,john's eyes4  ,all "r1 
sir1 said ,john1 aft] a pause4 ,i'll    
try4  ,& buck up = y\r remove4  ,john   
smil$ feebly1 & sigh$4   ,,footnotes3   
#bg ,!re is a tablet on ! wall ( ! ,old 
,s*ools :i* be>s ! foll[+               
inscription3--,ne> ?is spot ,,an?ony    
,,a%ley ,,coop] ,aft]w>ds ! #g? ,e>l (  
,%aftesbury1 ,k4,g4 ,:ile yet a boy 9   
,h>r[ ,s*ool ,saw ) %ame & indignation  
,! paup]'s fun]al ,:i* help$ to awak5 8 
lifelong ,devotion to ! s]vice ( ! poor 
,& ! oppress$4     ,,*apt] ,,ix  ,black 
,spots      ,! ,avon be>s to endless    
ye>s       ,a magic voice along1        
,:]e ,%akespe>e /ray$ 9 ,/rat=d's %ade1 
,& wak$ ! _w to song4     ,we he>d !    
music s(t & wild1       ,we ?rill$ to   
pulses new2     ,! w9ds t re>$ ! ,avon's
 *ild       ,7 ,h]ga's#bh nurses too4   
,t ev5+ ,john told ,caes> :at ,w>de _h  
said to him1 & !n add$1 ,i mean to h a  

%ot at '! ,swan ( ,avon4' ,caes> look$  
glum4  ,b h[ ab\t ! remove8 ,we'd agre$ 
to /ay 9 ! ,second ,fif? till ,*ri/mas4 
,x's ! jollie/ =m 9 ! s*ool4  ,if we put
 our backs--& heads--into ,trials1#bi we
 c easily get a remove4  ,bl[ ,trials4  
,john turn$ aside4  ,look "h1 ,jona?an1 
said ,caes>1 eag]ly4 ,to please me1 give
 up y\r swatt+ s*eme4 ,we c't spoil !   
end ( ?is jolly t]m4  ,he caught hold ( 
,john's arm1 squeez+ x affectionately4  
,nev] _h our h]o be5 s sorely tempt$4   
,we mu/ /ick toge!r1 y & ,i1 entreat$   
,desmond4  ,no1 said ,john4  ,z y       
please1 ,caes> repli$ coldly4  ,a       
dete/able week foll[$4 ,john tackl$ 8   
,%akespe>e alone1 work+ dogg$ly4 ,!n1 q 
sudd5ly1 ! giant gripp$ him4 ,he _h     
always possess$ a rem>kable memory1 & z 
a *ild he _h le>nt by he>t _m passages  
out ( ! plays 7a fact well kn[n to !    
crafty ,w>de72 b ^! he _h swall[$ )\t   
dige/+ !m4 ,n[ he became ke51 ! ke5]    
because he met ) viol5t opposition f !  
,cat]pill> & ! ,duff]1 :o 7 ( op9ion t  

,%akespe>e 0 a back numb]4  ,john won ! 
prize1 & on ! foll[+ ,spee* ,day saw 8  
"m's face radiant ) pride & happ9ess1 z 
he receiv$ ! ,m$al f ! ,head ,ma/]'s    
h&s4  ,y look z pleas$ z if ,i'd got my 
,flannels1 said ,john4  ,surely ?is     
,m$al is a great] ?+8  ,oh1 mum1 y don't
 "k mu* ab\t boys4  ,p]haps n1 b1 h]    
eyes tw9kl$1 ,i "k some?+ ab\t          
,%akespe>e1 & he's a fri5d t w /& by y  
:5 cricket+ days are ov]4  ,if y're     
pleas$1 s am ,i1 said ,john4         99 
99       99       99       99  ,scaife  
got 8 ,flannels2 & at ,"l's 8 field+ 0  
m5tion$ z ! f9e/ ev] se5 9 a ,public    
,s*ool mat*4 ,john witness$ ! game f !  
top ( ! ,tr5t coa*1 & he /opp$ at ,tr5t 
,h\se4 ,b he didn't enjoy 8 exeat1      
because he knew t ,caes> 0 9 tr\ble4    
,caes> ow$ ,scaife ?irte5 p\nds1 & !    
fact t ?is debt c\ld n be paid )\t      
confession to 8 fa!r 0 driv+ him        
di/ract$4 ,scaife1 x is true1 laugh$    
g5ially at ,caes>'s di/ress4 ,settle :5 
y please1 he said1 b = ,heav5's sake1   

don't pea* to y\r gov]nor6 ,m9e w\ld    
laugh & pay up2 y\rs w pay up & make y  
swe> n to t\* ano!r c>d :ile y're at    
,h>r[4  ,j :at he w d1 ,caes> told      
,john4  ,& ! be/ ?+ t c\ld happ51 ,john 
said bluntly4 ,if y don't cut loose n[1 
x w be mu* worse next t]m4  ,rot1       
,desmond _h repli$4 ,i'm pay+ ! usual   
bill = le>n+ a difficult game4 ,t's h[ !
 ,demon puts x4 ,b ,i've a turn =       
bridge1 & n[ ,i c hold my own4 ,i'm     
bett] ?an ,beaumont-,gre5e1 & q z good z
 ,lovell4 ,! ,demon1 ( c\rse1 is 9 ano!r
 class4  ,& !re=e he oughtn't to play ) 
y4 ,x's robb]y4  ,n[ y're talk+ bo%4  ,!
 ,eton & ,h>r[ mat* end$ 9 ano!r draw4  
,"t & ,scaife's field+ sav$ ,h>r[ f     
defeat4 ,! fact ( a draw _h             
significance4 ,a draw spell$ compromise4
 ,john _h indulg$ 9 a sup]/iti\s fancy  
common en\gh to p]sons old] ?an he4 ,if 
,h>r[ w9s1 he put x to himself1 ,caes> w
 triumph2 if ,eton w9s1 ,caes> w lose4  
,:5 ! mat* prov$ a draw1 ,john drew !   
conclusion t 8 pal w\ld funk tell+ !    

tru?2 an appreh5sion pres5tly confirm$4 
,i didn't tell ! gov]nor1 said ,caes>1  
:5 ,john & he met4 ,my elde/ bro!r1     
,hugo1 is com+ home1 & ,i %all screw x  
out ( him4 ,he's a good sort1 & he's go+
 to m>ry a girl :o is simply roll+4     
,he'll =k out1 ,i "k he w4 ,i feel      
awfully *e]y4  ,i don't1 said ,john4    
,he _h good reason to fe> t ,caes> & he 
7 drift+ ap>t4 ,n[ he work$ by himself4 
,& 8 voice _h brok54 ,a small ?+ ?is1 b 
,john 0 s5sible t 8 s++ voice t\*$      
corn]s 9 ,caes>'s s\l to :i* 8 speak+   
voice nev] p5etrat$4 ,m1 ,caes> & he _h 
agre$ to diff] ^u po9ts ( consci5ce o!r 
?an c>d-play+4 ,& e po9t ( consci5ti\s  
diff]5ce increases ! di/ance betwe5 true
 fri5ds 9 geometrical progression4 ,poor
 ,jona?an6  ,b we h 8 grateful te/imony 
t ,w>de /ood by him4 ,& ,w>de made him  
see life at ,h>r[ 7& beyond7 9 a new    
light4 ,w>de1 inde$1 decompos$ ! light  
into prim>y col\rs1 a sort ( exp]im5t 9 
moral *emi/ry1 & n )\t fasc9ation = an  
intellig5t boy4 ,sometimes1 x became    

difficult to foll[ ,w>de--memb]s ( !    
,alp9e ,club said t (t5 x 0             
impossible--because he jump$ :]e o!rs   
crawl$4 ,& he clipp$ words1 phrases1    
?\ghts s uncommonly %ort4  ,y're beg9n+ 
to see1 ,v]ney1 eh8 ,scales crumbl+     
away1 my boy4 ,& /rong sun%9e hurts !   
eyes--at fir/4 ,black spots are danc+   
be=e y4 ,i "k ! little devils4  ,or     
aga9--  ,?is remove w wipe a bit m (f ! 
debt1 won't x8 ,ha1 ha6 ,i've made y    
reckon up :at y owe ,mrs4 ,v]ney4 ,b !re
 are o!rs----  ,i'm awfully grateful to 
y1 sir4  ,nev] m9d me4  ,:at d y mean1  
sir8  ,new ,te/am5t2 ,mat!w2 tw5ty-fif? 
*apt]--,i =get v]se4#cj ,look x up4     
,*ri/ answ]s y\r "q4 ,make life easi] & 
happi] = "s ( ! new boys4 ,pass on      
gratitude4 ,set x a-roll+4 ,see8  ,john 
_h appetite = su* talk1 b ,w>de nev]    
gave mu* ( x--half a doz5 s5t5ces1 a    
smile1 a nod ( ! head1 a ke5 look1 & a  
/rid+ (f else:]e4 ,b :5 ,john repeat$   
:at ,w>de _h said to ,caes>1 t "y       
g5tleman look$ uneasy4  ,w>de means     

well1 he said2 & he's do+ wond]s ) !    
,manor1 b ,i hope he's n go+ to make a  
sort ( t9 p>son ( y8  ,z if he c\ld6    
said ,john4  ,y're miles ahead ( me1    
,jona?an4  ,no1 no4  ,i say--yes4       
,caes>1 said ,john1 9 desp]ation1 p]haps
 we are slid+ ap>t1 b x isn't my fault1 
inde$ x isn't4 ,& ?9k :at x means       
to--me4 ,y've heaps ( fri5ds1 & ,i nev] 
0 fir/1 ,i "k t4 ,y c d )\t me1 b ,i c't
 d )\t y4  ,de> old ,jona?an4 ,caes>    
held out 8 h&1 smil+4  ,i'm a jeal\s    
ass1 ,caes>4 ,&1 z = call+ me a p>son1  
he laugh$ scornfully1 :y1 ,i'd soon]    
walk ) y1 ev5 if y 7 ! wor/ s9n] 9 ! _w1
 ?an ) any sa9t t ev] liv$4  ,! feel+ 9 
,john's voice drove ,caes>'s gay smile f
 8 face4 ,did he realize1 possibly1 = ! 
fir/ "t1 t if ,john & he rema9$ fri5ds1 
he might drag ,john d[n8 ,sudd5ly 8 face
 bright5$4  ,jona?an1 he said gravely1  
to please y1 ,i'll n t\* a c>d aga9 ?is 
t]m1 & we'll h su* good times ^! la/    
?ree weeks t y'll =get ! re/ ( x4       
,& :at delights c equal ^?       ,t /ir 

! _s's inn] deeps1       ,:5 "o t loves 
b kn[s n reaps     ,a tru? f "o t loves 
& kn[s8  ,! ,manor play$ 9 ! cock-h\se  
mat* at cricket1 be+ b b>ely beat5 by   
,dam]'s4 ,ev]ybody admitt$ t ?is glori\s
 /ate ( affairs 0 due to ,w>de's coa*+ (
 ! weak] memb]s ( ! ,elev54 ,scaife     
field$ brilliantly1 & ,john1 wat*+ him1 
said to himself t at su* times ! ,demon 
0 irresi/ible4 ,w>de invit$ ! ,elev5 to 
d9n]1 & spoke ( no?+ b football1 mu* to 
e "o's amusem5t4  ,he's "r1 said !      
,cat]pill>2 we're n cock-h\se at cricket
 ?is ye>1 b we may be at foot]4  ,john  
sp5t 8 holidays abroad ) 8 "m1 & :5 !   
,s*ool reassembl$1 he f\nd himself 9 !  
,fir/ ,fif? alone4 ,) satisfaction he   
reflect$ t ?is 0 ,lovell's la/ t]m1 &   
,beaumont-,gre5e's1 too4 ,w>de said a   
few words at fir/ lock-up4  ,we are go+ 
to be cock-h\se at foot]1 ,i hope1 he   
began1 & next t]m ,scaife w %[ ! ,s*ool 
:at he c d at racquets2 b ,i want m4    
,i'm a glutton4 ,h[ ab\t "w1 eh8 ,lot o'
 slack+ la/ t]m4 ,is x hone/8 ,y fell[s 

co/ y\r p a deal ( money4 ,& x's well   
sp5t1 if1 if y tackle ev]y?+ 9 s*ool    
life z y tackl$ ,mr4 ,dam]'s la/ ,july4 
,t's all4  ,he's giv+ y :at he gave me1 
said ,john4  ,good fell[1 ,w>de1 obs]v$ 
! ,cat]pill>2 9 8 room e night aft]     
pray]s to mug up 8 =m "w4  ,:at8        
,murmurs ( incr$ulity4  ,fact1 'pon my  
^w4 ,& he nev] refuses a 'con' to a     
fell[ :o wants x4  ,he's paid = x1 sne]$
 ,scaife4  ,! o!r boys nodd$2 en?usiasm 
0 *ill$4 ,yes1 ( c\rse ,w>de 0 paid = x4
 ,john caught ,scaife's eye4  ,y don't  
believe t he's 9 love ) 8 job1 z he told
 u8  ,skittles--t6  ,john look$ solemn4 
,he _h a bomb to ?r[4  ,skittles1 is x8 
he e*o$4 ,! o!r boys turn$ to li/54 ,d y
 ?9k he'd take a bett] paid billet8     
,scaife laugh$ d]isively4 ,( c\rse he   
w\ld1 l a %ot4 ,b he's n likely to get !
 *ance4  ,he has j be5 (f]$ ! ,head     
,ma/]%ip ( ,wellbor\gh4 ,x's wor? ab\t  
f\r ?\s& a ye>4  ,pooh6 :o told y t8    
,caes>'s fa!r4  ,x's true1 said ,caes>4 
,& he refus$ x1 said ,john1             

triumphantly4  ,!n he's a fool1 said    
,scaife1 angrily4 ,he m>*$ out ( ! room1
 slamm+ ! door4 ,b ! ,manor1 z a        
corporate body1 :5 x he>d ( ,w>de's     
refusal to accept promotion1 0 pr(\ndly 
impress$4 ,?us ! t]m began ) good       
resolutions ^u ! "p ( ! bett] sort4  ,v 
soon1 h[ev]1 ) ! %ort5+ days1 bridge    
began aga94 ,john made no prote/1 afraid
 ( los+ 8 pal4 ,he call$ himself c[>d1 &
 consid]$ ! exp$i5cy ( le>n+ bridge1 s z
 to be 9 ! same boat ) ,caes>4 ,caes>   
told him t he _h n ask$ 8 bro!r ,hugo = 
! ?irte5 p\nds4 ,hugo1 x seem$1 _h come 
back f ,teh]an ) a decoration & ! air ( 
an ambassador4 ,he spoke ( 8 s]vices4   
,i knew t ,hugo w\ld make me swe> n to  
play aga91 said ,caes> to ,john1 &      
naturally ,i want to get "s ( ! plund]  
back4 ,i am gett+ x back4 ,i rak$ ?irty 
bob out ( ,beaumont-,gre5e la/ night4   
,john said no?+4  ,pres5tly x came to 8 
e>s t ,caes> 0 gett+ m plund] back4 ,!  
,cat]pill>1 an agreeable gossip1 because
 he condemn$ no?+ except dirt & l[      

bre$+1 told ,john t ,beaumont-,gre5e 0  
los+ _m %ekels4 ,& ab\t ! middle (      
,octob] ,caes> said to ,john--  ,:at d y
 ?9k1 old ,jona?an8 ,i've jolly ne>ly   
paid (f ! ,demon4 ,& y want$ me to *uck 
! ?+4 ,nice sort ( c\nsellor4           
,beaumont-,gre5e mu/ h lo/ a pot8  ,y   
bet1 said ,caes>2 b t doesn't keep me   
awake at night4 ,he has got !           
,imp]i%able ,seamless ,:alesk9 ,boot    
beh9d him4  ,next "t ,john met          
,beaumont-,gre5e he ey$ him %>ply4 ,!   
big fell[ 0 pulpi] ?an ev]2 8 complexion
 ! col\r ( skilly4 ,yes2 he look$ mu*   
worri$4 ,p]haps ! ,imp]i%able ,boot la/$
 too long4 ,&1 n[adays1 s _m fell[s wore
 %oes4 ,?us ,john to himself4           
,beaumont-,gre5e1 inde$1 n only look$   
worri$1 he 0 worri$1 hide\sly worri$1 & 
) excell5t reason4 ,he _h an absurdly1  
wick$ly1 l>ge all[ance1 b n m ?an a     
sov]eign ( x 0 left4 ,m1 he ow$ ,scaife 
tw5ty p\nds1 & ,lovell ano!r t54 ,bo? ^!
 "y g5tlem5 _h h9t$ pla9ly t !y want$ to
 see _! money4  ,i mu/ h ! /uff n[1 said

 ,lovell1 :5 ,beaumont-,gre5e ask$ = "t4
 ,i'm go+ to %oot a lot ?is ,*ri/mas1 & 
! gov]nor makes me pay = my c>tridges4  
,s does m9e1 said ,scaife1 gr9n+4 ,he 0 
q indiff]5t to ! money1 b he lik$ to see
 ,beaumont-,gre5e squirm4 ,he cont9u$   
suavely1 ,y ought to settle be=e y      
leave4 ,a9't y\r p 9 ,rome8 ,yes4 ,&    
y're go+ to jo9 'em4 ,:y1 hang x1 "s    
,dago may /ick a knife into y1 & :]e    
%\ld we be !n--hey8 ,y\r gov]nor w\ldn't
 settle a gambl+ debt1 w\ld he8  ,?is 0 
too true4 ,scaife gr9n$ diabolically4   
,he knew t ,beaumont-,gre5e's fa!r 0    
endeav\r+ to e/abli% a cr$it-acc\nt ) ! 
,record+ ,angel4 ,orig9ally a           
,noncon=mi/1 he _h jo9$ ! ,*ur* ( ,engl&
 aft] he _h made 8 =tune 7cf4 ,%av+s f !
 ,work%ops ( our ,m]*ant ,pr9ces1 :i*   
appe>$ 9 ! pages ( ,prattle74 ,!n1 !    
fam\s inv5tor ( ! ,imp]i%able ,boot _h  
tak5 to end[+ *ur*es2 & he publi%$      
pamphlets d5\nc+ dr9k & gambl+1         
pamphlets s5t to 8 son at ,h>r[1 :o 7)  
an eye to back%ee%7 _h prais$ 8 sire's  

prose some:at indiscreetly4  ,y %all h  
y\r conf\nd$ money1 said                
,beaumont-,gre5e1 viol5tly4  ,?anks1    
said ,scaife1 sweetly4 ,:5 we ask$ y to 
jo9 u 7slight emphasis on ! u71 we knew 
t we c\ld rely on y to settle promptly4 
,! ,demon gr9n$ = ! ?ird "t1 kn[+ t he  
_h t\*$ a weak spot2 n a difficult ?+ to
 d1 if y t\*$ ! big fell[ at all4 ,a "y 
man ( _s w\ld h told 8 cr$itors to g to 
,j]i*o4 ,beaumont-,gre5e might h said1  
,y h sk9n$ me a bit4 ,i don't :9e ab\t  
t2 ,i mean to pay up2 b y'll h to wait  
till ,i h ! money4 ,i'm /oney n[4       
,scaife & ,lovell mu/ h accept$ ?is z an
 ultimatum4 ,b ,beaumont-,gre5e's wret*$
 pride int]f]$4 ,he _h pos$ z a sort (  
,gold5 ,y\?4 ,to confess himself p9*beck
 seem$ an unspeakable humiliation4  ,m5 
h be5 kn[n to take to dr9k "u ! imp5d+  
sword ( di%on\r4 ,beaumont-,gre5e       
swall[$ in/ead l>ge quantities ( food at
 ! ,cream]ies2 & !n wrote to 8 fa!r1    
say+ t he w\ld l to h a *eque = ?irty   
p\nds by return ( po/4 ,he 0 leav+      

,h>r[1 he po9t$ out1 & he wi%$ to give 8
 fri5ds "s h&some pres5ts4 ,"y ,desmond1
 = in/ance1 ! great ,m9i/]'s son1 _h be5
 k9d to him 7,beaumont-,gre5e prid$     
himself ^u ?is t\*71 & ,scaife1 too1 he 
0 "u obligations to ,scaife1 :o w\ld be 
a p[] by-&-by1 & s =?4444 ,to confess   
frankly t he ow$ ?irty p\nds gambl$ away
 at c>ds requir$ m *eek ?an our /\t y\? 
possess$4 ,8 fa!r refus$ to play bridge 
on pr9ciple1 because he c\ld nev]       
rememb] h[ _m trumps 7 out4  ,! fa!r    
answ]$ by return ( po/1 b enclos$ no    
*eque4 ,he po9t$ out to 8 de> ,?omas t  
giv+ h&some pres5ts ) ano!r's money 0 an
 objectionable habit4 ,?omas receiv$ a  
l>ge1 possibly too l>ge an all[ance4 ,he
 mu/ ex]cise self-d5ial1 if he wi%$ to  
make pres5ts4 ,8 qu>t]ly all[ance w\ld  
be paid z usual next ,*ri/mas1 & n a    
m9ute be=e4 ,!re w\ld be "t !n to       
reconsid] ! propriety ( giv+ "y ,desmond
 a suitable gift4444  ,common s5se told 
,beaumont-,gre5e to %[ ?is lett] to     
,scaife & ,lovell4 ,b he saw ! ,demon's 

d]isive gr91 & recoil$ f x4  ,at ?is    
mom5t temptation seiz$ him rel5tlessly4 
,beaumont-,gre5e nev] resi/$ temptation4
 ,= fun1 s he put x1 he w\ld write !    
sort ( lett] :i* 8 fa!r ought to h      
writt51 & :i* w\ld h put him at 8 ease4 
,x ran ?us--   ,,my ,,de> ,,?omas1  ,no 
d\bt y w want to give "s leav+ pres5ts1 
& a spread or two4 ,i %\ld l my son to d
 ! ?+ h&somely4 ,y "k bett] ?an ,i h[   
mu* ?is w co/1 b ,i am prep>$ to s5d y1 
say1 tw5ty-five or ?irty p\nds = su* a  
purpose4 ,or1 y c h ! bills s5t to me4  
,) love1                                
,y\r affectionate fa!r1                 
,,george ,,beaumont-,,gre5e4            
,beaumont-,gre5e1 l ! immortal ,mr4     
,toots1 r fanci$ himself z a            
lett]-writ]4 ,! long] he look$ at 8     
effusion1 ! m he lik$ x4 ,8 h&writ+ 0 n 
unlike 8 fa!r's--modell$1 inde$1 ^u x4  
,) a little c>eful manipulation ( a few 
lett]s----6  ,! day 0 cold1 b           
,beaumont-,gre5e sudd5ly f\nd himself 9 
a p]spiration4 ,none ! less1 x seem$    

easi] to =ge a lett] ?an to av[ himself 
p5niless4 ,detection8 ,impossible6 ,two 
or ?ree tradesm5 9 ,h>r[ w\ld advance ! 
money if he %[$ !m ?is lett]4 ,next     
,*ri/mas !y w\ld be paid4 ,)9 a qu>t] ( 
an h\r he made up 8 m9d to cross !      
,rubicon1 & cross$ x ) undue ha/e4 ,he  
=g$ ! lett]1 plac$ x 9 an envelope :i*  
_h come f ,rome1 & w5t to 8 tailor's4   
,"u pretext ( look+ at patt]ns1 he l$ ! 
man aside4  ,y c d me a fav\r1 he began1
 9 8 usual1 heavy1 hesitat+ mann]4  ,)  
pleasure1 said ! tradesman1 smil+4 ,!n1 
see+ an opportunity1 he add$1 ,y are    
leav+ ,h>r[1 ,mr4 ,beaumont-,gre5e1 b ,i
 tru/1 sir1 y w n take y\r cu/om ) y4   
,we h always tri$ to please y4          
,beaumont-,gre5e1 9 8 turn1 saw         
opportunity4  ,yes1 yes1 he answ]$4 ,!n 
he produc$ ! lett]1 envelope & all4 ,i h
 "h a lett] f my fa!r1 :o is 9 ,rome4   
,i'll read x to y4 ,no2 y c read x      
y\rself4  ,! tailor read ! lett]4  ,v   
h&some1 he repli$2 v h&some inde$1 sir4 
,y\r fa!r is a true g5tleman4  ,x       

happ5s1 said ,beaumont-,gre5e1 m easily1
 = ! ?+ seem$ to be simpl] ?an he _h    
anticipat$--x happ5s t ,i d want to make
 "s pres5ts1 b ,i'm n go+ to buy !m "h4 
,i %all s5d to ! ,/ores1 y "k4 ,i h _!  
catalogue4  ,j s1 sir4 ,excell5t place !
 ,/ores = ne>ly ev]y?+2 except1 p]haps1 
my l9e4  ,i %\ld n ?9k ( buy+ clo!s !re4
 ,b at ! ,/ores "o mu/ pay ca%4 ,i've n 
got ! ca%1 & my fa!r is 9 ,rome4 ,i %\ld
 l to h ! money to-day1 if possible4 ,w 
y oblige me8  ,! tradesman hesitat$4 ,9 
! pa/ !re h be5 grave sc&als connect$ ) 
l5d+ money to boys4 ,& ,h>r[ tradesm5   
are at ! m]cy ( ! ,head ,ma/]4 ,if a    
s*ool-tailor be put out ( b\nds1 he c   
put up 8 %utt]s at once4 ,/ill----      
,i'll let y h ! money1 said ! man1 eye+ 
,beaumont-,gre5e ke5ly4  ,?anks4  ,!    
tailor obs]v$ a slight flu% & a sudd5   
intake ( brea?--signs :i* /irr$         
suspicion4  ,w y take x 9 notes1 sir8   
,"h ,beaumont-,gre5e made 8 fir/ blund]4
 ,he _h an ill-def9$ idea t pap] 0      
dang]\s /uff4  ,9 gold1 please4  ,he    

=got t gold is n easily s5t 9 a lett]4  
,! tailor hesitat$1 b he _h gone too f> 
to back out4  ,v well1 sir4 ,i h n      
tw5ty-five p\nds----  ,?irty1 if y      
please4 ,i %all want ?irty4  ,i h n q t 
am\nt "h1 b ,i c get x4  ,:5 ! man came 
back ) a small canvas bag 9 8 h&1       
,beaumont-,gre5e _h pocket$ ! lett]4 ,he
 receiv$ ! money1 c\nt$ x1 ?ank$ !      
tailor1 & turn$ to g4  ,if y please1    
sir----  ,yes8  ,i %\ld l to keep y\r   
fa!r's lett]1 sir4 ,z a =m ( receipt1   
sir4 ,:5 y settle ,i'll return x4       
,if--if any?+ %\ld happ5 to--to y1 sir1 
:]e w\ld ,i be8  ,beaumont-,gre5e's     
temp] %[$ itself4  ,y all talk z if ,i 0
 on my dea?-b$1 he said4  ,! tailor />$4
 ,o!rs1 !n1 _h sugge/$ to ?is l>ge1     
un:olesome y\? ! possibility ( premature
 decease4  ,n at all1 sir1 b we d live 9
 ! valley ( %add]s4 ,my wife's /ep-fa!r1
 z f9e & he>ty a specim5 z y'd wi% to   
see1 sir1 0 tak5 only la/ mon?2 at      
breakfa/1 too1 z he 0 *ipp+ 8 ?ird egg4 
,beaumont-,gre5e said l(tily1 ,bl[ y\r  

wife's /ep-fa!r & 8 ?ird egg4 ,"h's !   
lett]4  ,he flung d[n ! lett] & m>*$ out
 ( ! %op4 ,! tradesman look$ at him1    
%ak+ 8 head4 ,he'll nev] come back1 he  
mutt]$4 ,i "k 8 sort too well4 ,!n1     
bus9ess happ5+ to be slack1 he re-read !
 lett] be=e putt+ x away4 ,!n he :i/l$  
s(tly & read x = ! ?ird "t1 fr[n+ & bit+
 8 lips4 ,! ,beaumont-,gre5e 9 !        
signature & on ! envelope did n look to 
be writt5 by ! same h&4  ,!re's some?+  
fi%y "h1 mutt]$ ! tradesman4 ,i mu/ %[  
?is to ,amelia4  ,x 0 8 habit to consult
 8 wife 9 em]g5cies4 ,! *ief cutt] & two
 assi/ants said t ,amelia 0 ! p[] beh9d 
! ?rone4 ,amelia read ! lett]1 li/5$ to 
:at h] husb& _h to say1 />$ h>d at !    
envelope1 & deliv]$ h]self--  ,! h& t   
wrote ! envelope nev] wrote ! lett]1 t's
 pla9--to me4 ,n[1 ,william1 y've got me
 & ! *ildr5 to ?9k (4 ,?is may mean !   
loss ( our bus9ess1 & worse1 too4 ,y put
 on y\r hat & g /raight to ! ,manor4    
,mr4 ,w>de's a g5tleman1 & ,i don't ?9k 
he'll let me & ! *ildr5 suff] = y\r     

fooli%ness4 ,don't y wait ano!r m9ute4  
,nor did he4         99       99        
99       99       99  ,aft] pray]s t    
night1 ,w>de ask$ ,beaumont-,gre5e to   
come to 8 /udy4 ,beaumont-,gre5e obey$1 
smil+ bl&ly4 ,)9 ?ree weeks he 0 leav+2 
d\btless ,w>de want$ to say some?+      
civil4 ,! big fell[ 0 feel+ q himself4  
,he _h paid ,scaife & ,lovell1 n )\t a  
little p>donable braggadocio4  ,y fell[s
 h put me to "s inconv5i5ce1 he said4 ,i
 make x a rule n to run ?+s f9e1 b aft] 
all ?irty quid is no great sum4 ,"h y   
are4  ,we don't want to drive y into !  
workh\se1 said ,scaife4 ,?anks4 ,give y 
y\r rev5ge any "t4 ,i d>e say betwe5 n[ 
& ! end ( ! t]m y'll h mo/ ( x back4    
,w>de ask$ ,beaumont-,gre5e to sit d[n 9
 a p>ticul> *air1 :i* fac$ ! light f a  
l>ge lamp4 ,!n he took up an envelope4  
,sudd5ly cold *ills trickl$ d[n         
,beaumont-,gre5e's sp9e4 ,he recogniz$ !
 envelope4 ,t sc\ndrel _h betray$ him4  
,n = a mom5t1 h[ev]1 did he suppose t ! 
=g]y _h be5 detect$4  ,on ! /r5g? ( ?is 

lett]1 said ,w>de1 gravely1 y borr[$    
?irty p\nds f a tradesman8  ,d5ial be+  
fatu\s1 ,beaumont-,gre5e said--  ,yes1  
sir4  ,y "k1 ,i suppose1 t ,h>r[        
tradesm5 are expressly =bidd5 to l5d    
boys money8  ,i am h>dly a boy1 sir4    
,&--er--"u ! circum/ances----  ,w>de    
smil$ v grimly4  ,ah--"u ! circum/ances4
 ,h y any objection to tell+ me ! exact 
circum/ances8  ,n at all1 sir4 ,i wi%$  
to make "s pres5ts to my fri5ds4 ,i am  
go+ to give a l>ge leav+-breakfa/4  ,oh6
 ,/ill1 ?irty p\nds is a l>ge sum----   
,n to my fa!r1 sir4 ,i--er--?\ght ( com+
 to y1 sir1 ) t lett]4  ,did y8  ,w>de  
took ! lett] f ! envelope1 & glanc$ at x
 ) fa9t int]e/1 s ,beaumont-,gre5e      
?\ght4 ,!n he pick$ up a magnify+ glass 
& play$ ) x4 ,x 0 a trick ( 8 to pick up
 objects on 8 desk1 & turn !m 9 8 ?91   
n]v\s f+]s4 ,beaumont-,gre5e 0 n s]i\sly
 al>m$4 ,he _h great fai? 9 a weapon :i*
 _h s]v$ him fai?fully1 8 ly+ tongue4   
,yes1 sir4 ,i ?\ght y w\ld be will+ to  
advance ! money = a few days1 & !n----  

,& !n8  ,& !n ,i ?\ght ,i w\ldn't bo!r  
y4 ,x nev] occurr$ to me t ,i 0 gett+ a 
tradesman into tr\ble4 ,i hope y won't  
be h>d on him1 sir4  ,i %all n be h>d on
 him1 said ,w>de1 because--= a mom5t 8  
eyes fla%$--because he came to me &     
confess$ 8 fault2 b ,i won't d5y t ,i   
gave him a v uncom=table qu>t] ( an h\r4
 ,he sat 9 y\r *air4  ,beaumont-,gre5e  
%uffl$ uneasily4  ,h y ?is ?irty p\nds 9
 y\r pocket8 ask$ ,w>de1 casually4      
,beaumont-,gre5e began to regret 8 ha/e 
9 settl+4  ,no1 sir4  ,"s ( x8  ,none ( 
x4  ,y s5t x to ,london8 ,to buy ^!     
h&some pres5ts8  ,ye-es1 sir4  ,y hadn't
 mu* "t4 ,lock-up's e>ly1 & y receiv$ ! 
money 9 gold4 ,did y buy ,ord]s8        
,beaumont-,gre5e's head began to buzz4  
,he f\nd himself wond]+ :y ,w>de 0      
speak+ 9 ?is smoo?1 quiet voice1 s      
diff]5t f 8 usual curt1 incisive tones4 
,yes1 sir4  ,at ! ,h>r[ po/-(fice8      
,yes1 sir4  ,ah4  ,aga9 ! h\se-ma/]     
pick$ up ! lett]1 b ?is "t he didn't lay
 d[n ! l5s4 ,in/ead he us$ x1 v         

delib]ately4 ,beaumont-,gre5e %iv]$2 )  
difficulty he cl5*$ 8 tee?1 s z to      
prev5t !m click+ l ca/anets4 ,!n ,w>de  
held up ! %eet ( pap] to ! light ( !    
lamp4 ,obvi\sly he wi%$ to exam9e !     
wat]m>k4 ,! pap] 0 ?9 notepap]1 ! k9d t 
is sold ev]y:]e = =eign correspond5ce4  
,beaumont-,gre5e1 economical 9 su*      
matt]s1 _h b\ght a c\ple ( quires :5 8 p
 w5t abroad4 ,! pap] he _h b\ght did n q
 mat* ! ,roman envelope4 ,w>de op5$ a   
draw]1 f :i* he took "s ?9 pap]4 ,?is   
also he held up to ! light4  ,x's an odd
 co9cid5ce1 he said1 tranquilly2 y\r    
fa!r 9 ,rome uses ! same notepap] t ,i  
buy "h4 ,b ! envelope is ,italian8  ,he 
spoke int]rogatively1 b ! wret* opposite
 _h lo/ ! p[] ( spee*4 ,he collaps$4    
,w>de rose1 ?r[+ aside 8 quiet mann] z  
if x 7 a drab-col\r$ cloak4 ,n[ he 0    
himself1 al]t1 on edge1 sangu9e4  ,y    
fool6 he exclaim$2 y clumsy fool6 ,:y1 a
 *ild c\ld f9d y out4 ,& y--y h d>$ to  
play ) su* an edg$ tool z =g]y4 ,n[1 d !
 "o ?+ :i* is left to y3 make a clean   

brea/ ( x to me--at once4  ,9 impos+ ?is
 comm&1 a comm& :i* he knew w\ld be     
obey$1 inasmu* z he p]ceiv$ t he dom9at$
 ! weak1 grovell+ creature 9 front (    
him1 ,w>de ov]look$ ! possibility t ?is 
boy's confession might implicate o!r    
boys4 ,already he _h =m$ 9 8 m9d a work+
 hypo!sis to acc\nt = ?is =g$ lett]4 ,! 
fell[1 no d\bt1 0 9 debt to "s ,h>r[    
t[nsman4  ,= :om did y /eal ?is money8  
,to :om did y pay x to-day8 ,answ]6  ,& 
he 0 answ]$4  ,i ow$ ! money to ,scaife 
& ,lovell4  ,!n he told ! /ory ( !      
c>d-play+4 ,at ! la/ ^w he fell on 8    
knees1 blubb]+4  ,get up1 said ,w>de1   
%>ply4 ,pull y\rself toge!r if y c4  ,! 
ma/] began to walk up & d[n ! room1     
fr[n+ & bit+ 8 lips4 ,f "t to "t he     
glanc$ at ,beaumont-,gre5e4 ,see+ 8 utt]
 collapse1 he rang ! bell1 answ]$ by !  
ev]-discreet ,dumbleton4  ,dumbleton1   
take ,mr4 ,beaumont-,gre5e to !         
sick-room4 ,!re is no "o 9 x1 ,i        
believe8  ,no1 sir4  ,y w fet* :at he   
may require = ! night2 quietly1 y       

und]/&4  ,v good1 sir4  ,foll[          
,dumbleton1 ,w>de address$              
,beaumont-,gre5e4 ,y w consid] y\rself  
"u arre/4 ,y\r meals w be br\ght to y4  
,y w hold no communication ) anybody    
except ,dumbleton & me2 y w s5d no      
messages2 y w write no notes4 ,d y he>8 
,yes1 sir4  ,!n g4  ,dumbleton op5$ !   
door4 ,"y man & s]vant pass$ out & into 
! passage beyond4 ,w>de wait$ "o mom5t1 
!n he foll[$ !m into ! passage2 b in/ead
 ( go+ up/airs1 he paus$ = an in/ant ) 8
 f+]s ^u ! h&le ( ! door :i* l$ f !     
private side to ! boys' qu>t]s4 ,he     
sigh$ z he pass$ ?r\gh4  ,at ?is mom5t  
,lovell 0 sitt+ 9 8 room alone )        
,scaife4 ,!y _h no suspicion ( :at _h   
tak5 place 9 ! /udy4 ,9 ! aft]noon !re  
_h be5 a mat* ) an ,old ,h>rovian team1 
& bo? ,scaife & ,lovell _h play$ = !    
,s*ool4 ,b z yet nei!r _h got 8         
,flannels4 ,z ,w>de pass$ ?r\gh !       
private side door1 ,scaife 0 say+       
angrily--  ,i believe ,*allon] 7,*allon]
 0 capta9 ( ! football ,elev5 & a       

monitor7 has a grudge aga9/ u4 ,if we _h
 a *ance--& we _h--( gett+ our ,flannels
 la/ ye>1 :y isn't x a c]t4 ?is1 eh8    
,lovell %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4  ,x is a c]t41 
he answ]$2 & y're "r4 ,*allon] doesn't l
 u1 & x amuses him to keep u out ( our j
 rights4 ,! monitors "k ,i dete/ 'em1 & 
!y don't ?9k y're call$ ! ,demon = no?+4
 ,*allon] is m ( a monitor ?an a        
foot]-play]4 ,h[ ab\t a rubb]8 ,!re's j 
"t4  ,i don't m9d4  ,lovell w5t to !    
door & op5$ x4  ,bo-o-o-o-o-o-y6  ,!    
famili> cry--t imp]i\s call :i* makes an
 ,h>rovian feel himself ma/] ( m or less
 will+ slaves--e*o$ ?r\gh ! h\se4       
,imm$iately ! night-fag came runn+2 x 0 
n consid]$ heal?y to keep ,lovell wait+4
  ,ask ,beaumont-,gre5e to come up "h   
&---- ,he paus$4 ,w>de _h j turn$ !     
corn]1 & 0 approa*+4 ,lovell hesitat$4  
,!n he repeat$ :at he _h j said1 ) a    
slight v>iation = ,w>de's b5efit4 ,tell 
him ,i want to ask him a "q ab\t !      
h\se-subscriptions4  ,"r1 said ! fag1   
bu/l+ (f4  ,lovell wait$ to receive 8   

h\se-ma/]4 ,he _h v good mann]s4  ,c ,i 
d any?+ = y1 sir8 he ask$4  ,yes1 said  
,w>de1 delib]ately4 ,he ent]$ ,lovell's 
room & look$ at ,scaife1 :o rose at     
once4  ,i wi% to speak ) y alone1       
,lovell4  ,c]ta9ly1 sir4 ,won't y sit   
d[n8  ,w>de wait$ till ,scaife _h clos$ 
! door2 !n he said quietly--  ,lovell1  
does ,beaumont-,gre5e owe y money8      
,,footnotes3  #bh ,! ,anglo-,saxon =m ( 
,h>r[4  #bi ,! t]m9al exam9ation4  #cj  
,inasmu* z ye h done x unto "o ( ! lea/ 
( ^! ,my bre?r51 ye h done x unto ,me4  
,,*apt] ,x  ,decapitation      ,f]d9&   
,m5dez ,p9to 0 b a type ( !e1 ?\ li> ( !
     fir/ magnitude6   ,lovell betray$ 8
 a/oni%m5t by a slight />t2 h[ev]1 he   
fac$ ,w>de ) a smile4 ,w>de1 clean-%av51
 al]t1 ) y\?ful figure1 look$ b little  
old] ?an 8 pupil4 ,= a mom5t ! two />$  
/eadily at ea* o!r2 !n1 v politely1     
,lovell said--  ,no1 sir1 he does n4    
,w>de cont9u$ curtly1 ,!n he has paid y 
:at he did owe y8  ,lovell nodd$1 %rugg+
 8 %\ld]s4 ,pla9ly1 ,w>de _h discov]$ ! 

fact ( ! debt4 ,probably t fool         
,beaumont-,gre5e _h appli$ to 8 fa!r1 & 
! fa!r _h writt5 to ,w>de4 ,x 0         
un?9kable t ,w>de knew m ?an ?is4 ,hav+ 
rea*$ ?is conclusion1 ,lovell turn$ ov] 
9 8 m9d two or ?ree speci\s lies t might
 meet ! exig5cy4  ,yes1 he repli$1 )    
app>5t frankness1 ,beaumont-,gre5e did  
owe me money1 & he has paid me4  ,aft] a
 slight pause1 ,w>de said quietly1 ,x is
 my duty1 z y\r tutor1 to ask y h[      
,beaumont-,gre5e became indebt$ to y8   
,i l5t him ! money1 said ,lovell4  ,ah6 
,please call ',boy4'  ,lovell w5t into !
 passage4 ,_h he an intuition t he 0    
ab\t to call ,boy = ! la/ "t1 or did !  
p5t-up excitem5t f9d an outlet 9 s\nd8  
,he _h nev] call$ ,boy s l\dly or       
cle>ly4 ,! night-fag scurri$ up aga94   
,tell him to s5d ,scaife "h1 said ,w>de4
  ,lovell's florid face pal$4 ,scaife   
w\ld introduce complications4 ,& yet1 if
 x _h come to ,w>de's e>s t             
,beaumont-,gre5e 0 9 debt to two ( 8    
s*oolfell[s1 & if he _h f\nd out ! "n ( 

"o1 x 0 n surpris+ t he knew ! "n ( !   
o!r also4 ,z he gave ! fag ! message1 he
 regrett$ t ,scaife & he c\ld n h a     
m9ute's private conv]sation toge!r4  ,y 
l5t ,beaumont-,gre5e t5 p\nds1 ,lovell8 
,yes1 sir4  ,scaife came 91 cool1 h&som]
 ?an usual because ( ! sp>kle 9 8 eyes4 
,%ut ! door1 ,scaife4 ,look at me1      
please4 ,beaumont-,gre5e ow$ y money8   
,scaife glanc$ at ,lovell1 ^: left      
eyelid quiv]$4  ,k9dly /& beh9d ,scaife1
 ,lovell4 ,?ank y4 ,answ] my "q1        
,scaife4  ,yes1 sir2 he ow$ me money4   
,h y l5t him money1 too8 said ,lovell4  
,x 0 admirably done--! h9t clev]ly      
convey$1 ! mild amazem5t4 ,w>de smil$   
grimly4 ,scaife und]/ood1 & took 8 cue4 
,yes2 ,i h l5t him money1 said he1 aft] 
a slight pause4  ,tw5ty p\nds8  ,i      
believe1 sir1 t is ! am\nt4  ,& c y (f] 
me any explanation :y ,beaumont-,gre5e1 
^: fa!r1 to my k1 has always giv5 him a 
v l>ge all[ance1 %\ld borr[ ?irty p\nds 
( y two8  ,i hav5't ! smalle/ idea1 h y1
 ,lovell8  ,no1 said ,lovell4 ,unless 8 

y\ng] bro!r1 :o is at ,eton1 has got    
into tr\ble4 ,he's v fond ( 8 bro!rs4   
,um6 ,y speak up = y\r--fri5d4  ,lovell 
fr[n$4 ,a fri5d1 sir--no4  ,( c\rse1    
said ,w>de1 reflectively1 if x is true t
 ,beaumont-,gre5e borr[$ ?is money to   
help a bro!r----  ,he paus$1 />+ at     
,lovell4 ,f ! bottom ( a big he>t he 0  
pray+ t ,lovell w\ld n lie4             
,beaumont-,gre5e c]ta9ly gave me to     
und]/& t ! affair 0 press+4 ,hav+ !     
money1 ,i hadn't ! he>t to refuse4  ,b y
 press$ = repaym5t8 said ,w>de1 %>ply4  
,t is true1 sir4 ,i'm on an all[ance2 & 
,i %all h _m exp5ses ?is holidays4  ,y1 
,scaife1 ask$ = y\r money8  ,yes1 sir4  
,well1 betwe5 y1 y h driv5 ?is unhappy  
wret* into crime4  ,crime1 sir8  ,at la/
 _! self-possession ab&on$ !m4 ,crime is
 a ^w :i* looms l>ge 9 ! imag9ations (  
y\?4 ,:at _h ,beaumont-,gre5e done8     
,:at crime1 sir8  ,scaife1 ! m          
self-possess$1 al?\gh fully two ye>s !  
y\ng]1 ask$ ! "q4  ,=g]y4  ,=g]y8       
,lovell repeat$4 ,he 0 pla9ly %ock$4  ,!

 idiot6 exclaim$ ,scaife4  ,yes--=g]y4  
,h y any?+ to say8 ,x is a "t :5 ! tru?1
 all ! tru?1 might be accept$ z an      
ext5uat+ circum/ance4 ,i speak to y     
fir/1 ,lovell4 ,y're a ,six? ,=m        
boy--rememb]1 ,i h be5 "o myself--& x is
 y\r duty to help me4  ,i beg p>don1    
sir1 ,lovell repli$4 ,i h nev] consid]$ 
x my duty z a ,six? ,=m boy to play !   
u%]4  ,nor did ,i2 b y ought to "w on   
p>allel l9es ) u4 ,y accept$ !          
privileges ( ! ,six?4  ,lovell's flu%   
deep5$4  ,m1 cont9u$ ,w>de1 y "k t we1 !
 ma/]s1 h implicit tru/ 9 ! ,six? ,=m1 a
 tru/ b seldom betray$4 ,= in/ance1 ,i  
%\ld n ?9k ( ent]+ y\r room )\t tapp+ on
 ! door2 "u ord9>y circum/ances ,i %\ld 
accept y\r b>e ^w unhesitat+ly4 ,i say  
emphatically t if y1 kn[+ ^! ?+s1 h     
accept$ ! privileges ( y\r ord] ) !     
delib]ate int5tion ( ignor+ its duties1 
y h n act$ l a man ( hon\r4  ,sir6      
,don't bluff6 ,n[1 = ! la/ "t1 w y give 
me :at ,i h giv5 y--tru/8  ,i h no?+ m  
to say1 ,lovell answ]$ /iffly4  ,& y1   

,scaife8  ,i am sorry1 sir1 t           
,beaumont-,gre5e has be5 su* a fool4 ,we
 l5t him ?is money1 because he want$ x  
badly2 & he said he w\ld pay u back be=e
 ! end ( ! t]m4  ,y /ick to t /ory8     
,:y1 yes1 sir4 ,:y %\ld we tell y a lie8
  ,ah1 :y1 inde$8 sigh$ ,w>de4 ,!n 8    
voice grew h>d & %>p4 ,! p]suasiv5ess1 !
 c>efully-fram$ s5t5ces1 gave place to 8
 curte/ mann]4 ,?is matt]1 said he1 is  
out ( my h&s4 ,! ,head ,ma/] w deal ) x4
 ,i mu/ ask y = y\r keys1 ,lovell4  ,&  
if ,i refuse to give !m up8  ,!n we mu/ 
break into y\r boxes4 ,?anks4 ,he took !
 keys4 ,foll[ me1 please4  ,! pair      
foll[$ him into ! private side1 up/airs1
 & into ! sick-room4 ,!re 7 ?ree b$s 9  
x2 ^u "o sat ,beaumont-,gre5e4 ,8       
complexion turn$ a sickly drab :5 he saw
 ,lovell & ,scaife4 ,he ev5 glanc$ at ! 
w9d[ ) a hunt$ expression4 ,! w9d[ 0    
?ree /ories f ! gr\nd1 & heavily b>r$   
ev] s9ce a boy 9 delirium _h tri$ to    
jump f x4  ,y\r night-?+s w be br\ght to
 y1 said ,w>de4  ,he w5t out sl[ly4 ,!  

boys he>d ! key turn 9 ! massive lock4  
,!y 7 prison]s4 ,scaife walk$ up to     
,beaumont-,gre5e4  ,y told ,w>de ab\t ! 
bridge8  ,ye-es2 ,i _h to4 ,scaife1     
don't look at me l t4 ,lovell--8 voice  
broke into a t]rifi$ scream--don't let  
him hit me4 ,i c\ldn't help x--,i swe>  
,i----  ,y cur6 said ,scaife4 ,i w\ldn't
 t\* y ) a =ty-foot pole4  ,j :at pass$ 
betwe5 ,w>de & ! ,head ,ma/] mu/ be     
surmis$4 ,c>efully hidd5 9 ,lovell's    
boxes 7 f\nd c>ds & m>k]s4 ,^u ! latt]  
rema9$ ! results ( ! la/ game play$1 &  
"u ! w9n+ column a r\gh calculation 9   
p\nds1 %ill+s1 & p5ce4 ,!re 7 no names4 
,next day1 dur+ fir/ s*ool1 a notice    
came r\nd to ea* ,=m to be 9 !          
,spee*-room at #h4cj4 ,n a boy knew or  
guess$ ! reason ( ?is summons4 ,!       
,manorites1 aw>e t ?ree ( _! ,h\se 7 9 !
 sick-room1 believ$ t an infecti\s      
disease _h brok5 out4 ,only ,desmond1   
,john1 & ! ,cat]pill> exp]i5c$          
he>t-break+ fe>s t a cata/rophe _h tak5 
place4  ,:5 ! ,s*ool assembl$ at        

half-pa/ eight1 ! monitors came 91      
foll[$ by ! ,head ,ma/] 9 cap & g[n4    
,!n1 a mom5t lat]1 ! ,s*ool ,cu/os ent]$
 ) ,scaife4 ,!y sat d[n ^u a small b5*  
ne> ! door4 ,imm$iately ! :isp]s1 !     
%uffl+ ( feet1 ! occasional c\gh1 di$   
d[n into a ?rill+ sil5ce4 ,! ,head ,ma/]
 /ood up4  ,he 0 a man ( s+ul>ly        
impressive face & figure4 ,& 8 voice _h 
:at may be describ$ z an edge to x--!   
cutt+ quality s invaluable to any speak]
 :o desires to make a deep impression ^u
 8 audi5ce4 ,he began 8 address 9 !     
cle>1 cold acc5ts ( "o :o sets =? facts 
:i* c nei!r be controv]t$ nor ignor$4   
,sl[ly1 inexorably1 )\t wa/+ a ^w or a  
second1 he told ! ,s*ool :at _h happ5$4 
,!n he paus$4  ,z 8 voice melt$ away1 ! 
boys mov$ re/lessly4 ,^u _! faces %one a
 curi\s excitem5t & relief4 ,gambl+ 9   
its _m-head$ =ms is too deeply root$ 9  
human he>ts to awak5 any great antipa?y4
 ,s f>1 !n1 ! sympa?y ( ! audi5ce lay ) 
! culprits2 ?is ! ,head ,ma/] knew4  ,:5
 he spoke aga91 8 voice _h *ang$1       

subtly1 b unmi/akably4  ,y 7 afraid1 he 
said1 t ,i _h some?+ worse--ah1 yes1    
unspeakably worse--to tell y4 ,?ank     
,god1 ?is is n "o ( ^? cases f :i* e    
clean1 manly boy mu/ recoil 9 disgu/4   
,b1 on t acc\nt1 don't bl9d y\rselves to
 ! issues involv$4 ,?is play+ (         
bridge--a game y h se5 y\r own p play+  
night aft] night1 p]haps--is h>mless    
en\gh 9 itself4 ,i c say m--x is a game1
 & h5ce its fasc9ation1 :i* calls into  
use "s ( ! f9e/ qualities ( ! bra93     
judgm5t1 memory1 ! faculty ( mak+       
correct d$uctions1 =esight1 & pati5ce4  
,x tea*es re/ra9t2 x makes = pleasant   
fell[%ip4 ,x does all ?is & m1 provid$ t
 x nev] deg5]ates into gambl+4 ,! v     
mom5t t ! game becomes a gamble1 if any 
"o ( ! play]s is likely to lose a sum   
great] ?an he c reasonably af=d to pay1 
great] ?an he w\ld *e]fully sp5d ^u any 
o!r =m ( ent]ta9m5t1 !n bridge becomes  
curs$4 ,& because y boys h n ! exp]i5ce 
to det]m9e ! diff]5ce betwe5 a m]e game 
& a gamble1 c>d-play+ is =bidd5 y1 &    

rightly s4 ,n[1 let u consid] :at has   
happ5$4 ,a /upid1 fooli% fell[1 play+ ) 
boys inf9itely clev]] ?an himself1 has  
lo/ a sum ( money :i* he c\ld n pay4 ,to
 obta9 ! means ( pay+ x1 he delib]ately 
=g$ a lett] & a signature4 ,& !n foll[$ 
! inevitable ly+--lie ^u lie4 ,t is     
always ! price ( lies--'to lie on /ill4'
  ,i w\ld mitigate ! puni%m5t1 if ,i    
c\ld1 b ,i mu/ ?9k ( ! majority4 ,?is   
sort ( malignant disease mu/ be cut out4
 ,two ( ! ?ree (f5d]s are "y m52 !y 7   
leav+ at ! end ( ?is t]m4 ,!y w leave1  
in/ead--to-day4 ,! ?ird boy is mu*      
y\ng]4 ,because ( 8 y\?1 ,i h be5       
p]suad$ by 8 h\se-ma/] to give him a    
fur!r *ance4  ,aga9 he paus$4 ,!n he    
exclaim$ l\dly1 ,scaife6  ,scaife /ood  
up1 v pale4 ,"h1 sir6  ,scaife1 y w g   
into ! ,f\r? ,=m ,room1#ca & prep>e to  
receive ! puni%m5t :i* no memb] ( !     
,elev5 %\ld ev] des]ve4         99      
99       99       99       99  ,john sat
 ) 8 ,=m :ile ! ,head ,ma/] 0 address+ !
 ,s*ool4 ,n f> (f 0 ! ,cat]pill>1 less  

cool ?an usual1 s ,john rem>k$4 ,8      
coll>1 = in/ance1 seem$ to be too tight2
 & he mov$ re/lessly ^u 8 *air4 ,_m v   
brave m5 become n]v\s :5 a great dang]  
has pass$ !m by4 ,eg]ton said aft]w>ds1 
,i felt l gett+ d[n a hole1 & pull+ !   
hole aft] me4 ,n my own4 ,"s ,yankee's1 
y "k4 ,/ill1 he display$ rem>kable      
self-possession "u try+ circum/ances4   
,two ( ,lovell's p>ticul> fri5ds 7 se5  
to turn ! col\r ( ,*$d> *eese4 ,b       
,desmond1 s ,john notic$1 grew r$ r ?an 
yell[4 ,nor did he tremble1 b 8 fi/s 7  
cl5*$1 & 8 eyes k9dl$4  ,z ,scaife left 
! ,spee*-room1 foll[$ by ,tit*5] 7!     
provid] ( bir*es1 ^: duty x is to see t 
boys ab\t to be swi%$ are prop]ly prep>$
 to receive puni%m5t71 ! boys began to  
%uffle 9 _! places4 ,b ! ,head ,ma/]    
held up 8 h&4 ,x 0 !n t ,lovell's two   
p>ticul> fri5ds1 :o _h p>tially recov]$1
 felt t ! e>? 0 once m slipp+ f "u !m4  
,x takes f\r to play bridge4 ,!         
,cat]pill>'s f+]s w5t to 8 coll> aga94  
,9 ?is case !re mu/ h be5 a f\r?1       

possibly a fif? & a six?4 ,n m1 ,i ?9k1 
because ! secret 0 too well kept4 ,we   
are confront$ ) ! disagreeable fact t   
?ree boys are go+ to receive ! mo/ sev]e
 puni%m5ts ,i c inflict1 & t ano!r      
escapes scot-free4 ,= ,i d n "k         
!--"n--(--!--f\r?4  ,! ,head ,ma/] wait$
 to let ea* delib]ate ^w soak 94 ,p]haps
 he _h calculat$ ! effect ( 8 voice ^u a
 boy ( s5sibility & imag9ation4 ,t      
,scaife1 8 fri5d1 %\ld suff] ! indignity
 ( a swi%+1 & t he %\ld escape          
scot-free1 seem$ to ,caes> ,desmond n a 
bit ( r>e good =tune--z x appe>$ to !   
o!rs--b an incr$ible misc>riage (       
ju/ice4 ,to submit tamely to su* a burd5
 0 un?9kable4 ,he sprang to 8 feet1     
ard5t1 impetu\s1 afire ) ! _s :i* makes 
m5 accept dea? r ?an di%on\r2 & !n1 9 a 
voice t rang ?r\gh ! room1 ?rill+ !     
colde/ & mo/ call\s he>t1 he exclaim$-- 
,i 0 ! f\r?4  ,a curi\s s\nd escap$ f ! 
audi5ce--a gasp ( surprise1 (           
admiration1 & ( dismay2 at lea/1 s !    
,head ,ma/] int]pret$ x4 ,& look+ at !  

faces ab\t him1 he read approval or     
disapproval1 accord+ z ea* boy betray$ !
 feel+ 9 8 he>t4  ,y1 ,desmond8  ,yes1  
sir4  ,! ,cat]pill> rose sl[ly4 ,he 0   
cool en\gh n[4  ,i 0 ! fif?4  ,b        
,lovell's two p>ticul> fri5ds sat tight1
 z !y put x4 ,let u n blame !m4  ,y1    
,eg]ton8  ,yes1 sir4  ,= a mom5t ! ,head
 ,ma/] hesitat$4 ,into 8 m9d !re fla%$ !
 image ( two notable figures--! fa!rs   
:om he _h entreat$ to s5d sons to !     
,manor4 ,if--if by s do+ he _h compass$ 
! boys' ru91 c\ld he ev] h =giv5        
himself8 ,b n[1 ! boys !mselves _h      
ju/ifi$ 8 action2 !y _h prov$ wor?y ( _!
 bre$+ & ! traditions ( ! ,hill4  ,come 
"h1 he said4  ,:5 !y /ood opposite to   
him1 he cont9u$--  ,y give y\rselves up 
to receive ! puni%m5t ,i am ab\t to     
inflict ^u ,scaife8  ,! boys did n      
answ]1 save ) _! eyes4 ,! sil5ce 9 !    
great room 0 s pr(\nd t ,john made sure 
t ! beat+ ( 8 he>t mu/ be he>d by       
ev]ybody4  ,i %all n puni% y4 ,?is      
volunt>y confession has done mu* to     

r$eem y\r fault4 ,meet me 9 my /udy at  
n9e ?is ev5+1 & ,i w talk to y4 ,:5 ,i  
came "h ,i h>dly hop$ to f9d sa9ts1 b ,i
 did expect to f9d--g5tlem54 ,& ,i h n  
be5 disappo9t$4 ,he address$ ! o!rs4 ,y 
w return to y\r bo>d+-h\ses1 & quietly1 
if y please4         99       99        
99       99       99  ,! imm$iate & mo/ 
noticeable effect ( ,lovell's expulsion 
0 ! loss ( ! next ,h\se mat*4 ,dam]'s   
defeat$ ! ,manor easily4 ,"s ( ! fags   
:isp]$ to ea* o!r t ! injuries inflict$ 
by ! ,head ,ma/] on ,scaife _h be5 s    
sev]e z to incapacitate ! />-play] ( !  
,h\se4 ,two boys _h conceal$ !mselves 9 
! ,arm\ry 7:i* is j bel[ ! ,f\r? ,=m    
,room7 ^u ! morn+ :5 ,scaife 0 flogg$4  
,b !y report$--no?+4 ,h[ev] sev]e !     
puni%m5t might h be51 ,scaife receiv$ x 
)\t a :imp]4  ,9 tru?1 ,scaife receiv$ b
 "o cut1 & t a light "o4 ,! ,head ,ma/] 
wi%$ to lay /ripes ^u ! boy's he>t1 n 8 
body4 ,:5 he saw him prep>$ to receive  
puni%m5t1 he said gravely--  ,i h nev]  
flogg$ a memb] ( ! ,elev54 ,& n[1 at !  

la/ mom5t1 ,i (f] y ! *oice betwe5 a    
flogg+ & expulsion4  ,i pref] to be     
flogg$4  ,& !n--"o cut4  ,b ,scaife nev]
 =got ! walk f ! ,y>d to ! ,manor1 aft] 
execution4 ,he 0 too pr\d to run1 too   
pr\d n to face ! boys he happ5$ to meet4
 ,!y turn$ aside _! eyes f 8 furi\s     
gl>e4 ,b he met no memb]s ( 8 own ,h\se4
 ,!y _h ! delicacy to leave ! coa/ cle>4
 ,:5 he rea*$ 8 room1 he f\nd ,desmond  
alone4 ,desmond said n]v\sly--  ,i ask$ 
,w>de if we c\ld h breakfa/ "h ?is      
morn+1 in/ead ( go+ into ,hall4 ,i've   
got "s ripp+ salmon4  ,scaife _h fac$   
ev]y?+ ) a braz5 indiff]5ce1 b ! sympa?y
 9 8 fri5d's voice ov]p[]$ him4 ,he     
flung himself ^u ! s(a by ! w9d[ & wept1
 n z a boy weeps1 b ) ! cruel1 gr9d+    
sobs ( a man4 ,he wept = 8 /a9$ pride1 =
 8 va9-glory1 n because he _h s9n$ &    
caus$ o!rs to s94 ,! boy wat*+ him1 see+
 ! h]o self-abas$1 he>+ 8 he>tbreak+    
sobs1 int]pret$ v diff]5tly ^? s\nds4   
,inf9itely di/ress$1 turn+ ov] & ov] 9 8
 m9d "s soo?+ phrases1 "s ^w ( com=t &  

enc\ragem5t1 ,desmond wait$ till ! fir/ 
p>oxysm _h pass$4 ,:at he said !n %all n
 be set d[n 9 cold pr9t4 ,y may be sure 
he prov$ t fri5d%ip betwe5 two /rong1   
vigor\s boys is no frail ?read1 b a     
gold5 *a9 :i* adv]sity /r5g!ns & ref9es4
 ,scaife rose up ) 8 he>t s(t5$1 n by 8 
own te>s1 b by ! te>s he saw 9          
,desmond's eyes4  ,i'm all "r n[1 he    
said4 ,!n1 ) fr[n+ br[s1 he add$        
?\ghtfully1 ,i des]ve :at ,i got = be+ a
 fool4 ,i ought to h =ese5 t su* a sw9e 
z ,beaumont-,gre5e w\ld be sure to      
betray u soon] or lat]4 ,i %all be wis] 
next "t4  ,next--"t8 ,! dismay 9        
,desmond's voice made ,scaife smile4    
,don't worry1 ,caes>4 ,no m bridge = me2
 b1 he laugh$ h>%ly1 ! leop>d c't *ange 
8 spots1 & he won't give up hunt+       
because he has fall5 into a trap1 & got 
out ( x4 ,come1 let's tackle ! salmon4  
,! w9t] t]m came to an end1 & ! ,s*ool  
broke up4 ,^u ! ev5+ ( ! la/ ,sunday1   
,w>de said a few words to ,john4  ,i    
propose to make "s *anges 9 ! h\se1 he  

said abruptly4 ,w\ld y l to %>e ,no4 #g 
) ,desmond8  ,no4 #g 0 ! jollie/        
two-room at ! ,manor4 ,x ov]look$ !     
g>d5s1 & 0 l>g] ?an "s ?ree-rooms4 ,!n  
,john rememb]$ ,scaife & ! ,duff]4      
,desmond has be5 ) ,scaife ev] s9ce he  
came to ! h\se1 sir4  ,true4 ,b ,i'm go+
 to give ,scaife a room to himself4     
,he's entitl$ to x z ! future ,capta9 ( 
! ,elev54 ,t is--settl$4 ,y & ,duff mu/ 
"p4 ,he's two =ms bel[ y 9 ! s*ool1 &   
nev] likely to so> mu* high] ?an !      
,second ,fif?4 ,next t]m y w be 9 !     
,six?1 & by ! summ] ,i hope ,desmond w h
 jo9$ y4 ,y w f9d#cb toge!r4 ,( c\rse   
,scaife c f9d ) y1 if y wi%4 ,i've spok5
 to him & ,desmond4  ,& s1 ,john's      
fonde/ hope 0 realiz$4 ,:5 he came back 
to ! ,manor1 ,desmond & he sp5t mu* "t &
 r m money ?an !y c\ld af=d 9 mak+ ,no4 
#g ! cosie/ room 9 ! h\se4 ,consci5ces 7
 salv$ ?us3--,john b\ght = ,desmond "s  
picture or o!r decorative object :i* co/
 m money ?an he felt ju/ifi$ 9 sp5d+ on 
himself2 !n ,desmond made ,john a simil>

 pres5t4 ,x 0 :ipp+ ! devil r\nd ! /ump1
 ,john said1 b oh6 ! delight ( giv+ 8   
fri5d some?+ he covet$1 & receiv+       
pres5ts f him 9 return4  ,dur+ ?is t]m1 
,scaife became "o ( ! s*ool             
racquet-play]s4 ,9 _m ways he 0         
admitt$ly ! mo/ rem>kable boy at ,h>r[1 
! ,admirable ,cri*ton :o appe>s n[ &    
aga9 9 e decade4 ,he won ! high jump & !
 hurdle-race4 ,^! triumphs kept him out 
( mis*ief1 & occupi$ e m9ute ( 8 "t4 ,he
 associat$ ) ! ,bloods1 & "o day        
,desmond told ,john t he consid]$       
himself to h be5 dropp$ by ?is trem5d\s 
swell4 ,john discreetly held 8 tongue2 b
 9 8 own m9d1 z be=e1 he 0 conv9c$ t    
,scaife & ,desmond w\ld come toge!r     
aga94 ,! inexorable circum/ance (       
,scaife's sup]iority at games _h sep>at$
 ! boys1 b only = a brief season4       
,desmond w\ld become a ,blood soon1 & !n
 x w\ld be ,john's turn to be dropp$4   
,be+ a philosoph]1 our h]o did n worry  
too mu* ov] ! future1 b made ! mo/ ( !  
pres5t1 ) a grateful & joy\s he>t4 ,9 8 

humility1 he 0 unable to measure 8      
influ5ce on ,desmond4 ,9 a?letic        
pursuits an inf]ior1 9 all intellectual 
atta9m5ts he 0 pull+ f> ahead ( 8 fri5d4
 ,! artful ,w>de _h a ^w to say1 :i*    
gave ,john food = ?\ght4  ,y c nev]     
equal y\r fri5d at cricket or foot]1    
,v]ney4 ,if y wi% to score1 x is "t to  
play y\r own game4  ,%ortly aft] ?is1   
,john realiz$ t ,w>de _h read ,caes>    
aright4 ,*>les ,desmond's son1 z has be5
 said1 acclaim$ quality :]ev] he met x4 
,john's intellectual advance amaz$ & !n 
fasc9at$ him4 ,:5 ,john discov]$ ?is1 he
 work$ h>d]4 ,w>de smil$4 ,john ran     
second = ! ,prize ,poem4 ,he _h g5u9e   
feel+ = ,nature1 b he lack$ z yet !     
te*nical ability to display x4 ,a m     
practis$ v]sifi] won ! prize2 b ,john's 
ta/e = hi/ory & lit]ature secur$ him !  
,b\r*i]1 n )\t a /ruggle :i* :ett$ to   
ke5ness e faculty he possess$4 ,m1 to 8 
delight1 he realiz$ t 8 en?usiasm 0     
contagi\s4 ,caes> ent]$ eag]ly into 8   
fri5d's competitions2 /ruggle & /rife   

appeal$ to ! ,iri%man4 ,he talk$ ov]    
,john's !mes1 read 8 v]ses1 & pr$ict$   
triumphs4 ,w>de told ,john t ,caes>     
,desmond might h /uck 9 ! ,fir/ ,fif?1  
_h x n be5 = ?is quick5+ ( ! clay4 ,!   
days succe$$ ea* o!r swiftly & smoo?ly4 
,w>de 0 se5 to smile m ?an ev] dur+ ?is 
t]m4 ,c]ta9 big fell[s :o oppos$ him 7  
leav+ or _h already left4 ,bohun1 n[    
,head ( ! ,h\se1 0 a /urdy1 /raight=w>d 
monitor1 n a fam\s a?lete1 b able to    
hold 8 own 9 any field ( endeav\r4 ,j   
be=e ! ,*ri/mas holidays1 ,w>de         
discov]$1 to 8 horror1 t ! dra9age at ! 
,manor 0 out ( ord]4 ,at great exp5se a 
new & p]fect sy/em 0 laid d[n4 ,at la/  
,w>de told himself 8 h\se might be      
pron\nc$ sanit>y )9 & )\t4  ,:5 ! summ] 
t]m came1 ,desmond jo9$ ,john 9 ! ,six? 
,=m4 ,!y 7 entitl$ to s+le rooms1 b !y  
ask$ & obta9$ p]mission to rema9 9 ,no4 
#g4 ,desmond 0 inve/$ ) ! "r to fag1 & !
 "r to f9d4 ,h[ bless$ a privilege ! "r 
to f9d is1 boys :o h enjoy$ x w atte/4  
,! cosy meals 9 "o's own room1 !        

pleasant talk1 ! s5se ( intimacy1 !     
fre$om f re/ra9t4 ,cu/om /ales all good 
?+s1 b h[ delici\s !y ta/e at fir/6  ,! 
privilege ( fagg+ is n1 h[ev]1          
unadult]at$ bliss4 ,:5 ,w>de said to    
,caes>1 ,well1 ,desmond1 h[ d y l ord]+ 
ab\t y\r slave8 ,desmond repli$1        
ruefully1 ,well1 sir1 little ,duff has  
brok5 my ink/&1 spilt ! ink on our new  
c>pet1 & let ,v]ney's bullf9* escape4 ,i
 ?9k1 on ! :ole1 ,i'd z lief wait on    
myself4  ,e>ly 9 ,june x became pla9 t  
unless ! un=ese5 occurr$1 ,h>r[ w\ld h a
 /rong ,elev51 & t ,desmond w\ld be a   
memb] ( x4 ,john & ,fluff 7 play+ 9 !   
,six? ,=m game2 b ,john _h no *ance ( 8 
,flannels1 al?\gh he _h improv$ 9 batt+ 
& b[l+1 ?anks to ,w>de's indefatigable  
coa*+4 ,scaife h>dly ev] spoke to ,john 
n[1 b occasionally he came into ,no4 #g 
to talk to ,desmond4 ,^u ^! r>e         
occasions ,john w\ld g5]ally f9d an     
excuse = leav+ ! room4 ,always1 :5 he   
return$1 ,desmond seem$ to be re/less & 
p]plex$4 ,8 admiration = ,scaife _h wax$

 r ?an wan$4 ,inde$1 ,john himself1     
dete/+ ,scaife--= x _h come to t--fe>+  
him on ,desmond's acc\nt1 admir$ him    
not)/&+3 captivat$ by 8 amaz+ grace1    
good looks1 & audacity4 ,8 recklessness 
held ev5 ! ,bloods spellb\nd4 ,a coa*   
ran ?r\gh ,h>r[ 9 ! aft]noons ( t       
season4 ,scaife made a bet t he w\ld    
drive ?is coa* f "o end ( ! ,high ,/reet
 to ! o!r1 "u ! v nose ( ,au?ority4 ,!  
rules ( ! s*ool set =? rigor\sly t no   
boy is to drive 9 or on any vehicle     
:atev]4 ,only ! ,cycle ,corps are all[$ 
to use bicycles4 ,scaife's bet1 y may be
 sure1 excit$ extraord9>y int]e/4 ,he   
won x easily1 disguis$ z ! coa*man--a   
make-up clev] en\gh to deceive ev5 ^? :o
 7 9 ! secret4 ,8 fri5ds knew t he kept 
two polo-ponies at ,wembley4 ,"o        
aft]noon he d>$ to play 9 a mat* aga9/ !
 ,nondescripts4 ,w>de's daught]1 j out (
 ! s*oolroom1 happ5$ to be pres5t1 & %e 
rubb$ h] lovely eyes :5 %e saw ,scaife  
c>e]+ ov] ! field4 ,scaife laugh$ :5 he 
saw h]2 b be=e %e left ! gr\nd a note _h

 rea*$ h]4   ,,de> ,,miss ,,w>de1  ,i am
 sure t y h too mu* sport+ blood 9 y\r  
ve9s to tell y\r fa!r t y h se5 me play+
 polo4                                  
,y\rs v s9c]ely1                        
,,reg9ald ,,scaife4  ,to run su* risks  
seem$ to ,john madness2 to ,desmond x   
indicat$ g5ius4  ,!re nev] 0 su* a      
fell[1 said ,caes> to ,john4  ,:5 ,caes>
 spoke 9 t tone ,john knew t ,scaife _h 
b to hold up a f+]1 & t ,caes> w\ld come
 to him ev5 z a bird drops into ! jaws (
 a snake4 ,caes> 0 /rong1 b ! ,demon 0  
/rong]4  ,aft] ! ,z+>i ,mat*1 ,desmond  
got 8 ,flannels4 ,he 0 *e]$ at six      
,bill4 ,ev]ybody lik$ him2 ev]ybody 0   
pr\d ( him1 pr\d ( 8 fa!r1 pr\d ( ! long
 l9e ( ,desmonds1 all di/+ui%$1         
good-look+1 & ) *>m+ mann]s4 ,! ,s*ool  
ro>$ its satisfaction4 ,john /ood a     
little back1 by ! cloi/]s4 ,caes> ran   
pa/ him1 d[n ! /eps & into ! /reet1 hat 
9 h&1 blu%+ l a girl4 ,john felt a lump 
9 8 ?roat4 ,he ?rill$ because glory %one
 ab\t 8 fri5d2 b ! poignant reflection  

came1 t ,caes> 0 runn+ swiftly1 out ( ! 
,y>d & out ( 8 own life4 ,& be=e lock-up
 he saw1 :at he _h se5 9 fancy a ?\s&   
times1 ,caes> arm-9-arm ) ,scaife & !   
,capta9 ( ! ,elev51 ,caes> 9 8 new      
/raw1#cc look+ happi] ?an ,john _h ev]  
se5 him1 ,caes>1 ! ,blood1 roll+        
triumphantly d[n ! ,high ,/reet1 ! envi$
 ( all behold]s1 ! h]o ( ! h\r4  ,john  
call$ himself a selfi% bea/1 because he 
_h wi%$ = "o t]rible mom5t1 wi%$ ) he>t 
& s\l1 t ,caes> 0 unpopul> & obscure4   
,,footnotes3  #ca ,! place ( execution4 
#cb ,f9d+ is ! privilege1 accord$ to !  
,six? ,=m1 ( hav+ breakfa/ & tea s]v$ 9 
_! own rooms in/ead ( 9 ,hall4  #cc ,!  
black-&-:ite /raw hat only worn by      
memb]s ( ! ,s*ool ,cricket ,elev54      
,,*apt] ,,xi  ,self-que/ion+            
,fri5d1 ( my inf9ite dreams             
,little en\gh endures2     ,little      
h[e'er x seems1       ,x is y\rs1 all   
y\rs4     ,fame ha? a fleet+ brea?1     
,hope may be frail or fond2     ,b ,love
 %all be ,love till dea?1       ,&      

p]haps beyond4   ,until ! ,metropolitan 
,railway jo9$ ,h>r[ to ,bak] ,/reet1 !  
,hill /ood 9 ! mid/ ( g5u9e & unspoilt  
c\ntry1 sep>at$ by five miles ( grass f 
! ne>e/ po9t ( ! metropolis1 &          
encompass$ by isolat$ dwell+s1 rang+ 9  
rank & scale f villas to c\ntry         
h\ses4#cd ,mo/ ( ! latt] h fall5 victims
 to ! speculative build]1 & h be5 cut up
 into alleys ( brick & /ucco4 ,b "o or  
two /ill rema9 among _! hayfields &     
rhodod5drons4  ,john ,v]ney _h an eag]  
curiosity1 n common 9 s*oolboys1 to "k  
some?+ ab\t ! c\ntryside 9 :i* he dwelt4
 ,z a ,l[] ,boy1 :5ev] releas$ f        
,compulsory & ,h\se-games1 he us$ to w&]
 ) al]t eyes & e>s up & d[n ! gre5 lanes
 ( ,roxe? & ,h>r[ ,weald1 enjoy+ fre%   
glimpses ( ! f>-se5 ,spire1 mak+ fri5ds 
) cottag]s1 pick+ up traditions ( an    
old] & m lawless#ce epo*1 &1 ) ^!1 an   
ev]-increas+ love & loyalty to ,h>r[4 ,s
 ,byron _h w&]$ a hundr$ ye>s be=e4  ,^!
 solit>y rambles1 h[ev]1 7 reg>d$ )     
disfav\r by s*oolfell[s :o lack$ ,john's

 imag9ative temp]am5t4 ,! ,cat]pill>1 = 
in/ance1 prote/$1 ,did ,i see y hobnobb+
 ) a *aw ! o!r day8 ,i ?\ght s2 & y     
look$ l a conf\nd$ bughunt]4 ,! ,duff]'s
 notions ( topography 7 b\nd$ by !      
cricket-gr\nd on ! "o side ( ! ,hill1 & 
! foot]-fields on ! o!r2 & 8 traditions 
held no?+ mu* m romantic ?an ,a4 ,j4    
,webbe's scores at ,"l's4 ,fluff1 z has 
be5 said1 0 too f> remov$ f ,john to    
make him m ?an an occasional companion4 
,& s1 = sev]al t]ms1 ,john1 = ! mo/ "p1 
walk$ alone4 ,by ! "t ,desmond jo9$ him1
 he _h glean$ a k :i* fasc9at$ a fri5d (
 l s5sibility & imag9ation4 ,toge!r !y  
revisit$ ! old & explor$ ! new4 ,"o     
nev]-to-be-=gott5 day ! boys discov]$ a 
des]t$ h\se ( "s pret5sions ab\t a mile 
f ! ,hill4 ,its gr\nds1 cov]+ sev]al    
acres1 7 enclos$ by a high oak pal+1 )9 
:i* /ood a ?ick belt ( trees1           
effectually conceal+ :at lay beyond4    
,grim iron gates1 always lock$1 fr[n$ ^u
 ! wayf>]2 b ,john1 flatt5+ an          
inquisitive nose aga9/ ! ironwork1 c\ld 

disc]n a c>riage-drive ov]gr[n ) grass &
 we$s1 & at ! end ( x a :ite /one       
portico4 ,aft] ?is ! place became to bo?
 boys a sort ( ,en*ant$ ,ca/le4 ,a doz5 
times !y pe]$ ?r\gh ! gates4 ,no "o w5t 
9 or out ( ! grass-gr[n drive4 ,!       
gatekeep]'s lodge 0 un9habit$2 !re 7 no 
adjac5t cottages :]e in=mation might be 
s\ght4 ,! boys call$ x ,! ,haunt$ ,h\se1
 & peopl$ x ) gho/s2 gorge\s bucks ( !  
,reg5cy1 langui%+ beauties su* z        
,lawr5ce pa9t$1 fi]y politicians1       
duelli/s1 my/]i\s black-a-vis$ =eign]s4 
,john connect$ x 9 fancy ) ! days :5 !  
gorge\s ,duke ( ,*&os 7:o _h ,h&el = 8  
*apel-organi/ & 0 a ,gov]nor ( ,h>r[ &  
gu>dian ( ,"l ,rodney7 kept c\rt at     
,cannons4 ,he told ,caes> anecdotes (   
,dr4 ,p>r1 ) 8 prepo/]\s wig1 8 cl\ds ( 
tobacco1 8 sesquip$alian quotations1    
com+ d[n f ,/anmore2 & also ( ! great   
,"l ,ab]corn1 ano!r ,gov]nor ( ! s*ool1 
:o us$ to g out %oot+ 9 ! blue rib& ( ! 
,g>t]1 & :o ent]ta9$ ,pitt & ,sir ,walt]
 ,scott at ,b5tley ,priory4  ,:at a lot 

y "k6 said ,caes>4 ,& y h a memory l my 
fa!r's4 ,i'm beg9n+ to ?9k1 ,jona?an1 t 
y'll be a swell l him "s day--9 !       
,cab9et1 p]haps4  ,ah1 said ,john1 ) %9+
 eyes4  ,i hope ,i %all live to see x1  
,desmond add$1 ) feel+4  ,?anks1 old    
*ap4 ,a cru/ or a triumph %>$ ) a pal   
ta/es twice z good4  ,"o s(t aft]noon 9 
spr+1 aft] f\r ,bill1 ,desmond & ,john 7
 approa*+ ! iron gates ( ! ,haunt$      
,h\se4 ,!y _h n tak5 ?is p>ticul> walk  
s9ce ! day :5 ,desmond got 8 ,flannels4 
,dur+ ! w9t] t]m1 ,scaife & ,desmond    
became memb]s ( ! ,football ,elev54     
,dur+ ?is t]m ,scaife won ! hundr$ y>ds 
& qu>t]-mile2 ,desmond won ! half-mile &
 mile4 ,9 a ^w1 !y _h done1 f ! a?letic 
po9t ( view1 ne>ly all t c\ld be done4  
,a glori\s victory at ,"l's seem$       
assur$4 ,scaife1 ,capta9 & epitome ( !  
bra9s & muscles ( ! ,elev51 _h gr[n into
 a p[]ful man1 ) ! m9d1 ! ta/es1 !      
passions ( manhood4 ,desmond1 on ! o!r  
h&1 :ile ne>ly z tall 7& mu* h&som] 9   
,john's eyes71 /ill reta9$ ! look ( y\?4

 ,inde$1 he look$ y\ng] ?an ,john1      
al?\gh a ye> 8 s5ior2 & ,john knew      
himself to be ! eld] & wis]1 knew t     
,desmond lean$ ^u him :5ev] a crut* 0   
want$4  ,! *ief difficulty :i* besets a 
s*ool fri5d%ip betwe5 two boys is t (   
be+ alone toge!r4 ,9 ,=m1 9 !           
play+-fields1 9 ! bo>d+-h\se1 life is   
public4 ,ev5 9 ! mo/ seclud$ lane1 a    
,h>r[ boy is n secure aga9/ ! unwelcome 
salutations ( heat$ a?letes :o h be5    
tak+ a cross-c\ntry run1 or leap+ ov]1  
or into1 ! ,p9n] brook4 ,to ,john ! ne$ 
( sanctu>y _h become press+4  ,^u ?is   
bless$ spr+ aft]noon--ev] aft]w>ds      
recall$ ) special affection--a retreat 0
 sudd5ly provid$4 ,z ! boys jump$ ov] ! 
la/ /ile into ! lane :i* l$ to ! ,haunt$
 ,h\se1 ,desmond exclaim$--  ,by ,jove1 
! gates are op56  ,!n !y saw t a man1 a 
sort ( c>etak]1 0 9 ! act ( %utt+ !m4   
,may we g 98 ,john ask$ civilly4  ,! man
 hesitat$1 eye+ ! boys4 ,desmond's smile
 melt$ him1 z x w\ld h melt$ a mummy4   
,!re's no?+ to see1 he said4  ,!n1 9    

answ] to a few eag] que/ions1 he told ! 
/ory ( ! ,haunt$ ,h\se2 haunt$1 inde$1  
by ! gho/s ( :at might h be54 ,a city   
magnate own$ ! place4 ,he _h b\ght x    
because he wi%$ to educate 8 only son at
 ,h>r[ z a ,home-,bo>d]1 or day-boy4 ,a 
few weeks be=e ! boy %\ld h jo9$ !      
s*ool1 he fell ill ) diph!ria1 & di$4 ,!
 "m1 :o nurs$ him1 caught ! disease &   
di$ also4 ,! fa!r1 left alone1 turn$ 8  
back ^u a place he loa!d1 resolv+ to    
hold x till build+-values increas$1 b   
nev] to set eyes on x aga94 ,! c>etak] &
 8 wife occupi$ a c\ple ( rooms 9 !     
h\se4  ,! boys glanc$ at ! h\se1 a      
common-place mansion1 & began to explore
 ! g>d5s4 ,to _! delight !y f\nd 9 !    
%rubb]ies1 n[ a wild]ness ( laurel &    
rhodod5dron1 a t[]--:at our =efa!rs     
call$ a ,gazebo1 & _! neighb\rs a       
,folly4 ,! top ( x comm&$ a wide1       
unbrok5 view--      ,( all ! l[l& we/]n 
lea1       ,! ,uxbridge flats & mead[s1 
,to :]e ! ,ruislip wat]s see       ,!   
,oxhey lights & %ad[s4  ,!re's ! ,spire1

 said ,john4  ,! man1 :o _h jo9$ !m1    
nodd$4 ,yes1 said he1 & my mi/ress & h] 
boy are buri$ und]nea? x4 ,%e want$ him 
to be !re--at ! s*ool1 ,i mean--& !re he
 is4  ,we're v mu* oblig$ to y1 said    
,desmond4 ,he slipp$ a %ill+ into !     
man's h&1 & add$1 ,may we /ay "h = a    
bit8 & p]haps we might come aga9--eh8   
,?ank y1 sir1 ! man repli$1 t\*+ 8 hat4 
,come :5ev] y l1 sir4 ,! gates a9't     
really lock$4 ,i'll %[ y ! trick ( op5+ 
'em :5 y come d[n4  ,he desc5d$ ! /eep  
flight ( /eps aft] ! boys _h ?ank$ him4 
,sad /ory1 said ,john1 />+ at ! di/ant  
,spire4  ,desmond hesitat$4 ,at times he
 reveal$ 7to ,john alone7 a curi\s      
melan*oly4  ,sad1 he repeat$4 ,i don't  
"k ab\t t4 ,sad = ! fa!r1 ( c\rse1 b    
p]haps ! son is well out ( x4 ,don't    
look s amaz$1 ,jona?an4 ,mo/ fell[s seem
 to make awful muddles ( _! lives4 ,y   
won't1 ( c\rse4 ,i see y on p9nacles1 b 
,i---- ,he broke (f ) a mir?less laugh4 
,john wait$4 ,! air ab\t !m 0 s(t & moi/
 aft] a rec5t %[]4 ,! s\?-we/ w9d /irr$ 

! pulses4 ,e>? 0 once m tumid1 ab\t to  
br+ =?4 ,already ! h$ges 7 gre5 "u !    
br[n2 bulbs 7 pu%+ delicate spe>s ?r\gh 
! sweet-smell+ soil2 ! buds ^u a clump (
 f9e bee*es _h begun to op54 ,9 ?is     
solitude1 alone ) teem+ nature1 ,john   
tri$ to int]pret 8 fri5d's mood2 b ! _s 
( melan*oly elud$ him1 z if x 7 a       
w-o'-!-wisp danc+ ov] an impassable m>%4
 ,sudd5ly1 !re came to him1 z !re _h    
come to ! quick] imag9ation ( 8 fri5d1 !
 ov]p[]+ my/]y ( ,spr+1 ! s5se (        
inevitable *ange1 ! impossibility (     
arre/+ x4 ,at ! mom5t all ?+s seem$     
unsub/antial4 ,ev5 ! famili> ,spire1    
p[d]$ ) gold by ! slant+ rays ( ! sun1  
appe>$ ?9ly transp>5t aga9/ ! rosy mi/s 
beh9d x4 ,! ,hill1 ! solid ,hill1 rose  
out ( ! valley1 a lav5d]-col\r$ %ade ^u 
! horizon4  ,he came "h1 cont9u$        
,desmond1 dreamily--,john guess$ t he 0 
speak+ ( ! fa!r--a ri*1 prosp]\s man4 ,i
 d>e say he work$ l a slave 9 ! city4 ,&
 he want$ peace & quiet aft] ! ,/ock    
,ex*ange4 ,:o w\ldn't8 ,& he plant$ out 

^! g>d5s1 ?9k+ t e plant w\ld gr[ up &  
?rive1 & 8 son ) !m4 ,& !n ! boy di$2 & 
! wife foll[$2 & ! en*ant$ ca/le became 
a place ( horror2 & n[ x is a wild]ness4
 ,haunt$8 ,i %\ld ?9k x 0--haunt$6 ,i   
wi% we'd nev] set foot 9 x4 ,!re's a    
curse on x4  ,let's g1 said ,john4  ,too
 late4 ,we'll /ay n[1 & we'll come aga91
 e ,sunday4 ,wild & desolate z ?+s look1
 !y w be lovely :5 we get back 9 summ]4 
,don't talk4 ,i'm go+ to light a pipe4  
,?r\gh ! circl+ cl\d ( tobacco-smoke    
,john />$ at ! face :i* _h illum9$ ne>ly
 e h\r ( 8 s*ool-life4 ,its peculi>     
vividness always amaz$ ,john1 ! vitality
 ( x1 & yet ! p]fect delicacy4 ,scaife's
 h&some features 7 full ( vitality also1
 b co>s5ess und]lay _! bold l9es & pe]$ 
out ( ! ke51 fla%+ eyes4 ,:5 !          
,cat]pill> left ,h>r[ he _h said to     
,john--  ,good-bye1 ,jona?an4 ,awful rot
 y\r go+ to su* a hole z ,ox=d6 ,"o has 
_h q en\gh s*ool+ aft] five ye>s "h4    
,x's settl$ ,i'm go+ into ! ,gu>ds4 ,my 
fa!r tells me t old ,scaife tri$ to get 

! ,demon d[n on ! ,duke's li/4 ,b we    
don't fancy ! ,scaife br&4  ,(t5 & (t5  
,john wond]$ :e!r ,desmond saw ! br& z  
pla9ly z ! ,cat]pill> & he did4         
,sometimes he felt almo/ sure t a ^w1 a 
look1 a ge/ure betray+ ! b\nd]1 _h      
revolt$ ,desmond2 b a few h\rs lat] !   
b\nd] b\nd$ into fav\r aga91 captivat+  
eye & he>t by "s brilliant feat4 ,& !n 8
 bra9s6 ,he 0 s diabolically clev]4     
,john c\ld always recall 8 face z he lay
 back 9 ! *air 9 ,no4 #ae1 sick1 bruis$1
 befuddl$1 & yet ev5 9 t mom5t ( extreme
 pro/ration able to play ! game1 z he   
put x1 to defeat h\se-ma/] & doctor by  
%e] /r5g? ( w & intellect4 ,x 0 ,scaife 
:o _h p]suad$ ,desmond to smoke4444     
,caes>'s voice broke 9 ^u ^! m$itations4
  ,i say--:at are y fr[n+ ab\t8  ,john1 
v r$1 repli$ n]v\sly1 ,n[ t y're 9 !    
,six?1 y ought to *uck smok+4  ,:at rot6
 said ,caes>4 ,& "h1 9 ?is t[]1 :]e "o  
c\ldn't possibly be nail$----  ,t's x1  
said ,john4 ,x's j because y c't        
possibly be nail$ t x seems to me n q   

squ>e4  ,caes> bur/ out laugh+4         
,jona?an1 y are a rum 'un4 ,anyway--"h  
goes6  ,z he spoke he flung ! pipe into 
! bu%es bel[4  ,?anks1 said ,john1      
quietly4  ,we'll come "h aga94 ,i l ?is 
old t[]4  ,y won't come "h )\t me8  ,oh1
 ho6 ,i'm n to let ! ,demon into our    
p>adise--eh8 ,:at a jeal\s old bird y   
are6 ,well1 ,i l y to be jeal\s4 ,& he  
laugh$ aga94  ,i am jeal\s1 said ,john1 
sl[ly4         99       99       99     
99       99  ,! ,s*ool broke up on !    
foll[+ ,tuesday1 & ,desmond w5t home )  
,john4  ,?is happ5$ to be ! fir/ "t t ! 
fri5ds _h sp5t ,ea/] toge!r4 ,john      
wond]$ :e!r ,caes> w\ld take ! ,sacram5t
 ) 8 "m & him4 ,he & ,caes> _h be5      
confirm$ side by side 9 ! ,*apel at     
,h>r[4 ,he felt sure t ,desmond w\ld n  
refuse if he 7 ask$4 ,on ,ea/] ,eve1    
,mrs4 ,v]ney said1 9 h] quiet1 p]suasive
 voice--  ,y w jo9 u to-morr[ morn+1    
,h>ry8  ,desmond flu%$1 & said1 ,yes4   
,n rememb]+ 8 own "m1 :o _h di$ :5 he 0 
a *ild1 he (t5 told ,john t he felt l a 

son to ,mrs4 ,v]ney4 ,^u ,ea/] morn+1 ! 
?ree met 9 ! hall1 & ,desmond ask$ = a  
,pray]-book4  ,i've lo/ m9e1 he murmur$4
  ,t aft]noon1 :5 !y 7 alone ^u !       
spl5did moor above ,/oneycross1 ,desmond
 said sudd5ly--  ,religion means a lot  
to y1 ,jona?an1 doesn't x8  ,yes4  ,b y 
nev] talk ab\t x4  ,no4  ,:y n8  ,i     
don't "k h[ to beg94  ,!re's su* sick5+ 
hypocrisy 9 ?is _w4  ,john nodd$4  ,b   
y\r religion is a help to y1 eh8 ,keeps 
y /raight8  ,john nodd$ aga94 ,!n       
,desmond said ) an air ( f9ality--  ,i  
wi% ,i'd "s ( y\r fai?4 ,i want x badly4
  ,if y want x badly1 y w get x4  ,a    
long sil5ce succe$$4 ,!n ,desmond       
exclaim$--  ,hullo6 ,by ,jove1 !re's a  
fox1 a spl5did fell[6 ,he's come up "h  
among/ ! rabbits = a ,sunday d9n]4 ,gone
 awa-a-a-ay6  ,he put 8 h& to 8 m\? &   
halloa$4 ,a m9ute lat] he 0 talk+ (     
hunt+4 ,religion 0 n m5tion$ till !y 7  
approa*+ ! h\se = tea4 ,on ! ?re%old1   
,desmond said ) a n]v\s laugh--  ,i'd l 
y\r "m to give me a ,pray]-book--a small

 "o1 no?+ exp5sive4  ,dur+ ! foll[+ week
 !y hunt$ ) foxh\nds or /agh\nds e day1 
except ,w$nesday4 ,9 ! ,new ,=e/ ! ,ea/]
 hunt+ is unique4 ,trem5d\s fell[s come 
d[n f ! %ires--ma/]s ( fam\s packs1     
?ru/]s1 ke5 to see ,may foxes kill$4 ,& 
! ,=e/ ent]ta9s !m h&somely1 y may be   
sure4 ,big hamp]s are unpack$ "u ! oaks 
:i* may h be5 sapl+s :5 ,william ,rufus 
rul$ 9 ,engl&2 !re are d9n]s1 &1 (      
c\rse1 a hunt-ball 9 ! anci5t village ( 
,lyndhur/4 ,b z ea* pleasant day pass$1 
,john told himself t ! end 0 draw+ ne>4 
,?is 0 almo/ ! la/ holidays ,caes> & he 
w\ld sp5d toge!r2 &1 aft]w>ds1 w\ld ?is 
fri5d%ip1 s romantic a passion ) "o at  
lea/ ( !m--w\ld x )] away1 or w\ld x    
endure to ! end8  ,at ! end ( a =tnight1
 ,desmond return$ to ,eaton ,squ>e4 ,^u 
! eve ( dep>ture1 ,mrs4 ,v]ney gave him 
a small ,pray]-book4  ,i h writt5 some?+
 9 x1 %e said2 b don't op5 x n[4  ,he   
look$ at ! fly-leaf z ! tra9 roll$ out (
 ,lyndhur/ ,/ation4 ,^u x1 9 ,mrs4      
,v]ney's delicate h&writ+1 7 a few l9es4

 ,fir/ 8 "n & ! date4 ,bel[1 a          
text--,unto :omsoev] mu* is giv51 ( him 
%all be mu* requir$4 ,&1 bel[ t aga91 a 
v]se--      ,n ?ankful :5 x please? me1 
,z if ,?y bless+s _h sp>e days3     ,b  
su* a he>t ^: pulse may be--            
,?y praise4  ,desmond />$ at ! graceful 
writ+ long aft] ! tra9 _h pass$ ,totton4
 ,am ,i ungrateful8 he ask$ himself4 ,n 
to !m1 he mutt]$2 surely n to !m4 ,he   
recall$ :at ,w>de _h said ab\t +ratitude
 be+ ! unp>donable s94 ,ah6 x 0         
loa?some1 +ratitude6 ,& mu* _h be5 giv5 
to him4 ,h[ mu*8 ,= ! fir/ "t he made1 s
 to speak1 an inv5tory ( :at he _h      
receiv$--8 innum]able bless+s4 ,:at _h  
he giv5 9 return8 ,& n[ ! f9e h&writ+   
seem$ blurr$2 he saw x ?r\gh te>s :i* he
 ought to h %$4 ,oh1 my ,god1 he        
murmur$1 am ,i ungrateful8 ,! "q bit    
deep] into 8 m9d1 s9k+ f !re into 8 s\l4
         99       99       99       99  
99  ,:5 ! ,s*ool reassembl$1 a curi\s   
incid5t occurr$4 ,john happ5$ to be go+ 
up ! f9e flight ( /eps t leads to ! ,old

 ,s*ools4 ,he 0 c>ry+ "s books & pap]s4 
,scaife1 runn+ d[n ! /eps1 *>g$ into    
him4 ,by great good =tune1 no damage 0  
done except to a nicely-b\nd ,sophocles4
 ,john1 h[ev]1 felt assur$ t ,scaife _h 
delib]ately int5d$ to knock him d[n1    
seiz$1 possibly1 by an ec/asy ( bl9d    
rage n uncommon ) him4 ,scaife smil$    
d]isively1 & said--  ,a ?\s& apologies1 
,v]ney4  ,"o is en\gh1 ,john repli$1 if 
x is s9c]e4  ,!y ey$ ea* o!r /eadily4   
,john read a furi\s *all5ge 9 ,scaife's 
bold eyes--m1 a m5ace1 ! ?reat5+ fr[n ( 
p[] ?w>t$4 ,scaife seem$ to exp&1 to    
fill ! horizon1 to blot out ! glad      
sun%9e4 ,once aga9 ! curi\s c]ta9ty     
gripp$ ! y\ng] t ,scaife 0 inde$ !      
p]sonification ( evil1 ! m malefic      
because x /alk$ abroad mask$4 ,= ,scaife
 _h outliv$ 8 reputation z a break] ( ! 
law4 ,s9ce t t]rible exp]i5ce 9 ! ,f\r? 
,=m ,room1 he _h paid ti! ( m9t & cumm94
 ,z a ,six? ,=m boy he upheld au?ority1 
laugh+ ! :ile 9 8 sleeve4 ,he knew1 (   
c\rse1 t "o mi/ake1 "o slip1 w\ld be    

fatal4 ,& he prid$ himself on n mak+    
mi/akes4 ,he gambl$1 b n ) boys2 he     
drank1 n ) boys2 he d5i$ 8 body no?+ x  
crav$2 b he nev] =got t expulsion f     
,h>r[ meant ! loss ( a commission 9 a   
sm>t cavalry regim5t4 ,:5 x 0 intimat$  
to him t ! ,gu>ds did n want 8 fa!r's   
son1 he laugh$ bitt]ly1 & swore to      
himself t he w\ld %[ ! /uck-up snobs :at
 a soldi] !y _h turn$ away4 ,a soldi] he
 fully int5d$ to be--a da%+ cavalry     
lead]1 if ! ,fates 7 k9d4 ,8 luck w\ld  
/& by him2 if n--:y--:at 0 life )\t     
luck8 ,he _h nev] be5 a read]1 b he read
 n[ ! lives ( soldi]s4 ,murat1          
,uxbridge1 ,c>digan1 ,hodson1 7 8 h]oes4
 ,talk+ ( _! a*ievem5ts1 he inflam$ 8   
own m9d & ,desmond's4  ,! pleasant summ]
 days pass$4 ,may melt$ into ,june4 ,&  
ea* ,sunday ,john & ,desmond walk$ to ! 
,haunt$ ,h\se1 asc5d$ ! t[]1 & talk$4   
,scaife 0 leav+ at ! end ( ! summ]4     
,desmond 0 /ay+ on = ! w9t] t]m2 !n     
,john w\ld h him entirely to himself4   
,?is ?\ght illum9$ d>k h\rs1 :5 he saw 8

 fri5d :irl$ away by ,scaife1           
transport$1 z x 71 by ! irresi/ible p[] 
( ! man ( action4 ,t no?+ %\ld be want+ 
to t trebly-=tunate y\?1 he _h help$ to 
w9 ! ,public ,s*ools' ,racquets         
,*ampion%ip4 ,! ,manor 0 n[ ! crack     
h\se--cock-h\se at racquets & football1 
c]ta9 to be cock-h\se at cricket4 ,&    
,scaife got mo/ ( ! cr$it1 n ,w>de1 :o  
smil$ m ?an ev]1 & talk$ cont9ually (   
,balliol ,s*ol>%ips4 ,he nev] bragg$ (  
victories pa/4  ,meantime1 ,john 0      
devot+ all en]gies to ! competition = ! 
,prize ,essay4 ,! ,head ,ma/] _h        
prop\nd$ z !me3 ,! ,hi/ory & ,influ5ce (
 ,p>liam5t>y ,oratory4 ,bit by bit1     
,john read or declaim$ x to ,desmond4   
,!n1 accord+ to cu/om1 ,desmond copi$ x 
out = 8 fri5d4 ,sign$ ,sp]o ,infe/is1 ) 
a seal$ envelope conta9+ ,john's "n     
inside & ! motto outside1 ! ,,ms4 0     
plac$ 9 ! ,head ,ma/]'s lett]-box4      
,john1 cool+ rapidly aft] ! fev] (      
composition1 condemn$ 8 /uff z          
hopelessly bad2 ,caes> w5t ab\t tell+   

ev]ybody t ,jona?an w\ld w9 easily1 ) a 
bit to sp>e4 ,john did w91 b t prov$ to 
be ! lea/ "p ( 8 triumph4 ,! ,essay _h  
to be declaim$ ^u ,spee* ,day4 ,once m  
,john exp]i5c$ ! pangs t _h twi/$ him at
 ! conc]t1 long ago1 :5 he _h sung to ! 
,nation's h]o4 ,& z be=e1 he began      
weakly4 ,!n1 ! fire seiz+ him1          
self-consci\sness 0 exorcis$ by feel+1 &
 =getful ( ! hundr$s ( faces ab\t him1  
he bur/ into g5u9e oratory4 ,?rill$     
himself1 he ?rill$ o!rs4 ,8 voice falt]$
 aga91 b ) an emotion t f\nd an e*o 9 ! 
he>ts ( 8 audi5ce2 8 h& %ook1 feel+ !   
pulse ( old & "y 9 front ( him4         
,dom9at$1 swept away by 8 !me1 he       
dom9at$ o!rs4 ,:5 he f9i%$1 9 ! sil5ce t
 prec$$ ! ro> ( applause1 he knew t he  
_h triumph$1 = he saw ,desmond's gl[+   
c\nt5ance1 radiant ) pleasure1          
transfigur$ by amazem5t & admiration4   
,next day a great newspap] hail$ ! ,h>r[
 boy z "o de/9$ to delight & to lead1   
p]haps1 an all-conqu]+ p>ty 9 ! ,h\se ( 
,commons4 ,& yet1 w>m$ to ! core by ?is 

praise1 ,john c\nt$ x z no?+ comp>$ ) 8 
"m's smile & ,desmond's f]v5t grip4     
,=tune1 h[ev]1 comes to no man--or      
boy--) bo? h&s full4 ,imm$iately aft]   
,spee* ,day1 ,john's bubble ( pride &   
happ9ess 0 prick$ by ,scaife4 ,midsumm] 
madness seiz$ ! ,demon4 ,"o may conceive
 t ! innate recklessness ( 8 nature1    
suppress$ by an iron w1 & sm\ld]+       
?r\gh\t _m mon?s1 bur/ at la/ into      
flame4 ,desmond told ,john t ! ,demon _h
 sp5t a riot\s night 9 t[n4 ,he _h      
slipp$ out ( ! ,manor aft] pray]s1 _h   
driv5 up to a c]ta9 club 9 ,reg5t       
,/reet1 return$ 9 "t = fir/ s*ool1 fre% 
z pa9t--s ,desmond said--& !n1 n cont5t 
) su* an a*ievem5t1 mu/ ne$s brag ( x to
 ,desmond4  ,& if he's nail$1 ,eton w9s1
 conclud$ ,desmond4 ,i've told y1       
because toge!r we mu/ put a /op to su*  
l>ks4  ,john slightly rais$ 8 ?ick      
eyebr[s4 ,x 0 curi\s t ,caes> always    
*ose to ignore ! hatr$ :i* he mu/ h kn[n
 to exi/ betwe5 8 two fri5ds4 ,or did he
 fatu\sly believe t1 because ,john      

ex]cis$ an influ5ce ov] himself1 ! same 
influ5ce w\ld or c\ld be ex]cis$ ov]    
,scaife8  ,we8 said ,john4  ,i've tri$ &
 fail$4 ,b toge!r1 ,i say----  ,i %an't 
int]f]e1 ,caes>4  ,jona?an1 y mu/4  ,x  
w\ld be a fool's err&4  ,we ?ree h gone 
up ! ,s*ool toge!r4 ,y h nev] be5 fair  
to ,scaife4 ,i tell y he's s\nd at core4
 ,:y1 aft] he 0 swi%$----  ,desmond told
 ,john :at _h pass$2 ,john %ook 8 head4 
,he c\ld und]/& bett] ?an any "o else :y
 ,scaife _h brok5 d[n4  ,he has spl5did 
ambitions1 pursu$ ,desmond4 ,he's go+ to
 be a great soldi]1 y see4 ,he ?9ks (   
no?+ else4 ,y nev] h lik$ him1 b because
 ( t ,i ?\ght y w\ld d :at y c\ld4  ,!  
disappo9tm5t & *agr9 9 8 voice %ook     
,john's resolution4  ,to please y1 ,i'll
 try4  ,& accord+ly ! absurd exp]im5t 0 
made4 ,aft]w>ds1 ,john ask$ himself a   
?\s& times :y he _h n =ese5 ! inevitable
 result4 ,b ! explanation is almo/ too  
simple to be record$3 he wi%$ to conv9ce
 a fri5d t he w\ld attempt any?+ to     
prove 8 fri5d%ip4  ,t night !y w5t      

toge!r to ,scaife's room4 ,! second-be/ 
room 9 ! ,manor1 situat$ ^u ! fir/      
floor1 x ov]look$ ! back ( ! g>d51 :]e  
!re 0 a tangl$ ?icket ( lauru/9us &     
rhodod5dron4 ,scaife _h sp5t mu* money 9
 mak+ ?is room z com=table z possible4  
,x _h ! appe>ance ( a man's room1 &     
pres5t$ all ! *>act]i/ics ( ! man :o    
liv$ 9 x4 ,ev]y?+ connect$ ) ,scaife's  
triumphal m>* ?r\gh ! ,s*ool 0 pres]v$4 
,on ! walls 7 8 caps1 fezes1 & cups4 ,y 
c\ld h>dly see ! pap] = ! fram$         
photographs ( ,scaife & 8 fell[ bloods4 
,scaife z cricket]1 ,scaife z           
football-play]1 ,scaife z racquet-play] 
& a?lete1 />$ boldly & triumphantly at  
y4 ,he _h a f9e desk cov]$ ) massive    
silv] ornam5ts4 ,^u ?is1 z ^u ev]y?+    
else 9 ! room1 0 ! hall-m>k ( !         
successful man ( bus9ess4 ,! pap]s1 !   
p5s & p5cils1 ! fil$ bills & lett]s1 !  
books ( ref]5ce1 spoke eloqu5tly ( a m9d
 t us$ ord] z a means to a def9ite end4 
,all 8 books 7 well b\nd4 ,8 boots 7 on 
trees4 ,8 racquets 7 9 _! press4 ,_h y  

op5$ 8 *e/ ( draw]s1 y w\ld h f\nd 8    
clo!s 9 p]fect condition4 ,obvi\sly1 to 
an obs]vant eye1 ! own] ( ?is room gave 
8 m9d to details1 because he realiz$ t  
on details hang great & successful      
ent]prises4  ,scaife />$ at ,john1 b    
welcom$ him civilly en\gh4 ,cricket1 (  
c\rse1 expla9$ ?is unexpect$ visit4 ,z  
,desmond blurt$ out :at 0 9 8 m9d1      
,scaife fr[n$2 !n he laugh$             
unpleasantly4  ,& s ,i told ,jona?an1   
conclud$ ,desmond4  ,s y told ,jona?an1 
repeat$ ,scaife4 ,are y 9 ! habit (     
tell+ ,jona?an1--! d]isive inflection z 
he pron\nc$ ! "n w>n$ ,john at lea/ t he
 _h mu* bett] h /ay$ away--?+s :i*      
conc]n o!rs & :i* don't conc]n him8  ,if
 y're go+ to take x l t----  ,keep cool1
 ,caes>4 ,i'll admit t y mean well4 ,i  
%\ld l to he> :at ,v]ney has to say4    
,at t ,john spoke--halt+ly4 ,flu5t spee*
 ^u any subject v de> to him _h always  
be5 difficult4 ,he c\ld talk glibly     
en\gh ab\t ord9>y topics2 8 s5se (      
hum\r1 8 ret5tive memory1 made him      

welcome ev5 9 ! critical society (      
,eaton ,squ>e1 b y "k him z a creature (
 unplumb$ res]ves4 ,! matt] 9 h& 0 s    
vital t he c\ld n t\* x ) firm h&s or   
voice4 ,he spoke at 8 wor/1 & he knew x2
 conclud+ an incoh]5t & slightly        
in>ticulate recital ( ! reasons :i*     
ought to keep ,scaife 9 8 h\se at night 
) a lame ,two heads ought to prevail    
aga9/ "o4  ,scaife %[$ 8 f9e tee?4 ,y   
?9k t8 ,y\r head & ,caes>'s aga9/ m9e8  
,! *all5ge reveal$ itself 9 ! d]isive1  
sne]+ tone4  ,john %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s &    
rose4 ,i h blund]$2 ,i am sorry4  ,hold 
h>d1 said ,scaife4 ,he read c5sure ^u   
,desmond's +5u\s c\nt5ance4 ,!n 8 temp] 
:ipp$ him to a furi\s res5tm5t aga9/    
,john1 z an enemy :o _h turn$ ! tables )
 good bre$+2 :o _h ga9$1 inde$1 a       
victory aga9/ odds4 ,scaife drew 9 8    
brea?2 8 br[s met 9 a fr[n4 ,y h n      
blund]$2 & y are n sorry1 he said       
delib]ately4 ,i'm n a fool1 ,v]ney2 b   
p]haps ,i h und]rat$ y\r ability4 ,y're 
z clev] z !y make 'em4 ,y knew well     

en\gh t y 7 ! la/ p]son 9 ! _w to lead  
me 9 a /r+2 y knew t1 ,i say1 & yet y   
come "h to pose z ! righte\s y\?1 do+ 8 
duty--eh8--aga9/ odds1 & accept+ cr$it =
 ! same f ,caes>4 ,:y1 x's pla9 to me z 
! nose ^u y\r face t 9 y\r he>t y w\ld l
 me to be sack$4  ,desmond int]rupt$4 ,y
 are mad1 ,demon4 ,take t back2 take x  
back6  ,ask him1 said ,scaife4 ,he hates
 me1 & common dec5cy ought to h kept him
 out ( ?is room4 ,b he's n a li>4 ,ask  
him4 ,put x y\r own way4 ,s(t5 x1 make  
pap ( x1 if y l1 b get an answ]4        
,jona?an1 x is n true1 is x8 ,y don't l 
,scaife2 b y w\ld be sorry1 v sorry1 to 
see him--sack$4  ,i'm glad y've n funk$ 
x1 said ,scaife4 ,y've put x squ>ely4   
,let him answ] x z squ>ely4  ,john 0    
:ite to ! lips1 :ite & trembl+2         
despicable 9 8 own eyes1 h[ mu* m       
despicable1 !re=e1 9 ! eyes ( 8 fri5d1  
^: passionate fai? 9 him 0 ab\t to be   
scor*$ & %rivell$4  ,scaife began to    
laugh4  ,= ,god's sake1 don't laugh6    
said ,desmond4 ,jona?an1 ,i "k y are too

 pr\d to def5d y\rself aga9/ su* an     
abom9able *>ge4  ,he's n a li>1 said    
,scaife4  ,x's true1 said ,john1 9 a    
/rangl$ voice4  ,y h wi%$ t he might be 
sack$8  ,yes4  ,john met ,desmond's     
indignant eyes ) an expression :i* ! o!r
 0 too impetu\s1 too inexp]i5c$ to      
int]pret4 ,into t look ( passionate     
reproa* he flung all t mu/ be left      
unsaid1 all t ,scaife c\ld read z easily
 z if x 7 scor$ 9 lett]s ( flame4       
,because1 9 8 mode/y & humility1 he _h  
ev] reckon$ t ,scaife w\ld prevail aga9/
 himself--because1 ) un]r+ in/9ct1 he _h
 appreh5d$1 z few boys c\ld appreh5d1 ! 
issues involv$1 he _h desir$1 f]v5tly   
desir$1 t ,scaife %\ld be swept f       
,caes>'s pa?4 ,b ?is he c\ld n plead z  
an excuse to 8 fri5d2 & ,scaife _h kn[n 
t1 & _h us$ 8 k ) fi5di% success4 ,john 
l[]$ 8 eyes & walk$ f ! room4  ,:5 he   
met ,desmond aga91 no?+ 0 said on ei!r  
side4 ,john told himself t he w\ld      
speak1 if ,desmond spoke fir/4 ,b       
evid5tly ,desmond _h det]m9$ already !  

nature ( _! future relations4 ,!y no    
long] %>$ ,no4 #g1 ,john be+ 9 ! ,upp]  
,six? ) a room to himself1 b !y /ill    
f\nd toge!r4 ,to sep>ate w\ld mean a    
public sc&al f :i* ea* %rank 9 horror4  
,no2 let !m meet at meals z be=e till ! 
end ( ! t]m4 ,inde$1 s little *ange 0   
made 9 _! previ\s int]c\rse1 t ,john    
began to hope t ,caes> w\ld walk ) him z
 usual ^u ! foll[+ ,sunday4 ,& if he    
did--if he did1 ,john felt t he w\ld    
speak4 ,on ! top ( ! t[]1 look+ t[>ds ! 
,spire1 alone ) 8 fri5d1 exalt$ above ! 
?orns & brambles ( ! wild]ness1 words   
w\ld come to him4  ,b on ! foll[+       
,sunday ,desmond walk$ ) ,scaife4       
,,footnotes3  #cd ,( ^!1 ! ,p>k1 n[ a   
bo>d+-h\se1 0 a *>act]i/ic specim54 ,x  
belong$ to ,"l ,nor?wick1 ,"l ( ! ,manor
 ( ,h>r[4  #ce ,9 ! ?irties ,h>r[ boys  
play$ ,jack o' ,lant]n1 or nocturnal    
,h>e & ,h\nds4 ,!y us$ to att5d ,k+sbury
 ,races & ,p9n] ,fair4 ,"l ,alex&]      
,russell1 :5 he 0 a boy at ! ,grove1    
kept a pack ( beagles at ! foot ( !     

,hill4     ,,*apt] ,,xii  ,"l's         
,!re we sat 9 ! circle va/1       ,h>d  
by ! t5ts1 f noon1     ,& look$ z ! day 
w5t sl[ly pa/       ,& ! runs came all  
too soon2     ,& nev]1 ,i ?9k1 9 ! ye>s 
gone by1       ,s9ce cricket] fir/ w5t  
91     ,did ! dy+ s refuse to die1      
,or ! w9n+ s h>dly w94   ,my de>        
,jona?an1 ,i'm delight$ to see y4 ,y "k 
my fa!r1 ,i ?9k8 ,x 0 ! ,cat]pill> t    
spoke4  ,john %ook h&s ) ,colonel       
,eg]ton4  ,! ?ree 7 /&+ 9 ! ,memb]s'    
,enclosure at ,"l's4 ,! ,cat]pill>1     
gorge\s 9 frock-coat1 ) ?ree            
corn-fl[]s#cf 9 ! lapel ( x1 0 ab\t z   
great a buck z 8 sire1 q z conspicu\s1  
&1 seem+ly1 z cool4 ,x happ5$ to be a   
blaz+ hot day1 b heat seldom affect$    
,colonel ,eg]ton4  ,by ,jove1 he said to
 ,john1 ,i'm told x's a c]ta9ty ?is ye>1
 & ,i've come e>ly1 too e>ly = me1 to   
see a glori\s victory4 ,!re's civil w>  
rag+ on ! top ( ! ,tr5t coa*1 ,i give y 
my ^w4  ,we've won ! toss1 said ,john4  
,ah1 !re's ,*>les ,desmond1 an e>ly     

bird1 too4  ,he bu/l$ away1 leav+ ,john 
& ! ,cat]pill> toge!r4 ,! great gr\nd 9 
front ( !m 0 be+ cle>$4 ,"o c\ld see1   
?r\gh ! few p scatt]$ "h & !re1 !       
wickets pit*$ 9 ! middle ( t va/ expanse
 ( lawn1 & ! umpires 9 _! long :ite     
coats4 ,^u ! top ( ! /eps1 9 ! middle ( 
! pavilion1 ! ,eton capta9 0 collect+ 8 
,elev54 ,! ,duff]1 :o _h got 8 ,flannels
 at ! la/ mom5t1 came up & jo9$ ,john & 
! ,cat]pill>4  ,! ,manor's well to !    
front1 said ! ,cat]pill>4 ,by ,jove6 ,i 
nev] ?\ght to see ,fluff 9 ! ,elev54    
,fluff came on trem5d\sly ?is t]m1 !    
,duff] repli$4  ,( c\rse ! ,k9lo*s are a
 cricket+ family4  ,good joke ! bro!rs  
play+ aga9/ ea* o!r1 said ,john4  ,w>de1
 ! ,duff] nodd$ 9 ! direction ( ,w>de1  
:o 0 talk+ ) ,*>les ,desmond & ,colonel 
,eg]ton1 has work$ l a slave4 ,he made a
 cricket] out ( ,fluff & a s*ol> out (  
,jona?an4 ,he's s mad ke5 to see u w91 t
 he's giv5 me ! jumps4  ,y mu/ keep     
cool1 ! ,cat]pill> murmur$4 ,i've j come
 f ! ,tr5t coa*4 ,fluff has x f ! bro!r 

:o is play+ t ! ,eton b[l+ is weak4 ,b  
,/ra?peff]1 ! elde/ son1 tells me !     
batsm5 are /rong] ?an la/ ye>4 ,he seem$
 anxi\s to bet2 s we h a fiv] ab\t x4   
,!y're tak+ ! field4  ,! ,eton ,elev5   
walk$ t[>ds ! wicket1 l\dly *e]$4 ,caes>
 came up 9 8 pads1 c>ry+ 8 bat & gloves4
 ,he %ook h&s ) ! ,cat]pill>1 & said1 ) 
a groan1 t he _h to take ! fir/ ball4   
,keep cool1 said ! ,cat]pill>4 ,! b[l+'s
 weak2 ,i h x f ,cosmo ,k9lo*4 ,!y're 9 
a preci\s funk4  ,s am ,i1 said !       
,duff]4  ,b y're a b[l]1 said ,desmond4 
,if ,i get out fir/ ball1 ,i %all cut my
 ?roat4  ,b ,caes> look$ al]t1 cool1 &  
nei!r "u- nor ov]-confid5t4  ,y'll cut !
 ball1 n y\r ?roat1 said ! ,duff]4      
,cutt+ 0 ,caes>'s /rong po9t4  ,!       
,cat]pill> nodd$1 & spoke oracul>ly--   
,my gov]nor says he nev] %oots at a     
snipe )\t mutt]+ to himself1 ',snipe on 
toa/4' ,x /eadies 8 n]ves4 ,:5 y see !  
ball leave ! b[l]'s h&1 y say to        
y\rself1 ',eton on toa/4'  ,y\r own1    
,cat]pill>8  ,my own1 said ! ,cat]pill>1

 mode/ly4 ,i don't (t5 make a joke1 b   
t's m9e4 ,pass x on4  ,! o!r ,h>rovian  
ab\t to g 9 beckon$ to ,desmond4  ,caes>
 won't be b[l$ fir/ ball1 said !        
,cat]pill>4 ,he's ! sort t rises to an  
em]g5cy4 ,c't we f9d a seat8  ,!y sat   
d[n & wat*$ ! ,eton capta9 plac+ 8      
field4 ,desmond & 8 companion 7 walk+   
sl[ly t[>ds ! wickets amid ,h>r[ *e]s4  
,! *e]+ 0 lukew>m z yet4 ,x w\ld h fire 
en\gh 9 x pres5tly4 ,! ,cat]pill> po9t$ 
out "s ( ! swells4  ,t's old ,lyburn4   
,hasn't miss$ a mat* s9ce '#fd4 ,0      
br\ght "h once ) a brok5 leg6 ,c>ri$ 9 a
 litt]1 by ,jove6 ,t fell[ ) ! long1    
:ite be>d is ,"l ,fawley4 ,he made #gh n
 out 9 ! days ( ,*>lemagne4  ,x 0 9     
'#ec1 said ! ,duff]1 :o nev] jok$ on    
really s]i\s subjects2 & he made #fh1 n 
#gh4 ,he's pull+ 8 be>d4 ,i believe he's
 z n]v\s z ,i am4  ,pres5tly !          
innum]able voices ab\t !m 7 hu%$2 all   
eyes turn$ 9 "o direction4 ,desmond 0   
ab\t to take ! fir/ ball4 ,x 0 deliv]$  
mod]ately fa/1 ) a slight break4        

,desmond play$ =w>d4  ,well play$1 sir6 
,well pla-a-ay$6  ,! %\t rumbl$ r\nd !  
huge circle4 ,! beg9n+ & ! end ( a great
 mat* are always ?rill+4 ,! second &    
?ird balls 7 play$ l ! fir/4 ,john c\ld 
he> ,mr4 ,desmond say+ to ,w>de1 ,he has
 ,hugo's /yle & way ( /&+--eh8 ,& ,w>de 
repli$1 ,yes2 b he's a f9] batsman4     
,ah-h-h6  ,! fir/ real *e] bur/ l a     
bomb4 ,desmond _h cut ! six? ball to !  
b\nd>y4  ,ov]6 ,! new b[l] 0 a tall1 ?9 
boy ) flax5 hair4  ,t's ,cosmo ,k9lo*1  
,fluff's bro!r1 said ,john4 ,i wond] !y 
c't d bett] ?an t4 ,ev5 ,i knock$ him   
all ov] ! %op at ,:ite ,ladies la/      
summ]4  ,he's come on1 !y tell me1 said 
! ,cat]pill>4 ,good ,"l1 he ne>ly _h him
 fir/ ball4  ,fluff's bro!r b[l$ sl[s ( 
a good l5g?1 ) an awkw>d break f ! (f to
 ! leg4  ,teas]s1 said ! ,cat]pill>1    
critically4 ,hullo6 ,no1 my "y fri5d1 t 
may d well en\gh 9 ,%rop%ire1 n "h4  ,a 
ball break+ %>ply f ! (f _h /ruck !     
batsman's pad2 he _h /epp$ 9 front ( 8  
wicket to cut x4 ,c\ntry umpires are (t5

 beguil$ by b[l]s into giv+ wrong       
decisions 9 su* cases2 n s y\r ,london  
exp]t4 ,cosmo ,k9lo* appeal$--9 va94    
,he'll s5d a %ort "o d[n n[1 said ,john4
 ,y see4  ,&1 sure en\gh1 a long hop    
came to ! (f1 curl+ inw>ds aft] x pit*$4
 ,! ,eton capta9 _h ne>ly all 8 m5 on ! 
(f side4 ,! ,h>rovian pull$ ! ball "r   
r\nd to ! b\nd>y4  ,well hit6  ,well    
pull$6  ,two #d's2 t's a good beg9n+1   
said ! ,duff]4  ,a c\ple ( s+les foll[$1
 & !n ! fir/ #aj w5t up amid *e]s4      
,"h's my gov]nor1 said ! ,duff]4 ,he 0  
?ree ye>s 9 ! ,elev5 & ,capta9 8 la/    
t]m4  ,y've told u t a ?\s& times1 said 
! ,cat]pill>4  ,! ,rev4 ,septimus ,duff 
greet$ ! boys w>mly4 ,8 eyes sp>kl$ out 
( a *e]y1 be>d$ face4 ,look at him well4
 ,an ,h>rovian ( ! ,h>rovians ?is4 ,8   
gr&fa!rs on ! mat]nal & pat]nal side _h 
be5 fri5ds at ,h>r[ 9 ,byron's "t4 ,!   
,rev4 ,septimus wore r a %abby coat & a 
t]rible hat1 b ! consummate ,cat]pill>1 
:o respect$ p$igrees1 reg>d$ him ) pride
 & v5]ation4 ,he came up f 8 obscure    

,we/ ,c\ntry vic>age to t[n j once a    
ye>--to see ! mat*4 ,if y ask$ him1 he  
w\ld tell y q simply t he w\ld soon] see
 ! mat* & 8 old fri5ds ?an g to         
,pale/9e2 & ! ,rev4 ,septimus _h ye>n$  
to visit ,pale/9e ev] s9ce he left      
,cambridge2 & x is n likely t ?is great 
wi% w ev] be gratifi$4 ,he is ! fa!r (  
?ree sons1 b ! ,duff] is ! fir/ to get  
into ! ,elev54 ,*>les ,desmond jo9s !m4 
,at ! mom5t1 ,*>les ,desmond is suppos$ 
to be "o ( ! mo/ h>ri$ m5 9 ! ,empire4  
,times are tr\bl\s4 ,a w>-cl\d1 z l>ge z
 ,krug]'s h&1 has j ris5 9 ! ,s\?1 & is 
spread+ itself ov] ! :ole _w4 ,b to-day 
! great ,m9i/] has left ! c>es ( (fice 9
 ,d[n+ ,/reet4 ,he hails ! ,rev4        
,septimus ) a g5ial laugh & a he>ty     
grasp ( ! h&4  ,ah1 ,sep1 ^u y\r ^w (   
hon\r1 n[--w\ld y soon] be "h to see !  
,duff] take half a doz5 wickets1 or be  
d[n 9 ,som]set1 ,bi%op ( ,ba? & ,wells8 
,:5 y (f] me ! bi%opric1 repli$ ! ,rev4 
,septimus1 ) a tw9kle1 ,i'll answ] t "q1
 my de> ,*>les1 & n be=e4  ,y old       

humbug6 ,y're s puff$ up ) s9ful pride t
 y've /uck y\r topp] on to y\r head !   
wrong way ab\t4  ,bless my s\l1 said !  
,duff]'s fa!r1 s ,i h4  ,t topp] ( !    
gov]nor's1 ! ,duff] rem>k$ solemnly1 has
 se5 tw5ty-five mat*es at lea/4  ,john  
look$ at no hats2 8 eyes 7 on ! pit*4   
,ano!r r\nd ( *e]s proclaim$ t #bj _h   
gone up4 ,bo? boys are batt+ /eadily2 no
 m b\nd>y hits2 a snick "h1 a snack     
!re--& !n--m]ciful ,heav5s6--,caes> has 
cut a curl+ ball bang into %ort slip's  
h&s4  ,%ort slip--wret*$ y\?--muffs x6  
,d]isive rem>ks f ,rev4 ,septimus4      
,well caught6 ,well held6 ,?a-a-nks6  ,!
 ,cat]pill> w\ld pron\nce ?is sort (    
*aff bad =m 9 a contempor>y4 ,he removes
 8 hat4  ,by ,jove6 says he4 ,x's v w>m4
  ,caes> times ! next ball beautifully4 
,x glides pa/ po9t & "u ! ropes4  ,e>ly 
z x is1 ! gr\nd seems to be pack$ ) p4  
,glori\s wea!r has allur$ ev]ybody4 ,/& 
aft] /& is fill$ up4 ,! col\r becomes   
kaleidoscopic4 ,! ,rev4 ,septimus1 dur+ 
! brief int]val ( an ov]1 all[s 8 eyes  

to /ray r\nd ! huge circle4 ,^u ! gr\nd 
are ! y\?1 ! beauty1 ! rank & fa%ion ( !
 k+dom1 &1 be/ ( all1 8 old fri5ds4 ,!  
,rev4 ,septimus has a weakness1 be+1 (  
c\rse1 human to ! f+]-tips4 ,he calls   
himself a laudator temporis acti4 ,9 8  
day1 ! mat* 0 less ( a function4 ,! boys
 sat r\nd ^u ! grass2 beh9d !m 7 !      
c>riages & coa*es--y c\ld drive on to ! 
gr\nd !n6--& "h & !re1 only "h & !re1 a 
t5t or a small /&4 ,consule ,planco--!  
p>son loves a ,lat9 tag--! mat* 0 an    
imm5se picnic = ,h>rovians & ,etonians4 
,&1 my ^w1 y ought to h he>d ! *aff :5  
an unlucky field] put ! ball on ! floor4
 ,or1 :5 a batsman int]pos$ a pad :]e a 
bat ought to h be54 ,or1 if a play] 0   
b[l$ fir/ ball4 ,or1 if he swagg]$ z he 
walk$1 ! cynosure ( all eyes1 f !       
pavilion to ! pit*4 ,^u ?is subject !   
,rev4 ,septimus w prea* a long] 7& a m  
int]e/+7 s]mon ?an any y w he> f 8      
pulpit 9 ,black=d-,orcas ,*ur*4  ,l\d   
*e]s put an end to ! p>son's            
rem9isc5ces4 ,desmond's companion has   

be5 clean b[l$ = a useful fifte5 runs4  
,he walks t[>ds ! pavilion sl[ly4 ,!n1 z
 he he>s ! ,h>r[ *e]s1 he blu%es l a    
nymph ( sixte51 = he c\nts himself a    
failure4 ,la/ ye> he made a duck 9 8    
fir/ inn+s1 & five 9 ! second4 ,no *e]s 
!n4 ,?is is 8 fir/ ta/e ( ! honey       
mortals call success4 ,he has fac$ !    
great _w1 & captur$ its applause4  ,:5  
does ,scaife g 98 ! ,rev4 ,septimus     
asks4  ,second wicket d[n4  ,m *e]s z ! 
second man 9 /rolls d[n ! /eps4 ,a      
c>eful cove1 s ! ,duff] tells 8 fa!r--"o
 :o w try to break ! back ( ! b[l+4     
,!y're tak+ (f ,fluff's bro!r1 !        
,cat]pill> obs]ves4  ,a ?ick-set "y man 
holds ! ball4 ,he makes "s slight       
alt]ation 9 ! field4 ,! wicket-keep] /&s
 back2 ! slips & po9t retreat a few     
y>ds4 ,! ball t took ! fir/ wicket 0 !  
la/ ( an ov]4 ,desmond has to receive ! 
attack ( ! new b[l]4  ,! ?ick-set       
,etonian1 hav+ arrang$ ! (f side to 8   
satisfaction1 prep>es to take a long    
run4 ,he holds ! ball 9 ! left h&1 runs 

sideways at great spe$1 *anges ! ball f 
! left h& to ! "r at ! la/ mom5t1 &     
seems to hurl bo? x & himself at !      
batsman4  ,greas$ lightn+6 says ,john4  
,a dry summ] _h made ! pit* r fi]y4 ,!  
ball1 %ort-pit*$1 :izzes j ov] ,caes>'s 
head4 ,a second & a ?ird seem to graze 8
 cap4 ,murmurs are he>d4 ,is ! ,eton    
b[l] try+ to kill or maim 8 antagoni/8  
,is he delib]ately endeav\r+ to e/abli% 
a p>alys+ funk8  ,b ! f\r? ball is a    
fizz]--! "r l5g?1 a bail]1 t]rifically  
fa/1 b j (f ! wicket4 ,desmond snicks x 
betwe5 %ort slip & ?ird man2 x goes to !
 b\nd>y4  ,t's :at ,caes> likes1 says ! 
,duff]4 ,he c cut beh9d ! wicket till ! 
c[s come home4  ,cut--& come aga91 says 
! ,cat]pill>4  ,! fif? ball is play$    
=w>d = a risky s+le4 ,! ,rev4 ,septimus 
=gets t times h *ang$4 ,& if !y h1 :at (
 x8 ,he hasn't4 ,8 deep1 vibrant voice  
rolls across ! lawn "r up to ! batsman--
  ,/eady !re6 ,/eady6  ,& n[ ! new-com] 
has to take ! la/ ball ( ! ov]--8 fir/4 
,alas & alack6 ,! six? ball is dead on  

to ! middle /ump4 ,! ,h>rovian plays    
=w>d4 ,man alive1 y ought to h play$    
back to t6 ,! ball grazes ! top edge ( !
 bat's blade & flies /raight into !     
welcom+ h&s ( ! wicket-keep]4  ,two     
wickets = #cc4  ,brea?less susp5se1     
brok5 by tumultu\s *e]s z ,scaife /rides
 on to ! gr\nd4 ,8 bat is "u 8 arm2 he  
is draw+ on 8 gloves4 ,?\s&s ( m5 & z _m
 wom5 are />+ at 8 spl5did face &       
figure4  ,:at a mov]6 murmurs ! ,rev4   
,septimus4  ,scaife /rides on4 ,^u 8    
face is ! expression ,john kn[s s well &
 fe>s s mu*--! consci\sness ( p[]1 ! /]n
 det]m9ation to be fir/1 to %att]       
previ\s records4 ,john c pr$ict--& does 
s ) absolute c]ta9ty--:at w happ54 ,=   
six ov]s ! ,demon w treat e ball--good1 
bad1 & indiff]5t--) ! mo/ di/+ui%$      
consid]ation4 ,& !n1 :5 8 eye is 91 he w
 give ! ,etonians su* lea!r-hunt+ z !y  
nev] _h be=e4  ,aft] a long /& made by  
,scaife & ,desmond1 ,caes> is caught at 
cov]-po9t1 b ,scaife rema9s4 ,x is a    
,colossus batt+1 n a ,h>r[ boy4 ,! balls

 come d[n ! pit*2 ! ,demon's %\ld]s &   
*e/ wid52 ! great knott$ arms g         
up--cra%6 ,fir/ s+les2 !n twos2 !n      
?rees2 & !n b\nd>y aft] b\nd>y4 ,to     
,john--& to h[ _m o!rs8--,scaife has be5
 trans=m$ into a trem5d\s human ma*9e1  
inexorably cutt+ & slic+1 pull+ &       
driv+--! embodi$ symbol ( =ce1 ru?lessly
 appli$1 indefatigable1 omnipot5t4  ,!  
,eton capta91 hopeful aga9/ odds1 puts  
on a cunn+ & cool deal] 9 lobs4 ,fluff  
is 91 play+ /eadily1 hold+ up 8 wicket1 
lett+ ! giant make ! runs4 ,! ,etonian  
deliv]s 8 fir/ ball4 ,scaife leaves !   
crease4 ,fluff sees ! ball sl[ly        
sp9n+--h>mless en\gh till x pit*es1 & !n
 deadly z a wri?+ s]p5t4 ,scaife w n let
 x pit*4 ,! ball curves slightly f ! leg
 to ! (f4 ,scaife is fac+ ! pavilion----
  ,a /up5d\s ro> bur/s f ! cr[d4 ,!     
ball1 hit ) t]rific =ce1 sails away ov] 
! gre5 sw>d1 ov] ! ropes1 ov] ! heads ( 
! spectators1 & slap on to ! top ( !    
pavilion4  ,only f\r2 b "o ( ! f9e/     
swipes ev] se5 at ,"l's4 ,%ade ( ,mynn1 

come =? f ! tomb to applaud t mighty    
/roke6  ,b ! deal] 9 lobs kn[s t ! man  
:o leaves 8 citadel1 leaves x1 soon] or 
lat]1 n to return4 ,9 ! hope t ,scaife1 
intoxicat$ ) triumph1 w run out aga91 he
 pit*es ! next lob too mu* up--a        
half-volley4 ,scaife smiles4  ,john's   
pr$iction has be5 fulfill$4 ,a record   
has be5 e/abli%$4 ,nev] be=e 9 an ,eton 
& ,h>r[ mat* h two balls be5 hit ov] !  
ropes 9 succession4 ,! cr[ds h lo/ _!   
self-possession4 ,m51 wom51 & *ildr5 are
 becom+ deliri\s4 ,! ,rev4 ,septimus    
?r[s 8 anci5t topp] into ! air2 !       
,cat]pill> splits a br&-new pair (      
delicate grey gloves4 ,^u ! tops ( !    
coa*es1 mo!rs1 si/]s1 aunts1 & c\s9s are
 *e]+ l ,f\r?-,=m boys4         99      
99       99       99       99  ,! ,h>r[ 
fir/ inn+s clos$ ) #bhi runs1 ,scaife   
c>ry+ out 8 bat = an almo/ flawless     
#abf4 ,desmond made #gb2 ,fluff 0 9 =   
tw5ty-sev5 m9utes--a great p]=mance =   
him--& 0 caught 9 ! slips aft] compil+ a
 useful #ag4  ,b ! rem>kable feature ( !

 inn+s 0 ! %ort "t 9 :i* s _m runs 7    
made--exactly ?ree h\rs4 ,! elev5s w5t 9
 to lun*1 z ! cr[d p\r$ ov] ! gr\nd1    
laugh+ & *att]+4 ,?is is a delightful   
h\r to ! ,rev4 ,septimus4 ,he w walk to 
! wickets1 & wait !re = 8 innum]able    
fri5ds4 ,x w be1 ,hullo1 ,sep6 ,by      
,jove1 "h's de> old ,sep6 ,sep1 y       
unfri5dly bea/1 :y d y nev] come to see 
u8 ,sep1 :5 are y go+ to s5d t awful    
tile ( y\rs to ! ,briti% ,museum8 ,& s  
on4  ,tw5ty m51 at lea/--"s ( !m ) names
 kn[n :]ev] ! ,union ,jack waves--w ask 
! ,rev4 ,sep to lun* ) !m2 b ! ,rev4    
,sep w say1 z he has said ^! ?irty ye>s1
 t he doesn't come to ,"l's to gorge4 ,a
 s&wi* pres5tly1 & a glass ( fizz1 if y 
please2 b "t is preci\s4 ,a tall bi%op  
/rolls up--"o ( ! pill>s ( ! ,*ur*1 an  
eloqu5t prea*]1 & an autocrat 9 8       
diocese4 ,mo/ p reg>d him ) awe4 ,!     
,rev4 ,sep greets him ) a sc&al\s slap  
on ! back1 & addresses him1 ! apo/olic  
"o1 z--,lamp]4#cg ,& ! ,"l ,bi%op (     
,dudley says1 l ! o!rs--  ,hullo1 ,sep6 

,we us$ to ?9k y a slogg]1 b y nev] came
 any:]e ne> t smite ( ,scaife's4  ,i    
?\ght 8 smite 0 com+ too ne> me1 says ! 
,rev4 ,sep1 ) a %rewd glance at !       
pavilion4 ,lamp]1 old *ap1 ,i am glad to
 see y\r 'phiz' aga94  ,& s !y /roll (f 
toge!r1 mighty prelate & humble c\ntry  
p>son1 once aga9 happy ,h>r[ boys4  ,&  
n[1 be=e ,eton goes 91 we mu/ climb on  
to ! ,tr5t coa*4 ,fluff & 8 bro!r       
,cosmo1 ! ,eton b[l]1 are lun*+ 9 o!r   
company1 b we %all f9d ,colonel ,eg]ton 
& ! ,cat]pill> & ,w>de2 s ! ,hill       
slightly outnumb]s ! ,pla91 z ! duke    
puts x4 ,next to ! du*ess sits ,mrs4    
,v]ney4 ,! duke is torn ne>ly 9 two     
betwe5 8 desire t ,fluff %\ld make runs 
& t ,cosmo1 ! ,etonian1 %\ld take       
wickets4 ,8 ,eton sons reg>d him z a    
traitor1 a rat1 & ,colonel ,eg]ton      
gravely (f]s him ! corn-fl[]s out ( 8   
coat4  ,y c laugh1 ! duke says s]i\sly1 
b :5 ,i see :at ,h>r[ has done = ,esme1 
,i'm almo/ sorry--he looks at 8 y\nge/  
son 7ne>ly1 b n q1 z delicate-look+ z   

,fluff us$ to be7--,i'm almo/ sorry t ,i
 didn't s5d ,ala/air !re also4  ,ala/air
 smiles contemptu\sly4 ,if y _h1 he     
says1 ,i %\ld h nev] spok5 to y aga94   
,esme is a =giv+ *ap1 b y've wreck$ 8   
life4 ,at lea/1 t's my op9ion4  ,aft]   
lun*eon1 ! cr[d on ! lawn ?ick5s4 ,!    
ladies want to see ! pit*1 &1 %all we   
add1 to display _! wond]ful frocks4 ,!  
enclosure at ,ascot on ,cup ,day is n s 
gay & pretty a sc5e z ?is4 ,!           
,cat]pill>1 sly dog1 has secur$ ,iris   
,w>de1 & looks uncommonly pleas$ )      
himself & 8 companion2 a sm>t pair1 b   
sm>t pairs are common z gooseb]ries4 ,x 
is ! ye> ( picture hats & ,ga9sbor\gh   
dresses4  ,engl& at its be/1 says ,miss 
,iris4  ,& 9 its be/1 ! ,cat]pill>      
replies solemnly4  ,iris ,w>de is z ke5 
z h] fa!r's daught] ought to be4 ,%e    
tells ! ,cat]pill> t :5 %e 0 a small    
girl ) only ?reep5ce a week             
pocket-money1 %e us$ to save a p5ny a   
week = twelve weeks prec$+ ! mat*1 s z  
to be able to put a %ill+ into ! plate  

on ,sunday if ,h>r[ won4  ,& ,i d>e say 
y'll m>ry an ,etonian & we> light blue  
aft] all1 gr[ls ! ,cat]pill>4  ,nev]6   
says ,miss ,iris4  ,n[1 among/ ! black  
coats 9 ! pavilion y see a :ite figure  
or two4 ,! ,elev5s h f9i%$ lun*1 & are  
mix+ ) ! cr[d4 ,scaife is talk+ ) a     
fam\s ,old ,c>?usian1 "o ( ! f9e/ liv+  
expon5ts ( cricket1 sometime an         
,int]national at football1 & a ,d4,s4,o4
 ,! great man is v cordial1 = he sees 9 
,scaife an ,all-,engl& play]4 ,scaife   
li/5s1 smil+4 ,obvi\sly1 he is impati5t 
to beg9 aga94 ,z soon z possible he     
collects 8 m51 & leads !m into ! field4 
,"o c he> ! policem5 say+ 9 l\d1 firm   
voices1 ,pass along1 please2 pass along6
 ,z if by magic ! cr[ds on ! lawn melt  
away4 ,9 a few m9utes ! ,etonians come  
out ( ! pavilion4 ,! sun %9es ^u _!     
pale-blue caps & sa%es1 & ^u faces      
slightly pale also1 b n yet blue4 ,=    
,eton has a /rong batt+ team1 & ,scaife 
& ,desmond h prov$ t x is a batsman's   
wicket4  ,& n[ ! connoisseurs1 ! really 

great play]s1 settle !mselves d[n       
com=tably to wat* ,scaife field4 ,t1 to 
!m1 is ! great attraction1 ap>t f !     
conte/ betwe5 ! rival s*ools4 ,"s ( ^!  
,olympians h be5 he>d to say t ,scaife's
 inn+s aga9/ weak b[l+ 0 no v m]itori\s 
p]=mance1 al?\gh ! two swipes1 !y admit1
 7 p>l\s knocks4 ,/ill1 ,public ,s*ool  
cricket is k9d]g>t5 cricket1 & if y've n
 be5 at ,eton or ,h>r[1 & if y loa! a   
fa%ionable cr[d1 & if y ?9k fir/-class  
field+ is wor? com+ to ,"l's to see1 :y1
 !n1 my de> fell[1 look at ,scaife6     
,scaife /&s at cov]-po9t4 ,if y put up  
y\r b9ocul>s1 y w see t he is almo/ on 8
 toes4 ,8 heels are n t\*+ ! gr\nd4 ,&  
he b5ds slightly1 n q z l[ z a spr9t]1 b
 s l[ t he c />t ) amaz+ spe$4 ,= two   
ov]s n a ball wor? field+ rolls 8 way4  
,ah6 t w be puni%$4 ,a long hop comes   
d[n ! pit*4 ,! ,etonian squ>es 8 %\ld]s4
 ,8 eye1 to be sure1 is on ! ball1 b 9 8
 m9d's eye is ! b\nd>y2 9 8 e> ! fir/   
bur/ ( applause4 ,bat meets ball ) a    
smack :i* e*oes f ! ,t5nis ,c\rt to !   

/&s across ! gr\nd4 ,n[ wat* ,scaife6   
,he da%es at top spe$ = ! only po9t :]e 
8 h&s may int]cept t h>d-hit ball4 ,&1  
by ,heav56 he /ops x1 & flicks x up to !
 wicket-keep]1 :o :ips (f ! bails4      
,h['s t8  ,n out6  ,well field$2 well   
field$1 sir6  ,a v close squeak1 says ! 
,cat]pill>4 ,!y won't /eal _m runs f !  
,demon4  ,sometimes1 says ,iris ,w>de1  
,i really ?9k t he is a demon4  ,!      
,cat]pill> nods4 ,y're m ?an half "r1   
,miss ,w>de4  ,pres5tly1 ! fir/ wicket  
falls2 !n ! second soon aft]4 ,& ! score
 is "u tw5ty4 ,! ,rev4 ,septimus is     
beam+2 ! ,bi%op seat$ beside him looks z
 if he 7 ab\t to pron\nce a b5$iction2  
,*>les ,desmond is sc9tillat+ ) wit &   
good hum\r4 ,visions ( a s+le inn+s     
victory engross ! m9ds ( ^! ?ree4 ,!y   
are 9 ! front r[ ( ! pavilion1 & !y mean
 to see e ball ( ! game4  ,b soon x     
becomes evid5t t a det]m9$ /& is be+    
made4 ,runs come sl[ly1 b !y come2 !    
score creeps up--?irty1 =ty1 fifty4     
,fluff goes on to b[l4 ,on 8 day ,fluff 

is tricky1 b ?is1 app>5tly1 is n 8 day4 
,! runs come m quickly4 ,! ,rev4        
,septimus removes 8 hat1 wipes 8 =ehead1
 & replaces 8 hat4 ,x is on ! back ( 8  
head1 b he is unaw>e ( t4 ,! ,bi%op     
appe>s n[ z if he 7 read+ a new         
comm9ation--to wit1 ,curs$ is he t      
smite? 8 neighb\r2 curs$ is he t b[le?  
half volleys4 ,! ,m9i/] is fr[n+2 ?+s   
may look black 9 ,s\? ,africa1 b !y're  
look+ black] 9 ,/4 ,john's ,wood4  ,"o  
hundr$ runs = two wickets4  ,! ,eton    
*e]s are becom+ exasp]at+4 ,a few seats 
away ,w>de is twiddl+ 8 ?umbs & bit+ 8  
lips4 ,old ,"l ,fawley has slipp$ into !
 pavilion = a br&y & soda4  ,at la/6    
,scaife takes (f ,fluff & puts on a fa/ 
b[l]1 *ang+ 8 own place 9 ! field to    
%ort slip4 ,! ball1 a fir/ ball & v fa/1
 puzzles ! batsman1 accu/om$ to sl[s4   
,he mi/imes x2 x grazes ! edge ( 8 bat1 
& :izzes (f f> to ! "r ( ,scaife1 b !   
,demon has x4 ,someh[ or o!r1 ask ( !   
spirits ( ! air--n ( ! writ]--someh[ 8  
wond]ful "r h& has met & held ! ball4   

,well caught1 sir2 well caught6  ,t boy 
ought to be knight$ on ! spot1 says     
,*>les ,desmond4 ,!n ! ?ree g5]\sly     
applaud ! retir+ batsman4 ,he has play$ 
a brilliant inn+s1 & re/or$ ! confid5ce 
( all ,etonians4  ,! ,eton capta9       
desc5ds ! /eps2 a vet]an ?is1 n a da%+  
play]1 b sure1 pati5t1 & full ( grit4   
,he asks ! umpire to give him middle &  
leg2 !n he notes ! positions ( ! field4 
,:ew-w-w-w6  ,d----n x6 ejaculates      
,*>les ,desmond4 ,bi%op & p>son reg>d   
him ) gratitude4 ,!re are times :5 an   
hone/ oa? becomes exp$i5t4 ,! ,eton     
capta9 has cut ! fir/ ball into ,fluff's
 h&s1 & ,fluff has dropp$ x6 ,ala/air   
,k9lo*1 f ! top ( ! ,tr5t coa*1 screams 
out1 ,jolly well muff$6 ,! great ,m9i/] 
sil5tly ?anks ,heav5 t po9t is ! ,duke's
 son & n 84  ,&1 ( c\rse1 ! ,eton capta9
 nev] gives ano!r *ance till he is      
dismiss$ ) half a c5tury to 8 cr$it4    
,meantime five m wickets h fall54 ,sev5 
d[n = #aia6 ,eton leaves ! field ) a    
score ( #bbf aga9/ ,h>r['s #bhi4 ,h>r[  

goes 9 )\t delay1 & "o wicket is tak5 = 
#ac runs be=e ! /umps are drawn4 ,*>les 
,desmond looks at ! sky4  ,looks l ra9  
to-night1 he says anxi\sly4  ,& s ends  
,friday's play4         99       99     
99       99       99  ,! morr[ dawn$    
grey1 obscur$ by mi/ ris+ f gr\nd soak$ 
by two h\rs' heavy ra94 ,y may be sure t
 all our fri5ds 7 e>ly at ,"l's1 & t !  
pit* 0 exam9$ by ?\s&s ( anxi\s eyes4 ,!
 ,eton fa/ b[l] 0 se5 to smile4 ,^u a   
simil> wicket _h he n done ! fam\s      
hat-trick only ?ree weeks be=e8 ,! ra91 
h[ev]1 0 ov]1 & soon ! sun w\ld drive   
away ! filmy mi/s4 ,no man alive c\ld   
=etell :at condition ! pit* w\ld be 9   
aft] a few h\rs ( blaz+ sun%9e4 ,! ,rev4
 ,septimus told ,*>les ,desmond t he    
consid]$ ! situation to be critical1 &1 
al?\gh he _h read ! morn+ pap]1 he 0 n  
allud+ ev5 indirectly to ,s\? ,african  
affairs4 ,*>les ,desmond said t1 o!r ?+s
 be+ equal1 ! ,hill w\ld triumph2 b he  
admitt$ t o!r ?+s 7 v f> f equal4 ,x    
look$ z if ,h>r[ w\ld h to bat ^u a     

trea*]\s wicket1 & ,eton on a s\nd "o4  
,at half-pa/ t5 punctually ! m5 7 9 !   
field4 ,scaife issu$ la/ in/ructions4   
,block ! b[l+2 don't try to score till y
 see :at tricks ! gr\nd w play4 ,a m9ute
 sav$ n[ may mean a qu>t] ( an h\r to u 
lat]4 ,caes> nodd$ *e]fully4 ,! fact t !
 luck _h *ang$ /imulat$ e fibre ( 8 be+4
 ,& he said t he felt 9 8 bones t ?is 0 
go+ to be a fam\s mat*1 l t (           
'#he--some?+ nev] to be =gott54  ,*>les 
,desmond spoke few words :ile 8 son 0   
batt+4 ,x 0 a tradition among !         
,desmonds t !y rose sup]ior to em]g5cy4 
,! ,m9i/] wond]$ :e!r 8 ,h>ry w\ld rise 
or fall4 ,! fa/ b[l] deliv]$ ! fir/     
ball4 ,x bump$ horribly4 ,! ,rev4       
,septimus %udd]$ & clos$ 8 eyes4 ,caes> 
got well ov] x4 ,! ?ird ball 0 cut =    
?ree4 ,! f\r? :izz$ d[n--a wide4 ,! fa/ 
b[l] dipp$ ! ball into ! sawdu/4  ,x    
isn't all jam = him1 :isp]$ ! ,rev4     
,septimus4  ,well b[l$--well b[l$6      
,alas6 ! middle /ump 0 knock$ clean out 
( ! gr\nd4 ,caes>'s p>tn]1 a /eady1     

c>eful play]1 _h be5 b[l$ by 8 fir/     
ball4  ,two wickets = #ag4  ,! cr[d 7   
expect+ ! h]o1 b ,fluff 0 walk+ t[>ds ! 
wickets1 wond]+ :e!r he %\ld rea* !m    
alive4 ,nev] _h 8 he>t beat z at ?is    
mom5t4 ,scaife _h come up to him z soon 
z he _h exam9$ ! pit*4  ,fluff1 ,i am   
putt+ y 9 e>ly because y are a fell[ ,i 
c tru/4 ,my fir/ & la/ ^w is1 hit at    
no?+ t isn't wide ( ! wicket4 ,! gr\nd w
 probably improve fa/4  ,fluff nodd$4 ,a
 hive ( bees seem$ to h lodg$ 9 8 head1 
& an active automatic hamm] 9 8 he>t2 b 
he didn't d>e tell ! ,demon t funk1     
abject funk1 possess$ him1 body & s\l4  
,! second b[l] began 8 fir/ ov]4 ,he    
b[l$ sl[s4 ,desmond play$ ! six balls   
back along ! gr\nd4 ,a maid5 ov]4  ,& !n
 t ?ick-set1 muscul> bea/1 = s ,fluff   
reg>d$ him1 />$ fix$ly at ,fluff's      
middle /ump4 ,fluff glanc$ r\nd4 ,!     
wicket-keep] _h a grim smile on 8 lips1 
= 8 billet 0 no easy "o4 ,cosmo ,k9lo*  
at %ort slip look$ z if x 7 a =egone    
conclusion t ,fluff w\ld put ! ball into

 8 h&s4 ,!n ,fluff fac$ ! b[l]4 ,n[ = x6
  ,! fir/ ball 0 half a foot (f !       
wicket1 b ,fluff let x g by4 ,! second  
came true en\gh4 ,fluff block$ x4 ,!    
?ird flew pa/ ,fluff's leg1 b he j      
snick$ x4 ,desmond />t$ to run1 & !n    
/opp$1 hold+ up 8 h&4 ,*e]s rippl$ r\nd 
! r+ = ! fir/ hit to ! b\nd>y4 ,t 0 a   
bit ( %e] luck1 ,fluff reflect$4  ,aft] 
?is bo? boys play$ /eadily = "s t5      
m9utes4 ,!n1 v sl[ly1 ,caes> began to   
score4 ,he _h made ab\t fifte5 :5 he    
drove a ball h>d to ! on1 ,fluff back+  
up4 ,desmond1 wat*+ ! travell+ ball1    
call$ to him to run4 ,x seem$ to        
,desmond almo/ c]ta9 t ! ball w\ld g to 
! b\nd>y4 ,too late he realiz$ t x _h   
be5 magnific5tly field$4 ,desmond /ra9$ 
e n]ve1 b 8 bat _h n rea*$ ! crease :5 !
 bails flew to "r & left4  ,out6 ,& run 
out6  ,?ree wickets = #da6  ,a qu>t] (  
an h\r lat] ,fluff 0 b[l$ ) a york]4 ,he
 _h made elev5 runs1 & kept up 8 wicket 
dur+ a crisis4 ,h>r[ *e]$ him l\dly4  ,&
 !n came ! t]rible mom5t ( ! morn+4     

,scaife w5t 9 :5 ,fluff's wicket fell4  
,! gr\nd _h improv$1 b x 0 /ill         
trea*]\s4 ,! fa/ b[l] s5t d[n a /raight 
"o4 ,x %ot "u ,scaife's bat &           
spread-eagl$ 8 /umps4  ,! wicket-keep]  
kn[s :at ! ,h>r[ capta9 said1 b x does n
 be> repeat+4 ,e eye 0 on 8 sc[l+1      
furi\s face z he return$ to ! pavilion2 
& ! ,rev4 ,septimus sc[l$ also1 because 
he _h always ma9ta9$ t any ,h>rovian    
c\ld accept defeat l a g5tleman4 ,^u !  
o!r side ( ! gr\nd ! ,cat]pill> 0 say+  
to 8 fa!r4 ,i always said he 0 hairy at 
! heel4         99       99       99    
99       99  ,x 0 admitt$ aft]w>ds t !  
,duff]'s p]=mance 0 ! "o really bright  
spot 9 ,h>r['s second inn+s4 ,be+ a     
b[l]1 he w5t 9 la/ b "o4 ,x happ5$ t    
,fluff's bro!r 0 9 possession ( ! ball4 
,x w nev] be kn[n :y ! ,duff] *ose to   
treat ,cosmo ,k9lo*'s balk ) utt] scorn 
& contempt4 ,! ,duff] 0 tall1 /rong1 & a
 t]rific slogg]4 ,nobody expect$ him to 
make a run1 b he made tw5ty 9 "o        
ov]--all b\nd>y hits4 ,:5 he left !     

wicket he _h add$ ?irty-eight to !      
score1 & w\ldn't h *ang$ places ) an    
emp]or4 ,! ,rev4 ,septimus foll[$ him   
into ! room :]e ! play]s *ange4  ,my de>
 boy1 he said1 ,i've nev] be5 able to   
give y a gold wat*1 b y mu/ take m9e2 "h
 x is1 &--& ,god bless y6  ,b ! ,duff]  
swore /\tly t he pref]r$ 8 own          
,wat]bury4         99       99       99 
99       99  ,eton w5t 9 to make #baa   
runs 9 f\r h\rs1 ^u a wicket almo/ z    
s\nd z x _h be5 ^u ! ,friday4 ,scaife   
put ! ,duff] on to b[l4 ,! ,demon _h    
belief 9 luck4  ,x's y\r day1 ,duff]1 he
 said4 ,pit* 'em up4  ,! ,duff]1 to 8   
sire's exub]ant satisfaction1 pit*$ 'em 
up s successfully t he took f\r wickets 
= #cc4 ,f\r out ( five6 ,! o!r b[l]s1   
h[ev]1 be+ n s successful1 ,eton        
accumulat$ a hundr$ runs4 ,! capta9s _h 
agre$ to draw /umps at #g4cj4 ,to w91   
!re=e1 ! ,pla9 mu/ make ano!r hundr$ 9  
two h\rs2 & ?ree ( _! crack batsm5 7    
out4  ,aft] tea an amaz+ *ange took     
place 9 ! temp] ( ! spectators4         

,conviction seiz$ !m t ! f9i% 0 likely  
to be close & ?rill+2 t ! "o ?+ wor?    
undivid$ att5tion 0 tak+ place 9 !      
middle ( ! gr\nd4 ,z ! m9utes pass$1 a  
curi\s sil5ce fell ^u ! cr[d1 brok5 only
 by ! *e]s ( ! rival s*ools4 ,! boys1   
old & "y alike1 7 wat*+ e ball1 e /roke4
 ,! ,eton capta9 0 /ill 91 play+        
/eadily1 n brilliantly2 ! ,h>r[ b[l+ 0  
gett+ slack4  ,9 ! pavilion1 ! ,rev4    
,septimus1 ,w>de1 & ,*>les ,desmond 7   
sitt+ toge!r4 ,n f> f !m 0 ,scaife's    
fa!r1 a big1 burly man ) a squ>e head & 
heavy1 /rongly-m>k$ features4 ,he _h    
nev] be5 a cricket]1 b ?is game gripp$  
him4 ,he sat next to a _w-fam\s f9anci] 
( ! great h\se ( ,neu*atel1 ^: sons _h  
be5 s5t to ! ,hill4 ,run aft] run1 run  
aft] run 0 add$ to ! score4 ,scaife's   
fa!r turn$ to ,neu*atel4  ,i'd write a  
*eque = t5 ?\s& p\nds1 he said1 if we   
c\ld w94  ,lionel ,neu*atel nodd$4 ,yes1
 he mutt]$2 ,i h n felt s excit$ s9ce   
,sir ,bevis won ! ,d]by4  ,9 ! deep     
field ,desmond 0 /&+1 mis]able because  

he _h no?+ to d4 ,no balls came 8 way2 =
 ! ,eton capta9 _h made up 8 m9d to w9  
?is mat* ) s+les & twos4 ,v c>efully he 
plac$ 8 balls betwe5 ! field]s2 v       
c>efully 8 p>tn] foll[$ 8 *ief's        
example4 ,no /eal+ ( runs1 no scor+ (f  
/raight balls1 no gall]y play--till     
victory 0 assur$4  ,poor ,"l ,fawley    
retir$ at ?is po9t into an inn] room1   
pull+ savagely at 8 :ite be>d4 ,old     
,lyburn1 :o _h be5 sitt+ beside him1    
gurgl+ & gasp+1 /agg]$ aft] him4 ,!     
,rev4 ,septimus kept wip+ 8 =ehead4  ,i 
c't /& ?is mu* long]1 said ,w>de1 9 a   
ho>se :isp]4  ,well hit1 sir6 ,well hit6
  ,! ,eton *e]+ became frantic4 ,aft]   
ne>ly an h\r's pawky1 un9t]e/+ play1 !  
,eton capta9 sudd5ly *ang$ 8 tactics4 ,8
 eye 0 92 n[ or nev] let him score4 ,a  
half-volley came d[n f ! pavilion end--a
 half-volley & (f ! wicket4 ,! ,etonian 
put all ! /r5g? & p[] he _h suppress$ s 
manfully into a trem5d\s swipe1 & hit ! 
ball clean ov] ! ropes4  ,d y want to   
d\ble t bet8 said ,/ra?peff] to !       

,cat]pill>4 ,!y 7 /&+ on ! top ( ! ,tr5t
 coa*4  ,no1 ?anks4  ,give y two to "o1 
,eg]ton8  ,done--9 fiv]s4  ,! unhappy   
b[l] s5t d[n ano!r half-volley4 ,once m 
! ,etonian smote1 & smote h>d2 b ?is    
ball 0 n q ! same z ! fir/1 al?\gh x    
appe>$ id5tical4 ,! ball so>$ up & up4  
,w\ld x fall ov] ! ropes8 ,?\s&s ( eyes 
wat*$ its flight4 ,desmond />t$ to run4 
,golconda to a sixp5ce on ! fall6 ,x is 
fall+1 fall+1 fall+4  ,he'll nev] get   
!re 9 "t1 says ,*>les ,desmond4  ,yes he
 w1 ,w>de answ]s savagely4  ,he has6    
scream$ ! ,rev4 ,septimus4 ,he--has6    
,p&emonium broke loose4 ,grey-head$ m5  
?rew _! hats into ! air2 ,m4,p4's danc$2
 lovely wom5 %riek$2 e ,h>rovian on !   
gr\nd h[l$4 ,= ,caes> held ! ball fa/ 9 
8 lean1 br[n h&s4  ,! ,eton capta9 walks
 sl[ly t[>ds ! pavilion4 ,he _h to pass 
,caes> on 8 way1 & pass+ him he pauses4 
,t 0 a glori\s cat*1 he says1 ) ! smile 
( a gallant g5tleman4  ,& z ,h>r[1 z    
cordially z ,eton1 *e]s ! retir+        
*iefta91 ! ,cat]pill> :isp]s to ,mrs4   

,v]ney--  ,did y see t8 ,did y see him  
/op to congratulate ,caes>8  ,yes1 says 
,mrs4 ,v]ney4  ,i hope ,scaife saw x    
too1 ! ,cat]pill> replies coolly4 ,t    
,eton capta9 is cut out ( :ole clo?2 no 
%oddy !re1 by ,jove6  ,& ,desmond4 ,h[  
does ,desmond feel8 ,x is futile to ask 
him1 because he c\ld n tell y1 if he    
tri$4 ,b we c answ] ! "q4 ,if ! c\ntry t
 he wi%es to s]ve cr[ns him ) all !     
hon\rs be/[$ ^u a fav\r$ son1 nev]1 nev]
 w ,caes> ,desmond "k aga9 a mom5t ( su*
 exquisite1 unadult]at$ joy z ?is4      
99       99       99       99       99  
,six wickets d[n & #ci runs to get 9    
less ?an half an h\r6  ,e ball n[1 e    
/roke1 is a matt] = *e]s1 d]isive or    
o!rwise4 ,! ,rev4 ,septimus ne$ n prate 
( gold5 days gone by4 ,boys at he>t nev]
 *ange4 ,& ! atmosph]e is s *>g$ )      
electricity t a sp>k sets ! firmam5t    
ablaze4  ,sev5 wickets = #aib4  ,eight  
wickets = #aig4  ,signs ( demoralization
 %[ !mselves on bo? sides4 ,! b[l+ has  
become deplorably feeble1 ! batt+ ev5 m 

s4 ,f\r m s+les are record$4 ,only t5   
runs rema9 to be made1 ) two wickets to 
fall4  ,& twelve m9utes to play6        
,scaife puts on ! ,duff] aga94 ,! lips (
 ! ,rev4 ,sep are se5 to move inaudibly4
 ,is he pray+1 or curs+1 because ?ree   
s+les are scor$ (f 8 son's fir/ ?ree    
balls8  ,well b[l$--well b[l$6  ,a ball 
( fair l5g?1 easy en\gh to play "u all  
ord9>y circum/ances1 b a teas] :5       
trem5d\s issues are at /ake1 has defeat$
 "o ( ! ,etonians4 ,! la/ man runs t[>ds
 ! pit* ?r\gh a p]fect hurricane ( h[ls4
 ,w>de rises4  ,i c't /& x1 he says1 & 8
 voice %akes oddly4 ,y fell[s w f9d me  
beh9d ! ,pavvy aft] ! mat*4  ,i'd g ) y1
 says ! ,rev4 ,septimus1 9 a *ok$ tone1 
b if ,i tri$ to walk ,i %\ld tumble d[n4
  ,*>les ,desmond says no?+4 ,b1 pray   
note ! expression s fai?fully record$ 9 
,pun*--! compress$ lips1 ! /]n1 fr[n+   
br[s1 ! protrud$ jaw4 ,! fam\s debat]   
sees all fights to a f9i%1 & fights     
himself till he drops4  ,sev5 runs to   
make1 "o wicket to fall1 & five m9utes  

to play666  ,evid5tly ! la/ man 9 has   
receiv$ /r5u\s in/ructions f 8 *ief4 ,! 
b[l+ has deg5]at$ into t ( anaemic      
girls--& two :acks to ! b\nd>y          
mean--,victory4 ,! new-com] is ! squ>e1 
?ick-set fa/ b[l]1 ! wor/ bat 9 !       
,elev51 b a fell[ ( det]m9ation1 a      
slogg] & a run-gett] aga9/ village      
teams4  ,he obeys in/ructions to !      
lett]4 ,! ,duff]'s fif? ball goes to !  
b\nd>y4  ,?ree runs to make & two & a   
half m9utes to play6  ,! ,duff] s5ds d[n
 ! la/ ball4 ,! ,rev4 ,septimus cov]s 8 
eyes4 ,o wret*$ ,duff]6 ,o ?\ ^: knees  
are z wax1 & ^: arms are z *op-/icks 9 !
 h&s ( a ,griff96 ,o egregi\s ,duff6 ,o 
deg5]ate son ( a noble sire1 do/ ?\ d>e 
at su* a mom5t z ?is to attack ?9e enemy
 ) a--long hop8  ,! squ>e1 ?ick-set b[l]
 %[s 8 tee? z ! ball pit*es %ort4 ,!n he
 smites & runs4 ,runs1 because he has   
smitt5 s h>d t no h&1 surely1 c /op !   
:irl+ sph]e4 ,runs--ay--& s does !      
,demon at cov] po9t4 ,?is is ! ,demon's 
amaz+ conjur+-trick--:at else c y call  

x8 ,& he has practis$ x s (t51 t he     
reckons failure to be almo/ impossible4 
,to ^? wat*+ he seems to spr+ l a tig]  
at ! ball4 ,by ,heav56 he has /opp$     
x--he's snapp$ x up6 ,b if he despat*es 
x to ! wicket-keep]1 x w arrive too     
late4 ,! o!r ,etonian is already )9 a   
c\ple ( y>ds ( ! crease4 ,scaife does n 
hesitate4 ,he aims at ! b[l]'s wicket   
t[>ds :i* ! burly "o is runn+ z fa/ z   
legs a ?\ght too %ort c c>ry him4  ,he  
aims & %ies--in/antane\sly4 ,he %att]s !
 wicket4  ,h['s t8  ,! appeal comes f e 
"p ( ! gr\nd4  ,& !n1 cle>ly &          
unmi/akably1 ! umpire's fiat is spok5-- 
,out6  ,! ,rev4 ,sep rises & ru%es (f1  
upsett+ *airs1 tread+ on toes1 b5t only 
^u be+ ! fir/ to tell ,w>de t ,h>r[ has 
won4  ,io6 ,io6 ,io6   ,,footnotes3  #cf
 ,! blue ( ! ,h>r[ col\rs4  #cg ,lamp]1 
i4e4 ,lamp-po/4     ,,*apt] ,,xiii  ,if 
,i p]i%1 ,i p]i%      ,s9ce we des]v$ ! 
"n ( fri5ds1       ,& ?9e effect s lives
 9 me1       ,a "p ( m9e may live 9 !e  
,& move !e on to noble ends4   ,! *e]+  

at ,bill ^u ! foll[+ ,tuesday mu/ be    
record$1 inasmu* z x has1 indirectly1   
be>+ ^u our /ory4 ,x w be guess$ t !    
en?usiasm1 ! upro>1 ! tumultu\s         
excitem5t 7 ev5 great] ?an on a simil>  
occasion "s fifte5 ye>s be=e4 ,b1 to 8  
amazem5t1 ,desmond1 n ,scaife1 0 made ! 
p>ticul> h]o ( ! h\r4 ,scaife's display 
( temp] fe/]$ 9 ! he>ts ( boys :o c     
=give any?+ soon] ?an l[ bre$+4 ,! ,hill
 _h se5 ! ,etonian /op to speak 8 *e]y  
^w ( congratulation to ,caes>1 & n !    
,cat]pill> alone1 b ur*9s ( ?irte5 _h   
made comp>isons4  ,scaife1 h[ev]1 c\ld n
 compla9 ( 8 reception ^u t memorable   
,tuesday aft]noon2 ! *e]+ mu/ h be5 he>d
 a mile away4 ,b ,desmond 0 acclaim$    
diff]5tly4 ,! *e]s 7 no l\d]--t 0       
impossible--b aft]w>ds1 :5 ! excitem5t  
_h simm]$ d[n1 ,caes> became ! object ( 
a special demon/ration by ! ,monitors & 
,six? ,=m4 ,ne>ly e boy ( note 9 ! ,upp]
 ,s*ool insi/$ ^u %ak+ 8 h& or patt+ him
 on ! back4 ,scaife came up ) ! o!rs1 b 
he left ! ,y>d almo/ imm$iately & retir$

 to 8 room4 ,he _h won ! great mat*2    
,desmond _h sav$ x2 & ! ,s*ool appreh5d$
 ! subtle diff]5ce4 ,m1 ,scaife knew t  
,john _h gone up to ,desmond ) out/ret*$
 h&s aft] ! mat* at ,"l's4 ,he c\ld he> 
,john's eag] voice1 see ! flame (       
admiration 9 8 eyes1 z he said1 ,oh1    
,caes>1 ,i am glad x 0 y :o made t cat*6
 ,& ) ^? g5]\s words1 ) t w>m clasp ( ! 
h&1 ,scaife _h se5 ! b>ri] :i* he _h    
built betwe5 ! fri5ds dissolve l ice 9 !
 dog-days4         99       99       99 
99       99  ,! att5tion ( ! ,manor 0 n[
 fix$ ^u ! h\se mat*es4 ,x seem$        
probable t ) f\r memb]s ( ! ,s*ool      
,elev5 9 ! team1 ! anci5t h\se mu/ prove
 inv9cible4 ,b to ,john's surprise1 z   
?is delightful probability rip5$ into   
conviction1 ,w>de betray$ unwont$       
anxiety & ev5 irritability4 ,miss ,iris 
confid$ to ,desmond1 :o paid h] mu*     
c\rt1 t %e c\ldn't imag9e :at 0 ! matt] 
) papa4 ,& mamma1 x transpir$ 7f ! same 
s\rce71 really fe>$ t ! /ra9 at ,"l's _h
 be5 too mu*1 t h] indefatigable husb& 0

 ab\t to break d[n4 ,f9ally1 ,john made 
up 8 m9d to ask a "q4 ,he 0 second 9    
comm&2 he _h a "r to ask ! *ief if any?+
 7 s]i\sly amiss4 ,accord+ly1 he wait$  
^u ,w>de aft] pray]s4  ,b :5 he put 8   
"q1 & express$1 mode/ly en\gh1 8 anxiety
 & desire to help if he c\ld1 ,w>de bit 
8 lips4 ,!n he bur/ out viol5tly--  ,i  
am mis]able1 ,v]ney4  ,john said no?+4  
,8 tutor rose & began to pace up & d[n !
 /udy2 !n1 halt+1 fac+ ,john1 he spoke  
quickly1 ) re/less ge/ures indicat+     
volcanic di/urbance4  ,i'm betwe5 !     
devil & ! deep sea1 he said1 z _m a     
bett] man has be5 be=e me4 ,i ?\ght ,i'd
 wip$ out ! gross] evils 9 ! ,manor1 b  
,i hav5't--,i hav5't4 ,d y "k t a fell[ 
9 ?is h\se1 p]haps two ( 'em1 b "o at   
any rate1 is gett+ out at night & go+ up
 to t[n8 ,y ne$n't answ]1 ,v]ney4 ,if y 
d "k x1 y are p[]less to prev5t x1 or x 
w\ldn't occur4  ,?ank y1 sir4  ,i c only
 guess :o x is4 ,i am n c]ta94 ,& to    
make c]ta91 ,i mu/ play ! spy1 creep &  
crawl1 d :at ,i loa! to d--suspect !    

innoc5t toge!r ) ! guilty4 ,x's almo/   
break+ my he>t4  ,i c und]/& t1 sir1    
aft] :at y h done = u4  ,w>de smil$     
grimly4 ,i don't ?9k y d q und]/&1 he   
said sl[ly4 ,at ?is mom5t ,i am tempt$1 
tempt$ z ,i nev] h be5 tempt$1 to let   
?+s slide1 to %ut bo? eyes & e>s1 till  
?is t]m is ov]4 ,next t]m--he laugh$    
h>%ly--,i %an't /& 9 su* an awkw>d      
place4 ,! deep sea w always be ne> me1 b
 ! devil--! devil w be else:]e4  ,john  
nodd$4 ,8 s]i\s face express$ nei!r     
approval nor disapproval to ! man ke5ly 
wat*+ x4 ,aft]w>ds ,w>de rememb]$ ?is   
impassivity4  ,if ,i d n act--,w>de's   
voice trembl$--,i am damn$ z a traitor 9
 my own eyes4  ,john _h nev] d\bt$ t 8  
h\se-ma/] w\ld act4 ,z = creep+ &       
crawl+1 c peaks be scal$ )\t creep+ &   
crawl+8 ,nev]----  ,y are n to speak a  
^w ( w>n+1 ,w>de cont9u$ vehem5tly4 ,if 
y "k :at ,i don't "k yet1 /ill y _c     
speak to me1 because ! s9n] 9 ?is case  
is a ,six?-,=m boy4 ,y _c speak to me2 &
 y w n speak to him1 on y\r hon\r8  ,!re

 0 int]rogation 9 ! la/ s5t5ce4 ,john   
repli$ almo/ inaudibly--  ,i %all n     
speak--on my hon\r6  ,x is h>d1 h>d     
inde$1 t ,i %\ld h to f\l my own ne/1 b 
x mu/ be s4 ,good night4  ,john w5t back
 to 8 room1 calm )\t1 t]ribly agitat$   
)94 ,:at ru?less _s _h driv5 him to     
,w>de's /udy8 ,yes2 at la/1 inexorably1 
discov]y1 disgrace1 ! ineffaceable br& (
 expulsion1 imp5d$ ov] ! head ( 8 enemy1
 to :om he 0 pl$g$ to utt] no ^w ( w>n+4
 ,l ,w>de1 he did n "k absolutely1 b he 
guess$ t ,scaife _h sp5t ano!r riot\s   
night 9 t[n s9ce ! mat*4 ,he _h read x 9
 ! eyes glitt]+ ) excitem5t1 9 ! d]isive
 smile ( consci\s p[]1 9 ! magnetic     
audacity ( ,scaife's glance4 ,& !n he   
rememb]$ ,lawr5ce's p>t+ words--  ,x w  
be a fight to a f9i%1 &1 m>k me1 ,w>de w
 w96  ,two wret*$ days & nights pass$4  
,m ?an once ,john spurr$ himself to !   
po9t ( go+ to ,w>de & say+1 ,?9k :at y l
 ( me1 ,i am go+ to w>n ! boy ,i loa! t 
y are at 8 heels4 ,/ill1 always at ! la/
 mom5t he did n g4 ,"s p[] seem$ to     

re/ra9 him4 ,b :5 he tri$ to analyse 8  
feel+s1 he confess$ himself muddl$4 ,he 
_h obta9$1 nay1 invit$1 ,w>de's         
confid5ce2 & he d>$ n abuse x4 ,x 0 a "t
 ( angui%4 ,he 0 unable to conc5trate 8 
m9d ^u "w or play1 depriv$ ( sleep1     
haunt$ by ! conviction t if ,desmond    
knew all1 he w\ld turn f him = ev]4 ,!n1
 at ! mo/ difficult mom5t ( 8 life1 !   
way ( escape 0 op5$4  ,s9ce ! mat*1     
,john & ,caes> _h resum$ ! =m] unre/ra9$
 & cont9ual intimacy & int]c\rse4 ,john 
0 9 & out ( ,desmond's room1 ,desmond 0 
9 & out ( ,john's room1 at all h\rs4 ,!y
 f\nd toge!r1 ( c\rse1 b x is n1        
=tunately1 at meals t boys or m5 discuss
 ! ?+s ne>e/ to _! he>ts4 ,b at night1 j
 be=e lights 7 turn$ out1 or j aft]1 :5 
an ,olympian is privileg$ to "w a little
 long] by ! light ( ! useful tolly1     
,caes> & ,jona?an w\ld talk freely (    
pa/1 pres5t1 & future4 ,x 0 dur+ ^!     
mu*-valu$ m9utes1 or on ,sunday         
aft]noons1 t ,john w\ld read to 8 fri5d 
! essays or v]ses :i* always fir$       

,desmond's admiration & en?usiasm4 ,to  
,john's intellectual activities ,caes>  
play$1 s to speak1 gall]y2 ev5 z ,john  
^u _m an aft]noon _h sat /ew+ 9 ! cov]$ 
racquet-c\rt1 applaud+ ,desmond's s]vice
 into ! corn]1 or 8 hot returns j above 
! l9e4 ,at home1 9 ! holidays1 ! boys _h
 always met ^u ! same plane4 ,( ! two1  
,john 0 ! bett] rid] & %ot4 ,bo? 7      
memb]s ( ! ,phila?letic ,club#ch (      
,h>r[1 & ! fact t ,desmond 0 incomp>ably
 8 sup]ior z an a?lete 0 c\nt]balanc$ by
 ,john's f9e intellectual atta9m5ts4 ,if
 ,john1 at times1 wi%$ t he c\ld cut    
beh9d ! wicket 9 ,caes>'s faultless     
/yle1 ,desmond1 on ! o!r h&1 spoke      
envi\sly ( ! ,m$al1 or ! ,essay1 or "s  
o!r ( ,john's successes4 ,john spoke (t5
 & well 9 ! ,debat+ ,society1 gett+ up 8
 subjects ) intellig5ce & c>e4 ,s x 0   
give-&-take betwe5 !m1 & ?is adju/$ !   
balance ( _! fri5d%ip1 & )\t ?is no     
fri5d%ip c be pron\nc$ p]fect4  ,none ! 
less1 free & delightful z ?is resumption
 ( ! old intimacy _h be51 ,john knew    

,caes> too well n to p]ceive t betwe5 !m
 lay an unm5tionable five weeks1 dur+   
:i* some?+ _h occurr$4 ,f signs only too
 well int]pret$ be=e1 ,john guess$ t    
,caes> 0 once m 9 debt to ! ,demon4 ,&  
f9ally1 ,caes> confess$ t he _h be5     
bett+1 t he _h won1 foll[+ ,scaife's    
advice1 & !n _h lo/4 ,! loss 0 great]   
?an ! ga91 & ! diff]5ce1 "s five & tw5ty
 p\nds1 _h be5 s5t to ,scaife's bookmak]
 by ,scaife4 ,z be=e1 ,scaife ridicul$ !
 possibility ( su* a debt caus+ 8 pal   
any uneas9ess1 b x *af$ ,desmond        
consum$ly4  ,^u ! ,saturday ( !         
semi-f9al h\se mat*1 9 :i* ! ,manor _h  
won a great victory by an inn+s &       
tw5ty-?ree runs1 ,john w5t to ,desmond's
 room aft] pray]s4 ,he notic$ at once t 
8 fri5d 0 unusually excit$4 ,john1      
h[ev]1 attribut$ ?is to ,caes>'s big    
score4 ,success always inflam$ ,caes>1 j
 z x seem$ to tranquillize ,john4 ,john 
began to talk1 b he notic$ t ,caes> 0   
ab/ract$1 answ]$ 9 monosyllables1 &     
twice look$ at 8 wat*4  ,h y an         

appo9tm5t1 ,caes>8  ,no4 ,:at 7 y say+1 
,jona?an8  ,y look r que] to-night4  ,d 
,i8 ,he laugh$ n]v\sly4  ,y're n bo!r+  
ov] t debt8  ,?is "t ,caes> laugh$      
naturally4  ,r n4 ,:y1 t debt---- ,he   
/opp$4  ,is x paid8 said ,john4  ,x w   
be4 ,don't worry6  ,b ,john look$       
worri$4 ,he p]ceiv$ t ,caes>'s f9ely-=m$
 h&s 7 trembl+1 :5ev] !y 7 /ill4  ,h>ry1
 said he--he nev] call$ ,desmond ,h>ry  
except :5 !y 7 at home--,h>ry1 :at's    
wrong8  ,:y1 no?+--no?+1 t is1 :i*      
am\nts to any?+4  ,h>ry1 y are ! wor/   
li> 9 ,engl&4 ,some?+ is wrong4 ,c't y  
tell me8 ,y mu/4 ,i'm hang$ if ,i leave 
y till y d tell me4  ,he look$ /eadily  
at ,desmond4 ,9 8 cle> grey eyes 7 t9y1 
danc+ flecks ( gold5 br[n1 :i* ,desmond 
_h se5 once or twice be=e1--:i* came    
:5ev] ,john 0 pr(\ndly mov$4 ,! danc+   
flecks trans=m$ !mselves 9 ,desmond's   
fancy into sprites1 ! airy creatures (  
,john's w1 impos+ ,john's wi%es &       
comm&s4  ,scaife said ,i might tell y1  
if ,i lik$4  ,scaife8 ,john drew 9 8    

brea?4 ,!n ,scaife want$ y to tell me2  
,i am sure ( t4 ,he felt 8 way by ! dim 
light ( sm\ld]+ suspicion4 ,if ,scaife  
want$ ,john to "k any?+1 x 0 because su*
 k mu/ prove pa91 n pleasure4 ,john did 
n say ?is4 ,!n1 v abruptly1 ,desmond    
cont9u$4 ,y swe> t :at ,i'm ab\t to tell
 y w be reg>d$ z sacr$8  ,yes4  ,x is a 
matt] :i* conc]ns ,scaife & me1 n y4 ,y 
won't int]f]e8  ,no4  ,i'm go+ to       
,london4  ,:at8  ,don't look at me l t1 
y silly old ass6 ,x's n--n :at y ?9k1 he
 laugh$ n]v\sly4 ,i h bet ,scaife       
tw5ty-five p\nds1 ! am\nt ( my debt 9   
fact1 t ! bill-(-f>e ( to-night's supp] 
at ! ,c>lton ,hotel w be h&$ to him aft]
 ,*apel to-morr[ morn+4 ,i bike up to   
t[n1 & bike back4 ,if ,i don't g ?is    
,saturday1 ,i h "o m *ance be=e ! t]m is
 ov]4 ,t's all4  ,t's all1 repeat$      
,john1 /upefi$4  ,if y c %[ me an easi] 
way to make a 'pony1' ,i'll be oblig$ to
 y4  ,scaife egg$ y on to ?is piece (   
folly8  ,no1 he didn't4  ,y may z well  
make a clean brea/ ( x4  ,bit by bit    

,john extract$ ! facts4 ,beh9d !m1 (    
c\rse1 /ood ,scaife1 lov+ evil = evil's 
sake1 plant+ evil1 glean+ evil1         
delib]ately sett+ ab\t ! devil's "w4    
,desmond1 x appe>$1 _h p]suad$ ,scaife n
 to g to t[n till ! ,"l's mat* 0 ov]4   
,s9ce ! mat* ,scaife _h sp5t two nights 
9 ,london1 :ett+ an inord9ate appetite =
 =bidd5 fruit2 excit+ 9 ,desmond also1 n
 an appetite = ! fruit itself1 b = ! mad
 excitem5t ( a p]il\s adv5ture4 ,!n1 :5 
! ?\ghtless ,i'd l a l>k ( t sort _h be5
 spok51 came ! d]isive answ]1 ,y hav5't 
! n]ve = x4 ,& !n aga9 ! subtle lead+ ( 
an ard5t & self-will$ nature into !     
morass1 ,scaife pret5d+ to dissuade a   
fri5d1 entreat+ him to consid] ! risk1  
urg+ him to g to b$1 z if he 7 a        
head/rong *ild4 ,& f9ally ,desmond's    
*all5ge1 ,bet y ,i h ! n]ve1 & its      
acceptance1 prote/+ly1 by ! o!r1 &      
p]mission giv5 t ,john %\ld be told4  ,&
 x's to-night8  ,i mean to h t          
bill-(-f>e4 ,d y ?9k ,i'd back out n[8  
,9 8 m9d's eye1 our poor ,john 0 gaz+   

d[n a long lane ) no turn+ at ! end ( x4
 ,c\ld he make 8 fri5d believe t ,scaife
 _h br\ght ?is ?+ to pass f no o!r      
motive ?an wi%+ to hurt mortally an     
enemy by ! h& ( a fri5d8 ,no1 nev] w\ld 
su* an +5u\s y\? z ,caes> accept1 or ev5
 li/5 to1 su* an abom9able explanation4 
,good night1 said ,john4  ,i see y're r 
sick ) me1 ,jona?an4 ,rememb]1 y made me
 speak4 ,to-morr[ morn+ we'll h a good  
laugh ov] x4 ,we'll walk to ! ,haunt$   
,h\se1 & ,i'll tell my tale4 ,i %all be 
on my way 9 less ?an an h\r4  ,john w5t 
back to 8 room4 ,! necessity = sil5ce & 
?\ght _h become imp]ative4 ,:at c\ld he 
d8 ,x 0 c]ta9 t ,w>de 0 wait+ & wat*+4  
,he _h inexhau/ible pati5ce4 ,desmond1 n
 ! ,demon1 w\ld be caught & expell$4    
,john return$ to ,desmond's room4  ,y've
 told me s mu*1 he said2 tell me a      
little m4 ,h[ are y go+ to d x8  ,to d  
:at8  ,get out ( ! h\se8 ,get a bike--& 
all t8  ,easy4 ,lovell w5t out t way1 & 
o!rs4 ,y jump f ! sill ( ! fir/ l&+ w9d[
 into ! horse-*e/nut4 ,"o mu/ be able to

 jump1 ( c\rse2 b ,i c jump4 ,!n y %9   
d[n ! tree1 nip ?r\gh ! %rubb]y1 & ov] !
 lock$ wicket-gate4  ,yes1 ,john said   
sl[ly1 ov] ! gate4  ,i borr[$ a bike f  
"o ( ! ,cycle ,corps1 & h ridd5 x 9 !   
g>d51 9 a bu% to ! "r ( ! gate4  ,john  
nodd$4  ,x's moonlight aft] t52 ,i %all 
enjoy ! ride imm5sely4  ,y w try to get 
back into ! h\se at night8  ,too        
dang]\s4 ,lovell did x2 b ! ,demon m>*es
 9 boldly j be=e ,*apel4 ,he may h      
slipp$ out on half a doz5 err&s z soon z
 ! door is op5$ 9 ! morn+4 ,i %all sleep
 "u a /ack4 ,x's a lovely night4 ,n[1   
old ,jona?an1 ,i hope y're satisfi$ t   
,i'm n ei!r ! fool or ! s9n] y took me  
to be4  ,look "h1 ,h>ry4 ,if ,i appeal  
to y 9 ! "n ( our fri5d%ip2 if ,i ask y 
= my sake & = my "m's sake n to d ?is   
?+----  ,jona?an1 ,i mu/ g4 ,don't make 
x h>d] ?an x is4  ,!n x is h>d8  ,i     
won't :9e ab\t t4 ,i c\rt$ ?is adv5ture1
 &1 by ,jove6 ,i'm go+ to see x ?r\gh4  
,! odds are a hundr$ to "o aga9/ my be+ 
nail$4  ,all "r2 ,i'll say no m4 ,good  

night4  ,good night1 old ,jona?an4      
,john w5t back to 8 room1 wait$ ?ree    
m9utes1 & !n1 9 despair1 made up 8 m9d  
to seek ,scaife4 ,he felt c]ta9 t !     
,demon's extraord9>y luck 0 ab\t to /&  
betwe5 him & expulsion4 ,desmond w\ld be
 caught r$-h&$1 b n he4 ,john gr\nd 8   
tee? ) rage at ! ?\ght4 ,he f\nd ,scaife
 alone--at "w on cricket+ acc\nts4      
,hullo1 ,v]ney6  ,caes> tells me t he is
 go+ up to ,london to-night4  ,oh1 he   
told y t1 did he8  ,yes2 y wi%$ him to  
tell me8  ,p]haps4 ,scaife laugh$ l\d]4 
,y want to prove to me1 said ,john      
sl[ly1 t y are ! /rong]8  ,p]haps4      
,scaife laugh$4  ,well1 if ,i surr5d]1  
if ,i admit t y are ! /rong]1 t y h     
defeat$ me1 won't t be en\gh8  ,eh8 ,i  
don't q take y4  ,y are ! /rong]4       
,john's voice 0 v mis]able4 ,i h tri$ to
 dissuade him1 z y knew ,i %\ld try1 &  
,i h fail$4 ,isn't t en\gh8 ,y h y\r    
triumph4 ,b n[ be g5]\s4 ,turn r\nd &   
use y\r /r5g? ! o!r way4 ,make him give 
up ?is folly4 ,y don't want to see y\r  

own pal--sack$8  ,preci\s little *ance (
 t6  ,!re is ! *ance4  ,scaife hesitat$4
 ,did "s wor?i] impulse /ir )9 him8 ,:o 
c tell8 ,8 ke5 eye s(t5$1 & !n h>d5$    
aga94  ,no1 he said quickly4 ,if ,i     
agree to :at y propose1 x is1 aft] all1 
y :o triumph1 n ,i4 ,& ,i d\bt if ,i    
c\ld /op him n[1 ev5 if ,i tri$4 ,he    
laugh$ aga91 = ! ?ird "t1 savagely4 ,y  
are hoi/ ) y\r own pet>d1 ,v]ney4 ,y    
want$ to see me sack$2 & n[ t !re is a  
*ance 9 a ?\s& t ,caes> w be sack$1 y   
squirm4 ,i swore to get my knife into y1
 &1 by ,god1 ,i've done x4  ,john w5t   
out1 v pale4 ,he pass$ ?r\gh into !     
private side1 & tapp$ at ,w>de's /udy   
door4 ,mrs4 ,w>de's voice bade him ent]4
 ,%e look$ at ,john's face4 ,aft]w>ds %e
 te/ifi$ t he look$ s+ul>ly cool &      
self-possess$4  ,i wi% to see ,mr4      
,w>de1 he said4  ,he's d9+ at ! ,head   
,ma/]'s4  ,w he be 9 soon8              
,i--er--don't "k4 ,p]haps n4 ,i w\ldn't 
wait = him1 ,v]ney1 if ,i 7 y4  ,?ank y1
 said ,john4 ,good night4  ,he w5t back 

to 8 room4 ,9 ,mrs4 ,w>de's eyes he _h  
read--:at8 ,excitem5t8 ,appreh5sion8    
,sudd5ly1 conviction came to him t ?is  
d9n] at ! ,head ,ma/]'s 0 a bl9d4 ,:y1  
dur+ t v aft]noon1 ,w>de _h m5tion$     
casually to ,scaife t he 0 d9+ out4 ,he 
_h delib]ately in=m$ ! ,demon t ! coa/ 0
 cle>4 ,& at ?is mom5t1 probably1 ,w>de 
lay conceal$ ne> ! *e/nut tree1 wait+1  
wat*+1 ab\t to p\nce ^u !--wrong man6   
,! temptation to cry ,cave6 tore at 8   
vitals4 ,till ?is mom5t ! tyranny (     
hon\r _h nev] oppress$ ,john4 ,hav+     
resolv$ to tell ,w>de t he meant to     
break 8 ^w1 x may seem inexplicable t he
 %\ldn't g a /ep fur!r & break 8 ^w )\t 
w>n+ ! h\se-ma/]4 ,^u su* nice po9ts (  
consci5ce hang issues ( _w-wide         
importance4 ,to ,john1 at any rate1 !   
diff]5ce betwe5 ! two pa?s out ( a      
tangl$ wood 0 great] ?an x might appe>  
to "s ( u4 ,w>de _h tru/$ him           
implicitly3 c\ld he br+ himself to      
violate ,w>de's confid5ce )\t giv+ ! man
 notice8  ,h[ev]1 :at he might h done "u

 pressure mu/ rema9 a matt] ( surmise4  
,at ?is mom5t a ?ird pa? became visible4
 ,& d[n x ,john ru%$1 )\t consid]ation z
 to :]e x might lead4 ,! "o ?+ pla9 at  
?is crisis 0 ! c]ta9ty t he _h discov]$ 
a plan ( action :i* w\ld save two ?+s he
 valu$ supremely--8 fri5d%ip = ,caes> & 
8 ^w ( hon\r4  ,"h we are to lib]ty to  
speculate :at ,john w\ld h done _h he   
consid]$ dispassionately ! consequ5ces (
 an action to be accompli%$ at once or n
 at all4 ,b he _h n "t to consid] any?+ 
except ! fact t action w\ld put to r\t  
"s v torm5t+ ?\ghts4  ,he crumpl$ 8 b$1 
dis>rang$ 8 room1 & put on a cap & a ?9 
ov]coat1 z all lights 9 ! boys' side ( !
 ,manor 7 ext+ui%$4 ,!n he /ole out ( 8 
room1 & crept to ! w9d[ at ! end ( !    
passage4 ,a mom5t lat]1 he _h squeez$   
?r\gh x1 & 0 /&+ ^u ! sill outside1 gaz+
 fe>fully at ! void b5ea?1 & ! di/ance  
betwe5 ! sill & ! bran* 9 front ( him4  
,aft]w>ds1 he confess$ t ?is mom5t 0 !  
mo/ difficult4 ,he 0 an active boy1 b he
 _h nev] jump$ su* a *asm4 ,if he miss$ 

! b\gh----  ,to hesitate meant %ameful  
retreat4 ,john felt ! sweat break ^u    
him2 crav5 fe> clut*$ 8 he>t-/r+s1 & set
 !m a-jangl+4  ,he jump$4  ,! ease ) :i*
 he caught ! bran* 0 su* a physical     
relief t he almo/ =got 8 err&4 ,he slid 
quietly d[n ! tree1 paus+ z he rea*$ !  
bottom ( x4 ,! moon 0 j ris+ above !    
horizon1 b "u ! trees ! d>kness 0       
,/ygian4 ,john pu%$ quietly ?r\gh !     
%rubb]ies1 tread+ z lightly z possible4 
,e mom5t he expect$ to see ! fla% ( a   
lant]n1 to he> ,w>de's voice1 to feel an
 arre/+ h& ^u ! %\ld]4 ,x 0 q impossible
 to guess ) any reasonable accuracy :at 
"p ( ! g>d5 ,w>de _h select$ = a        
hid+-place4 ,v soon he rea*$ ! edge ( ! 
%rubb]y1 & gaz$ ke5ly into ! moonlit1   
p>k-l mead[ bel[ him4 ,pe] z he might1  
he c\ld see no trace ( ,w>de4 ,a doz5   
trees might conceal him4 ,p]haps ) !    
omnisci5ce ( ! h\se-ma/]1 he _h div9$ t 
! wicket-gate 0 ! ultimate place (      
egress4 ,p]haps ! wicket _h be5 us$ = a 
simil> purpose :5 ,w>de himself 0 a boy 

at ! ,manor4 ,x 0 vital to ,john's plan 
t ,w>de %\ld see him )\t recogniz+ him1 
& give *ase4 ,! *ase w\ld end 9 capture 
at "s po9t z reasonably f> f ! ,manor z 
possible4 ,w>de might ask =             
explanations1 b none w\ld be =?com+ till
 ! morr[4 ,meantime1 ! coa/ w\ld be cle>
 = ,desmond4 ,john1 9 f9e1 0 play+ ! "p 
( a pilot-eng9e4  ,b :]e 0 ,w>de8  ,! "q
 answ]$ itself )9 a m9ute1 & aft] a     
fa%ion absolutely un=ese54 ,z ,john 0   
cross+ f ! %rubb]y to ! wicket he look$ 
back4 ,to 8 horror1 he saw lights 9 !   
boys' side1 light 9 ! w9d[ ( ,scaife's  
room4 ,in/antly ,john div9$ :at _h come 
to pass1 & curs$ himself = a fool4      
,w>de1 f "s coign ( vantage1 _h se5 a   
boy leave 8 h\se4 ,:y %\ld he try to    
arre/ ! boy8 :y %\ld he risk !          
humiliation ( runn+ aft] him1 &1 p]haps1
 fail+ to capture him8 ,no1 no2 m5 =ty 7
 n likely to "w 9 t boyi% fa%ion4 ,w>de 
_h adopt$ an inf9itely bett] plan4      
,assur$ t a boy _h left ! h\se1 he _h   
no?+ to d b walk r\nd ! rooms & f9d out 

:i* "o 0 abs5t4 ,he _h begun ) ,scaife4 
,next to ,scaife 0 ! room belong+ to !  
,head ( ! ,h\se2 !n came ,john's room1 &
 !n ,caes>'s4 ,long be=e ,w>de rea*$    
,caes>'s room1 ,caes> w\ld h he>d him4  
,caes>1 at any rate1 0 sav$4 ,john crept
 back "u cov] ( ! %rubb]ies4 ,he saw !  
light flick] out ( ,scaife's w9d[1 & %9e
 m /eadily 9 ! next room4 ,! w9d[ ( ?is 
room 0 op51 & ,john c\ld he> ! voice (  
,w>de & ! ,head ( ! ,h\se4 ,john wait$4 
,& !n ! light %one 9 ,desmond's room4   
,john cr\*$ aga9/ ! wall1 trembl+4 ,if  
,caes> _h n he>d ! voices1 if he 7 fully
 dress$1 if---- ,sudd5ly he caught      
,w>de's reassur+ words3 ,ah1 ,desmond1  
sorry to di/urb y4 ,good night4  ,john  
wait$4 ,v soon ,scaife w\ld come to     
,desmond's room4 ,ah6 ,j s4 ,! night 0 s
 /ill t he c\ld he> q pla9ly ! boys'    
muffl$ voices4  ,:at's up8  ,w>de is go+
 8 r\nds4 ,p]haps he smells a rat4  ,&  
!n :isp]s6 ,john /ra9$ 8 e>s4 ,only a ^w
 or two m rea*$ him4 ,v]ney---- ,d----d 
int]f]+ sneak6 ,let's see6 ,x 0 ,scaife 

:o 0 speak+4  ,john he>d 8 own door op5$
 & %ut4 ,scaife1 !n1 _h discov]$ 8      
abs5ce1 & naturally leap$ to !          
conclusion t he _h w>n$ ,w>de4 ,let him 
?9k s6 ,! boys 7 /ill :isp]+ toge!r4 ,n 
to-night1 ,scaife said decisively4 ,no1 
no1 ,desmond repli$4  ,john wond]$ :at  
rema9$ to be done4 ,w>de1 ( c\rse1 w\ld 
satisfy himself t no boy 9 8 h\se 0     
miss+ except ,john1 be=e he pron\nc$ him
 ! abs5tee4 ,poor ,w>de6 ,?is w\ld be a 
h>d knock = him4 ,john's ?\ghts 7 jo/l+ 
ea* o!r freely1 :5 he recall$ ,desmond's
 words3 ,i h "o m *ance be=e ! t]m is   
ov]4 ,he _h wi%$ to cle> ! way = 8      
fri5d1 n to block x4 ,!n he rememb]$ !  
t]ms ( ! bet1 & laugh$4  ,he ran back to
 ! wicket1 f\nd ! bicycle1 lit ! lamp1 &
 hoi/$ ! ma*9e ov] ! gate4 ,!n he laugh$
 aga94 ,aft] all1 ?is escap+ f bondage1 
?is midnight adv5ture b5ea? ! imp5d+    
sword ( expulsion1 ?rill$ him to ! m>r[4
         99       99       99       99  
99  ,:5 ,john return$ on ,sunday to !   
,manor1 %ortly aft] ! doors 7 unlock$ 9 

! morn+1 he f\nd ,dumbleton await+ him4 
,dumb]'s face express$ su* amazem5t &   
con/]nation t ,john ne>ly laugh$ 9 spite
 ( himself4  ,x's all hup1 sir1 said !  
butl]4 ,only 9 mom5ts ( int5se excitem5t
 did ,dumb] misplace or leave out !     
aspirate4 ,y're to come ) me at once to 
,mr4 ,w>de's /udy4  ,john foll[$ ! butl]
 into ! famili> room4 ,w>de 0 n d[n yet1
 b evid5tly ,dumb] _h in/ructions n to  
leave ! prison]4 ,john />$ at !         
writ+-desk4 ,!n he turn$ to ,dumbleton1 
& said c>elessly--  ,?is means ! sack1  
eh1 ,dumb]8  ,yes1 sir4 ',ow c\ld y d x1
 sir8 ,su* a well-be'av$ g5tleman1 too6 
,?ank y1 ,dumb]4 ,john took an envelope 
f ! desk1 & wrote ,scaife's "n ^u x4    
,dumb]1 please give ,mr4 ,scaife ?is--) 
my complim5ts4 ,x is1 z y see1 a bill ( 
f>e4  ,v good1 sir4  ,john plac$ ! c>d  
into ! envelope & h&$ bo? to ,dumbleton4
  ,) my complim5ts6  ,c]ta9ly1 sir4  ,& 
aft] ,*apel4  ,yes1 sir4  ,a mom5t lat] 
,w>de came 94 ,dumbleton w5t out        
imm$iately ) a sorr[ful1 backw>d glance 

at ,john4 ,! good fell[ look$ t]ribly   
bewild]$4 ,= ,john's face1 ,john's      
deportm5t1 _h amaz$ him4 ,john 0 q      
unaw>e ( x1 b he look$ a/oni%+ly well4  
,excitem5t _h flu%$ 8 *eek & l5t a      
sp>kle to 8 grey eyes4 ,he _h enjoy$ 8  
ride to t[n & back2 he _h slept s\ndly  
"u ! lee ( a hay/ack2 & he _h wa%$ 8    
face & h&s 9 ! horse-tr\gh at ! foot (  
,sudbury ,hill4 ,& ! c]ta9ty t ,desmond 
0 safe1 t 9 ! end he1 ,john1 _h triumph$
 ov] ,scaife1 fill$ 8 s\l ) joy4 ,w>de1 
on ! o!r h&1 look$ wret*$2 he _h pass$ a
 sleepless night2 he 0 pale1 hagg>d1    
gaunt4  ,:at h y to say1 ,v]ney8  ,no?+1
 sir4  ,no?+4 ,w>de cl5*$ 8 h&s1 & bur/ 
into spee*1 lett+ all t he _h suff]$ &  
suppress$ escape 9 tumultu\s words &    
ge/ures4 ,no?+4 ,y d>e to /& !re &      
say--no?+4 ,t y %\ld h done ?is ?+6 ,:y1
 x's incr$ible6 ,& ,i :o tru/$ y4 ,& y  
li/5$ to me ) a face l brass1 laugh+ 9  
y\r sleeve1 no d\bt1 at ! fool :o       
betray$ himself4 ,& y came "h1 s my wife
 tells me1 to see if ,i 0 out ( ! way1  

if ! coa/ 0 cle>4 ,& y 7 cool z a       
cucumb]4 ,oh1 y hypocrite1 y damnable   
hypocrite6 ,i h to see y n[1 b nev] aga9
 w ,i look will+ly ^u y\r face1 nev]6   
,well1 ?is wret*$ bus9ess mu/ be end$4  
,y got out ( my h\se la/ night4 ,y he>d 
,i 0 d9+ ) ! ,head ,ma/]4 ,i return$    
e>ly1 & ,i saw y jump f ! passage w9d[4 
,y don't d5y t y w5t up to ,london1 ,i  
suppose8  ,no1 sir2 ,i don't d5y x4  ,at
 ! mom5t ,john1 q unconsci\sly1 look$ z 
if he 7 glory+ 9 :at he _h done4 ,w>de  
c\ld h /ruck 8 clean1 cle> face1        
unblu%+ly meet+ 8 furi\s glance4 ,9     
disgu/1 he turn$ 8 back & walk$ to !    
w9d[4 ,john felt r ?an saw t 8 tutor 0  
pr(\ndly mov$4 ,:5 he turn$1 two te>s 7 
trickl+ d[n 8 *eeks4 ,! sight ( !m ne>ly
 undid ,john4 ,:5 ,w>de spoke aga91 8   
voice 0 *ok$ by 8 emotion4  ,v]ney1 he  
said1 ,i spoke j n[ 9 an unre/ra9$      
mann]1 because y--y--8 voice trembl$--h 
%ak5 my fai? 9 all ,i hold mo/ de>4 ,i  
say to y--,i say to y t ,i believ$ 9 y z
 ,i believe 9 my wife4 ,ev5 n[ ,i feel t

 someh[ !re is a mi/ake--t y are n :at y
 confess y\rself to be--a braz5-fac$    
humbug4 ,y h work$ z ,i h work$ = ?is   
,h\se1 & 9 "o mom5t y undo t "w4 ,h y   
paus$ to ?9k1 :at effect ?is w h ^u !   
o!rs8  ,n yet1 sir4  ,john look$        
respectfully sympa!tic4 ,poor ,w>de6    
,?is 0 r\gh inde$ ^u him4  ,sudd5ly !   
door 0 flung op51 & ,desmond bur/ into !
 room1 ) a complete disreg>d ( ! cu/om>y
 proprieties1 & ru%$ up to ,w>de4  ,sir1
 he said vehem5tly1 ,v]ney did ?is to   
save--me6  ,w>de saw ! sl[ smile break  
^u ,john's face4 ,&1 see+ x1 he came z  
ne> hy/]ical laught] z a man ( 8 "* &   
temp]am5t c come4 ,he p]ceiv$ t ,john1 =
 "s amaz+ reason1 _h play$ ! scape-goat2
 t1 9 fact1 he 0 innoc5t--n a humbug1 n 
a hypocrite1 n a braz5-fac$ s9n]4 ,& !  
relief 0 s /up5d\s t ! tutor flung      
himself back into a *air1 gasp+4        
,desmond spoke quietly4  ,i 0 go+ to    
t[n1 sir4 ,= ! fir/ "t1 ,i swe>4 ,& only
 to w9 a bet1 & = ! excitem5t ( jump+   
out ( a w9d[4 ,john tri$ to dissuade me4

 ,:5 he exhau/$ e argum5t1 he w5t       
himself4  ,! ,"l be prais$6 said ,w>de4 
,he _h div9$ ev]y?+2 b he let ,desmond  
tell ! /ory 9 detail4 ,scaife's "n 0    
left out ( ! n>rative4  ,!n ,w>de said  
sl[ly1 ,i %all n ref] ?is bus9ess to !  
,head ,ma/]2 ,i %all deal ) x myself4 ,=
 y\r own sake1 ,desmond1 = ! sake ( y\r 
fa!r1 &1 above all else1 = ! sake ( ?is 
,h\se1 ,i %all d no m ?an ask y to      
promise t1 = ! re/ ( y\r "t at ,h>r[1 y 
w endeav\r to atone = :at has be54      
99       99       99       99       99  
,all boys wor? _! salt are creatures (  
res]ves2 let u respect !m4 ,x is easy to
 surmise :at pass$ betwe5 ! fri5ds--!   
gratitude1 ! self-reproa*1 ! humiliation
 on "o side2 ! sympa?y1 ! enc\ragem5t & 
%y1 re/ra9$ affection on ! o!r4 ,a      
bitt]-sweet mom5t = ,john ?is1 reveal+1 
)\t disguise1 ! weakness ( ,desmond's   
"*1 b illum9at+ ! triumph ov] ,scaife1 !
 all-p[]ful4 ,john _h be5 inhuman if ?is
 k _h n be5 z spik5>d to him4  ,*apel   
ov]1 ! boys came p\r+ back into ! h\se4 

,9 a m9ute ! fags w\ld be hurry+ up ) ! 
tea & ! jam-pots1 ask+ = ord]s2 9 a     
m9ute ,scaife w\ld ru% 9 ) que/ions hot 
^u 8 lips4 ,john *uckl$ to himself z he 
he>d ,scaife's /ep4  ,hullo1 ,caes>6 ,:y
 did y cut ,*apel8 ,&----  ,john saw t !
 ,c>lton supp]-c>d 0 9 8 h&4 ,he *uckl$ 
aga94  ,dumb] has j giv5 me--?is4 ,did y
 g1 aft] all8 he ask$ ,caes>4 ,!y _h n  
met s9ce ,w>de's visit ( ! night be=e4  
,i didn't g1 said ,caes>4  ,dumb] gave x
 to me1 ) ,v]ney's complim5ts4  ,y've   
lo/ y\r bet1 said ,john4  ,b h[8        
,jona?an w5t to t[n in/ead ( me1 said   
,desmond4 ,we ?\ght he 0 ) ,w>de--he    
wasn't4 ,?is morn+1 e>ly1 ,i f\nd out t 
he hadn't slept 9 8 b$4 ,i saw him come 
back1 & ,i saw ,dumb] wait+ = him4 ,:5  
,dumb] came out ( ,w>de's room1 he told 
me t ,jona?an _h be5 up to t[n1 & 0 go+ 
to be--sack$4  ,he blurt$ out ! re/ ( ! 
/ory1 to :i* ,scaife li/5$ att5tively4  
,:5 ,desmond f9i%$1 !re 0 a pause4      
,y're devili% clev]1 said ,scaife to    
,john4  ,i %all pay up ! pony1 said     

,desmond4  ,no1 y won't1 said ,scaife4  
,z = ! money1 ,i nev] c>$ a hang ab\t t4
 ,i'm glad--& y ought to "k x--t y've   
won ! bet4 ,all ! same1 ,v]ney isn't    
entitl$ to all ! glory t y give him4    
,he is1 he is--& m1 too4  ,scaife       
laugh$4 ,john felt r uncom=table4       
,always ,scaife exhibit$ 8 amaz+ res\rce
 at unexpect$ mom5ts4  ,nev] m9d1       
,scaife cont9u$1 ,i won't bur/ ! pretty 
bubble4 ,& ,i admit1 rememb]1 ,v]ney's  
clev]ness4  ,he 0 turn+ to g1 b ,desmond
 clut*$ 8 sleeve4 ,:5 he spoke 8 fair   
face 0 sc>let4  ,y sne] at ! wrong man &
 at ! wrong "t1 he said angrily1 & y    
talk z ?\gh ,i 0 a fool4 ,well1 ,i am a 
fool1 p]haps1 & ,i bl[ bubbles4 ,prick  
?is "o1 if y c4 ,i *all5ge y to d x4    
,scaife %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s4 ,x's s obvi\s1 
he said coolly1 t y\r k9d fri5d ran no  
risks o!r ?an a spra9$ ankle or a cold4 
,:at d y mean8  ,he 0 c]ta9 t y w\ld    
come =w>d4 ,he =c$ y\r h&4 ,!re 0 nev] !
 smalle/ *ance ( 8 be+ sack$1 & he knew 
x4  ,yes1 said ,john1 calmly1 ,i knew x4

  ,j s1 said ,scaife4 ,he w5t out :i/l+4
  ,desmond _h "t to :isp] to ,john be=e 
! fags call$ !m to breakfa/ 9 ,john's   
room--  ,i say1 ,jona?an1 ,i'm glad y   
knew t ,i w\ldn't fail y4 ,z ! ,demon   
says1 y are clev]2 y are a sight clev]] 
?an he is4  ,john %ook 8 head4 ,i'm sl[1
 he said4 ,z a matt] ( fact1 ! ?\ght t y
 w\ld come to ! rescue nev] occurr$ to  
me till ,i 0 bik+ back f t[n4  ,anyway1 
y sav$ me f be+ sack$1 & z long z ,i    
live ,i----  ,come on to breakfa/1 said 
,john4   ,,footnotes3  #ch ,!           
,phila?letic ,club deals prim>ily ) all 
matt]s :i* conc]n ,h>r[ games2 x is also
 a social club4 ,di/+ui%$ a?letes1      
monitors1 & s =?1 are eligible =        
memb]%ip4 ,! ,head ( ! ,s*ool is        
ex-,(ficio ,presid5t4     ,,*apt] ,,xiv 
,good ,night      ,good night6 ,sleep1 &
 s may ev]       ,lights half se5 across
 a murky lea1     ,*ild ( hope1 &       
c\rage1 & endeav\r1       ,gleam a      
voiceless b5ison on !e6         ,y\? be 
be>]           ,soon ( h>dihood2        

,life be fair]1           ,loyall] to   
good2     ,till ! f> lamps vani% into   
light1     ,re/ 9 ! dreamtime4 ,good    
night6 ,good night6   ,! la/ ,saturday (
 ! summ] t]m saw ! ,manor cock-h\se at  
cricket3 almo/ a =egone conclusion1 &   
!re=e n p>ticul>ly int]e/+ to outsid]s4 
,dur+ ! morn+ ,scaife gave 8 f>ewell    
brekk]#ci at ! ,cream]ies2 a banquet ( !
 ,olympians to :i* ,john receiv$ an     
invitation4 ,he accept$ because ,desmond
 made a po9t ( 8 s do+2 b he 0 q aw>e t 
b5ea? ! v5e] ( ! ,demon's g5ial smile   
lay implacable hatr$ & res5tm5t4 ,!     
breakfa/ 9 itself /ruck ,john z         
o/5tati\s4 ,scaife's fa!r s5t quails1 a 
la ,lucullus1 & o!r delicacies4 ,?r\gh\t
 ! meal ! talk 0 ( ! com+ w>4 ,at t "t  
mo/ ( ! ,cons]vative pap]s pooh-pooh$ ! 
possibility ( an appeal to arms1 b      
,scaife's fa!r1 admitt$ly a great       
au?ority on ,s\? ,african affairs1 _h   
told 8 son a fight 0 inevitable4 ,m1 he 
& 8 fri5ds 7 already prep>+ to raise a  
regim5t ( m\nt$ infantry4 ,at breakfa/  

,scaife ann\nc$ ?is piece ( news1 & add$
 t 9 ! ev5t ( ho/ilities he w\ld jo9 ?is
 regim5t1 & n try to pass into ,s&hur/4 
,& he add$ t any ( 8 fri5ds :o 7 pres5t1
 & ov] eighte5 ye>s ( age1 7 cordially  
invit$ to s5d 9 _! names1 & t he        
p]sonally w\ld d all t 0 possible to    
secure !m billets4 ,! words 7 h>dly out 
( 8 m\?1 :5 ,caes> ,desmond 0 on 8 feet1
 ) an eag]--  ,put me d[n1 ,demon2 put  
me d[n fir/6  ,& !n ,scaife glanc$ at   
,john1 z he answ]$--  ,"r y are1 ,caes>1
 & if ?+s g well ) u1 ,i fancy t we %all
 get our commissions 9 regul> regim5ts  
soon en\gh4 ,! gov]nor _h _h a h9t to t 
effect4 ,let's dr9k success to          
',scaife's ,horse4'  ,! toa/ 0 drunk )  
en?usiasm4  ,dur+ ! holidays1 ,john saw 
no?+ ( ,desmond1 al?\gh !y wrote to ea* 
o!r once a week4 ,john 0 read+ h>d ) an 
eye to a possible s*ol>%ip at ,ox=d2    
,desmond 0 play+ cricket ) ,scaife4     
,lat]1 ,desmond w5t to ! ,scaife moor 9 
,scotl&4 ,john not$ t 8 fri5d's lett]s 7
 full ( two ?+s only3 sport1 & !        

ev]-increas+ probability ( w>4 ,at ! end
 ( ,augu/ ,john ,v]ney1 ! explor]1      
return+ to ,v]ney ,boscobel aft] an     
abs5ce ( ne>ly f\r ye>s1 began to write 
8 n[ fam\s book on ! ,f> ,ea/4 ,!n ,john
 le>n$ f 8 "m t 8 uncle _h borne all !  
*>ges ( 8 education4 ,:5 he ?ank$ him1 !
 uncle said w>mly--  ,y h m ?an repaid  
me1 my de> boy2 n ano!r ^w1 please1 ab\t
 t4 ,w>de tells me !y expect great ?+s (
 y at ,ox=d4  ,uncle & nephew 7 alone1  
aft] d9n]4 ,john _h notic$ t ! h>d%ips  
endur$ 9 ,man*uria & ,?ibet _h left sc>s
 ^u ! travell]4 ,8 hair 0 :ite1 he look$
 an old man2 "o ^: w&]+s 9 wild places  
mu/ p]=ce come soon to an end4  ,uncle1 
said ,john1 ,i want to *uck ,ox=d4  ,eh8
  ,i %\ld l to g into ! ,army4  ,bless  
my s\l6  ,! explor] ey$ 8 nephew )      
wr9kl$ br[4 ,john gave reasons2 we c    
guess :at !y 74 ,! prospect ( w> _h set 
all ard5t s\ls afire4  ,i mu/ ?9k ?is   
ov]1 my boy1 ! uncle repli$ pres5tly4 ,i
 mu/ sleep on x4 ,h y told y\r "m8  ,no2
 ,i c\nt$ ^u y to p]suade h]4  ,um4 ,n[ 

tell me ab\t ,"l's6 ,ah6 ,i'm sorry ,i  
miss$ t mat*4  ,next day1 8 uncle said  
no?+ ( :at lay next to ,john's he>t1 b !
 pair rode toge!r ov] ! e/ate4 ,dur+ t  
ride x became pla9 to ! "y man t 8 uncle
 _h no int5tion ( settl+ d[n4 ,once or  
twice1 9 ! drie/1 mo/ matt]-(-fact tone1
 ! eld] spoke z if 8 heir 7 likely to   
inh]it soon4 ,f9ally1 ,john blurt$ out a
 prote/--  ,b1 uncle1 y are a /rong man4
 ,:y d y talk z if--z if---- ! boy      
c\ldn't f9i% ! phrase4  ,tut1 tut1 said 
! uncle4 ,i "k :at ,i "k2 & he fell into
 sil5ce4  ,n till ! ev5+1 aft] ,mrs4    
,v]ney _h gone to b$1 did ! man ( _m    
w&]+s speak freely4  ,john1 said he1    
quietly1 ,i h a /ory to tell y4 ,ye>s   
ago1 y\r fa!r & ,i fell 9 love ) ! same 
girl4 ,%e m>ri$ ! bett] man4 ,he paus$  
to fill a pipe3 ,john saw t 8 uncle's   
f+]s trembl$ slightly2 b 8 voice 0 cool1
 measur$1 almo/ monoton\s4 ,i made my   
fir/ exp$ition to ,patagonia4 ,:5 ,i    
came back y 7 j born2 & ,i ask$ t ,i    
might be y\r godfa!r4 ,i w5t to ,africa 

aft] ! *ri/5+4 ,& six ye>s lat] y\r fa!r
 di$4 ,i ?9k he _h ! pure/ & mo/        
unselfi% love ( ! poor & helpless t ,i h
 ev] kn[n4 ,he wore away 8 life 9 !     
s]vice ( ! outca/ & =lorn4 ,& be=e he   
di$1 he express$ a wi% t y %\ld "w z he 
did1 = o!rs1 b n 9 precisely ! same way4
 ,he knew1 none bett]1 ! limitations    
impos$ ^u a p>son4 ,he pray$ t y might  
lab\r 9 a field l>g] ?an "o p>i%4 ,& ,i 
promis$ him t ,i w\ld d :at ,i c\ld :5 !
 "t came4 ,x has come--to-night4 ,9 my  
op9ion1 9 ,w>de's op9ion1 9 y\r de> "m's
 op9ion1 ,p>liam5t is ! place = y4 ,y w 
be suffici5tly well (f4 ,take all ,ox=d 
c give y1 & !n try = ! ,h\se ( ,commons4
 ,*>les ,desmond w make y "o ( 8        
,private ,secret>ies4 ,i h spok5 to him4
 ,y h a great c>e] be=e y4  ,b if w>    
breaks out1 uncle----  ,w> w break out4 
,don't misund]/& me6 ,if y are want$ out
 !re1 & ! ?+ is go+ to be v s]i\s1 if y 
are want$1 y mu/ g2 b decid$ly y are n  
want$ yet4 ,& y are an only son2 all y\r
 "m has4 ,john1 y mu/ ?9k ( h]1 & y w   

?9k ( h]1 ,i "k4  ,! conviction 9 8     
quiet voice communicat$ itself to 8     
nephew4 ,!re 0 a pause ( ne>ly a m9ute2 
& !n ,john answ]$1 9 a voice curi\sly l 
8 uncle's--  ,all "r4  ,v]ney s5ior held
 out 8 h&4 ,i knew y w\ld say t1 he     
murmur$4         99       99       99   
99       99  ,on ! #ah? ( ,septemb]1 :5 
,john return$ to ! ,hill1 ! c\ntry _h j 
le>n$ t ! proposals ( ! ,imp]ial        
,gov]nm5t to accept ! note ( ,augu/ #ai?
 7provid$ x 7 n encumb]$ by conditions  
:i* w\ld nullify ! int5tion to give     
sub/antial repres5tation to ! ,uitl&]s7 
_h n be5 accept$4 ,t ?is meant w>1 none1
 lea/ ( all a s*oolboy1 d\bt$4 ,desmond 
c\ld talk ( no?+ else4 ,he told ,john t 
8 fa!r _h promis$ to let him leave ,h>r[
 be=e ! end ( ! t]m1 if w> 7 decl>$4 ,! 
,demon1 s ,john 0 in=m$1 _h made already
 prep>ations4 ,he 0 tak+ out 8 ?ree polo
 ponies1 & _h hopes ( be+ appo9t$       
,gallop] to a c]ta9 ,g5]al4 ,scaife's   
,horse 0 be+ organiz$1 b 9 any case w\ld
 n take ! field be=e sev]al mon?s _h    

elaps$2 ! ,demon int5d$ to be on ! spot 
:5 ! fir/ %ot 0 fir$4  ,to all ?is      
gunp[d]-talk ,john li/5$ ) envi\s e>s & 
a curi\s s9k+ ( ! he>t4 ,he _h look$    
=w>d to hav+ ,desmond to himself2 & lo6 
8 fri5d 0 sev5 ?\s& miles away--on !    
veldt1 n on ! ,hill4  ,y are n ke51 said
 ,desmond4  ,on ! day ( ! ,goose ,mat*1 
,saturday1 ,septemb] #cj?1 ,scaife came 
d[n to ,h>r[ to take leave ( 8 fri5ds4  
,already1 ,john not$ an extraord9>y     
diff]5ce 9 8 mann] & appe>ance4 ,he     
treat$ ,john to a slightly patroniz+    
smile1 call$ him ,jona?an1 ask$ if he   
c\ld be ( s]vice to him1 & pos$ mo/     
successfully z a sort ( suck+ ,alex&]4  
,t he absorb$ ,desmond's eyes & m9d 0   
indisputable4 ,ev]y?+ outside ,s\?      
,africa1 & 9 p>ticul> ! ,hill & all ?+s 
!reon1 dw9dl$ into insignificance4      
,scaife made ,desmond a pres5t ( ! v be/
 maps obta9able1 & nail$ !m on ! wall   
above ! mantelpiece1 pull+ d[n a f9e    
engrav+ :i* ,john _h giv5 to ,desmond   
ab\t a ye> be=e4 ,desmond utt]$ no      

prote/4 ,! engrav+ 0 bundl$ out ( sight 
beh9d a s(a4  ,& aft] ,scaife's         
dep>ture1 ,desmond talk$ ( him          
cont9ually1 & always ) en?usiasm4 ,w>de 
add$ a note or two to ! *orus4  ,?is is 
an opportunity = ,scaife1 he told ,john4
 ,he may di/+ui% himself v greatly1 & ! 
discipl9e ( ! camp w transmute ! bad    
metal into gold4 ,w> is an al*emi/4  ,^u
 ! #aa? ( ,octob] w> 0 decl>$4  ,aft] t1
 ,desmond became z "o possess$4 ,he w5t 
ab\t say+ t he piti$ 8 fa!r pr(\ndly    
because he 0 a civilian & a             
non-combatant4 ,w>de wrote to ,*>les    
,desmond3 ,if y mean to s5d ,h>ry out1  
s5d him at once4 ,he's frett+ himself to
 fiddle-/r+s1 do+ no "w1 & caus+ o!rs to
 d no "w also4  ,sir ,william ,symons'  
victory & dea? foll[$1 & !n ! mortify+  
retreat ( ,g5]al ,yule4 ,^u ! #cj? day (
 ! mon? eight hundr$ & fifty (fic]s & m5
 7 isolat$ & captur$4 ,:o does n rememb]
 ! wave ( passionate incr$ulity t swept 
across ! k+dom :5 ! evil tid+s fla%$    
ov]-seas8 ,b ,bull] & 8 /aff 7 on !     

,dunott> ,ca/le1 & all ,h>rovians       
believ$ dev\tly t )9 a mon? ( l&+ !     
,comm&]-9-,*ief w\ld drive ! invad]s    
back & conqu] ! ,transvaal4  ,day aft]  
day1 ,desmond importun$ 8 fa!r4 ,! fun  
w\ld be ov]1 he po9t$ out1 be=e he got  
!re--& s on4 ,at la/ ^w came4 ,a billet 
_h be5 obta9$4 ,desmond receiv$ a long  
envelope f ! ,w> ,(fice4 ,he %[$ x to   
all 8 fri5ds1 old & "y4 ,duff           
junior--,caes>'s fag--became s excit$ t 
he ask$ ,w>de = p]mission to enli/ z a  
drumm]-boy4 ,! ,s*ool *e]$ ,caes> at f\r
 ,bill4  ,& !n came ! p>t+4  ,caes> 0 to
 jo9 ! ,headqu>t]s' ,/aff z soon z      
possible4 ,he sp5t ! la/ h\rs ) ,john1 b
 8 m9d1 naturally en\gh1 0 conc5trat$ ^u
 8 kit4 ,he *att]$ endlessly ( saddl]y1 
revolv]s1 sleep+ bags1 & ,zeiss glasses4
 ,john pack$ 8 portmanteau4 ,& on !     
morr[ ! fri5ds p>t$ at ! /ation )\t a ^w
 beyond--  ,good-bye1 old ,jona?an4 ,wi%
 y 7 com+4  ,good-bye1 ,caes>4 ,good    
luck6  ,& !n ! %rill :i/le1 ! inexorable
 roll+ ( ! :eels1 ! bright1 eag] face   

lean+ f> out ( ! w9d[1 ! wav$ h&k]*ief1 
! la/ words3 ,s long6 & ,john's reply1  
,s long6  ,john saw ! face fade2 ! :eels
 ( ! vani%+ tra9 seem$ to h roll$ ov] 8 
he>t2 ! scream ( ! eng9e 0 ! scream (   
angui% f himself4 ,he left ! /ation &   
ran to ! ,t[]4 ,!re1 aft] ! fir/        
indescribable mom5ts1 "s k9dly _s t\*$  
him4 ,he became :ole4 ,b he _h ceas$ to 
be a boy4 ,alone ^u ! t[] he pray$ = 8  
fri5d1 pray$ f]v5tly t x might be well )
 him1 n[ & = ev]--,am54  ,:5 he return$ 
to ! ,manor1 h[ev]1 peace seem$ to =sake
 him4 ,! horrible gap1 ev]-wid5+1 betwe5
 himself & ,desmond might1 inde$1 be    
bridg$ by pray]1 b n by ! %\ts ( boys & 
! turmoil ( a ,public ,s*ool4  ,dur+ !  
re/ ( ! t]m he work$ furi\sly4 ,desmond 
0 n[ on ! high seas1 :i!r ,john foll[$  
him at night & on ,sundays4 ,w>de1      
guess+1 p]haps1 :at 0 pass+ 9 ,john's   
he>t1 talk$ mu* ( ,desmond1 always      
hopefully4 ,f ,w>de1 ,john le>n$ t      
,*>les ,desmond _h tri$ to dissuade 8   
fav\rite son f becom+ a soldi]4  ,he    

want$ him to g into ,p>liam5t1 said     
,w>de4  ,john nodd$4  ,x 0 a            
disappo9tm5t4 ,yes2 a great             
disappo9tm5t4 ,h>ry w\ld h made a       
debat]4 ,yes2 yes2 a nimble wit1 an     
engag+ mann]1 & ! gift ( ! gab4 ,& !    
fa!r w\ld h _h him "u 8 own eye4  ,b he 
want$ to g to ,s\? ,africa f ! beg9n+4  
,y want$ to g1 said ,w>de2 y\r uncle    
told me s4 ,x 0 a great] ?+ = y1 ,john1 
to /& aside4  ,& !n ,john put a "q4 ,d y
 ?9k t ,h>ry ought to h /ood aside too8 
,w>de1 h[ev]1 unwill+ to commit himself1
 spoke ( ,h>ry's ard\r & patriotism4 ,b 
at ! end he let fall a /raw :i* indicat$
 ! true curr5t ( 8 ?\ghts--  ,mr4       
,desmond is v lonely4  ,john swoop$ on  
?is4  ,!n y ?9k1 y d ?9k1 t ,h>ry %\ld h
 /ay$ beh9d8  ,p]haps4 ,"o hesitates to 
accuse ! boy ( any?+ m ?an              
?\ghtlessness4  ,if he wi%$ to s]ve 8   
c\ntry1 began ,john1 w>mly4  ,w>de      
smil$4 ,yes1 yes1 he ass5t$4 ,let u     
believe t1 ,john2 b !re has be5 too mu* 
*eap excitem5t4  ,d>k days foll[$4 ,:o w

 ev] =get ,/ormb]g & ,mag]sfonte98 ,a   
pall seem$ to hang ov] ! k+dom4         
,ladysmi? rema9$ 9 ! grip ( ! invad]2 ! 
,bo]s 7 n yet driv5 out ( ,natal4       
,meantime ,caes> _h rea*$ ,sir ,r$v]s   
,bull]4 ,a lett] to 8 fa!r1 describ+ !  
few incid5ts ( ! voyage out1 & 8 arrival
 9 ,s\? ,africa1 0 s5t on to ,john &    
receiv$ by him on ! #a/ ( ,febru>y4     
,john w und]/&1 said ,caes>1 9 a        
po/script1 t ,i h little "t = writ+4 ,b 
,john did n und]/&4 ,he wrote regul>ly  
to ,desmond2 no answ] came 9 return4    
99       99       99       99       99  
,at ! end ( ! ,*ri/mas holidays ,john   
return$ to ,h>r[4 ,he 0 n[ ,head ( 8    
,h\se1 & v ne>ly ,head ( ! ,s*ool4 ,!   
weeks w5t by sl[ly4 ,soon1 he & a few   
o!rs w\ld travel to ,ox=d = _!          
exam9ation2 !re w\ld be ! /r5u\s        
excitem5t ( competition1 & ! f9al       
ann\ncem5t ( success or failure4 ,to all
 ?is ,john told himself t he 0 lukew>m4 
,no?+ seem$ to matt] s9ce he _h lo/     
sight ( ,caes>'s face1 s9ce ! tra9 :irl$

 8 fri5d out ( 8 life4 ,b he work$ h>d1 
s h>d t ! ,head ,ma/] bade him bew>e ( a
 breakd[n4         99       99       99 
99       99  ,! h\r ( triumph came4     
,john _h gratifi$ 8 own & ,w>de's       
ambition2 he 0 a ,s*ol> ( ,*ri/ ,*ur*4  
,& ?is well-e>n$ success seem$ to draw  
some?+ 9 8 he>t4 ,! congratulations1 !  
w>m h&-clasps1 ! g5]\s joy ( s*oolfell[s
 n z =tunate1 re/or$ 8 moral            
circulation4 ,a :ole holiday 0 grant$ 9 
hon\r ( 8 success at ,ox=d4 ,he told    
himself t n[ he w\ld take ?+s easy &    
enjoy himself4 ,! cl\ds 9 ,s\? ,africa 7
 lift+1 ev]ybody said ! glori\s end 0 9 
sight4 ,& s f> ,desmond _h escap$ w\nds 
& sickness4 ,he _h receiv$ a commission 
9 ,beaureg>d's ,irregul> ,horse2 9 !    
five days' action ab\t ,spion ,kop he   
behav$ ) conspicu\s gallantry4 ,scaife1 
hav+ obta9$ 8 billet ( ,gallop]1 0 ) a  
,g5]al "u ,"l ,me?u54  ,on ! la/ ,monday
 b "o 9 ! t]m1 ,john 0 ent]+ ! ,manor j 
be=e lock-up1 :5 a ,six? ,=m boy f ano!r
 h\se pass$ him1 runn+4  ,h y he>d ab\t 

poor ,scaife8 he call$ out4  ,no--:at8  
,w>de w tell y2 he kn[s4 ,! boy ran on1 
n wi%+ to be late4  ,john ran1 too1 ) 8 
he>t ?ump+ aga9/ 8 side4 ,he felt c]ta91
 f ! expression ^u ! boy's face1 t      
,scaife 0 dead4 ,& ,john recall$ )      
int5se bitt]ness & humiliation mom5ts 9 
pa/ ye>s :5 he _h wi%$ t ,scaife w\ld   
die4 ,*>les ,desmond _h told him only   
?ree weeks be=e t 8 ,h>ry hop$ to jo9 ! 
sm>t cavalry regim5t 9 :i* a commission 
_h be5 promis$ to ,scaife4 ,at t mom5t  
,john 0 s5sible ( an inord9ate desire = 
any?+ t might come betwe5 ?is wi% & its 
fulfilm5t4 ,& n[1 ,scaife might be ly+  
dead4  ,he f\nd ,w>de 9 8 /udy />+ at a 
telegram4 ,he look$ up z ,john ent]$1 & 
9 sil5ce h&$ him ! message4      ,demon 
dead4 ,di$ glori\sly4  ,! telegram came 
f an ,h>rovian1 an old ,manorite at !   
,w> ,(fice4  ,john sat d[n1 /unn$ by !  
news2 ,w>de reg>d$ him gravely4 ,john   
met 8 glance & c\ld n int]pret x4       
,pres5tly1 ,w>de said n]v\sly--  ,:y did
 ! fell[ write ',demon' in/ead (        

',scaife'8 ,i don't l t4 ,he look$ %>ply
 at ,john1 :o did n und]/&4 ,!n he add$1
 ,i've wir$ = confirmation4 ,!re may be 
a--mi/ake4  ,:at mi/ake8 said ,john4    
,w>de's mann] confus$ him1 fright5$ him4
 ,:at mi/ake1 sir8  ,w>de1 twi/+ ! pap]1
 answ]$ mis]ably--  ,!re has be5 an     
action1 b n 9 ,scaife's "p ( ,africa4   
,beaureg>d's ,horse 7 engag$ & suff]$   
sev]ely4 ,& w\ld any "o say ',demon' 9  
su* a s]i\s context8  ,oh1 my ,god6 said
 ,john1 pale & trembl+4 ,at la/ he      
und]/ood4 ,add two lett]s to ,demon & y 
h ,desmond4 ,h[ easily su* a mi/ake c\ld
 be made6--,desmond1 ill-writt51 h&$ to 
an old ,manorite to copy & despat*4     
,x's ,scaife--x's ,scaife1 ,john cri$4  
,w>de said no?+1 />+ at ! ?9 slip ( pap]
 z if he 7 try+ to wre/ f x its secret4 
,ev]ybody call$ him ',demon1' said      
,john4  ,/ill1 "o ought to be prep>$4   
,= _m hide\s m9utes !y sat !re1 sil5t1  
wait+ = ! second telegram4 ,dumbleton   
br\ght x 91 & l+]$1 anxi\sly expectant2 
b ,w>de dismiss$ him ) a ge/ure4 ,z !   

door clos$1 ,w>de /ood up4  ,if our fe>s
 are well f\nd$1 he said solemnly1 may  
,god give y /r5g?1 ,john ,v]ney1 to be> 
! bl[4  ,!n he tore op5 ! envelope &    
read ! tru?--      ,h5ry ,desmond kill$ 
9 action4  ,no1 said ,john1 fi]cely4 ,x 
is ,scaife1 ,scaife6  ,w>de %ook 8 head1
 hold+ ,john's h& tight betwe5 8 s9ewy  
f+]s4 ,john's face appall$ him4 ,he _h  
kn[n1 he _h guess$1 ! /r5g? ( ,john's   
feel+ = ,desmond1 b1 he _h n kn[n !     
/r5g? ( ,john's hatr$ ( ,scaife4 ,&     
,desmond _h be5 tak5--& ,scaife left4 ,!
 irony ( x tore ! s\l4  ,don't speak1   
comm&$ ,w>de4  ,john clos$ 8 lips )     
in/9ctive ob$i5ce4 ,:5 he op5$ !m aga9 8
 face _h s(t5$2 ! words fell ^u ! sil5ce
 ) a he>tr5d+ inflection ( mis]y4  ,& n[
 ,i %all nev] "k--,i %all nev] "k4  ,he 
broke d[n pite\sly4 ,w>de let ! fir/    
passion ( grief sp5d itself2 !n he ask$ 
,john to expla94 ,! good fell[ saw t if 
,john c\ld give 8 tr\ble words x w\ld be
 light5$ enorm\sly4 ,he div9$ :at _h be5
 suppress$4  ,:at is x t y w nev] "k1   

,john8  ,at t ,john spoke1 lay+ b>e 8   
he>t4 ,he gave details ( ! nev]-end+    
/ruggle betwe5 ,scaife & himself = ! s\l
 ( 8 fri5d2 gave !m ) a cle>ness (      
expression :i* prov$ beyond all else h[ 
8 ?\ghts _h cry/alliz$ 9 8 m9d4 ,w>de   
li/5$1 hold+ ,john's h&1 gripp+ x )     
sympa?y & affection4 ,! romance ( ?is   
fri5d%ip /irr$ him pr(\ndly2 ! romance (
 ! /ruggle = good & evil2 a /ruggle (   
:i* ! issues rema9$ /ill 9 d\bt2 a      
romance :i* ,dea? _h cruelly left       
unf9i%$--?is _h poignant significance = 
! h\se-ma/]4  ,i %all nev] "k n[1 ,john 
repeat$1 9 conclusion4  ,b y h fai? 9   
y\r fri5d4  ,he nev] wrote to me1 said  
,john4  ,at la/ x 0 out1 ! ?orn 9 8 side
 :i* _h torm5t$ him4  ,if he _h writt51 
,john cont9u$1 if only he _h writt5     
once4 ,:5 we p>t$ x 0 good-bye--j t1    
no?+ m2 b ,i ?\ght he w\ld write1 & t   
ev]y?+ w\ld be cle>$ up4 ,& n[1 sil5ce4 
99       99       99       99       99  
,! week wore itself away4 ,a few details
 7 =?com+3 en\gh to prove t a glori\s   

de$ _h be5 done at ! co/ ( a gallant    
life4 ,engl& 0 ?rill$ because ! h]o     
happ5$ to be ! son ( a popul> ,m9i/]4 ,!
 "n ( ,desmond rang ?r\gh ! ,empire4    
,john b\ght e pap] & dev\r$ ! meagre    
l9es :i* left s mu* betwe5 !m4 ,x seem$ 
t a c]ta9 position _h to be tak5--a     
small hill4 ,= ! hundr$? "t 9 ?is       
campaign too few m5 7 detail$ = ! task4 
,! reek ( t awful slaught] on ,spion    
,kop 0 /ill /rong 9 m5's no/rils4       
,beaureg>d & 8 soldi]s halt$ at ! foot (
 ! hill1 halt$ 9 ! tee? ( a /orm (      
bullets4 ,!n ! ^w 0 giv5 to attack4 ,b !
 fire f invisible foes simply ext]m9at$ 
! lead+ files4 ,! mom5t came :5 ^? beh9d
 wav]$ & recoil$4 ,& !n ,desmond d>t$   
=w>d--alone1 *e]+ on 8 fell[s4 ,!y 7 all
 afoot4 ,! m5 ralli$ & foll[$4 ,b !y    
c\ld n ov]take ! gallant figure press+  
on 9 front4 ,he ran--s ! ,special       
,correspond5t report$--z if he 7 rac+ = 
a goal4 ,! m5 /agg]$ aft] him1 aflame ) 
8 ard\r4 ,!y rea*$ ! top1 captur$ !     
guns1 drove d[n ! enemy1 & return$ to ! 

highe/ po9t to f9d _! lead]--%ot ?r\gh !
 he>t1 & dead1 & smil+ at dea?4 ,( all !
 m5 :o pass$ ?r\gh t blizz>d ( bullets  
he 0 ! y\nge/ by two ye>s4  ,w>de told  
,john t ! ,head ,ma/] w\ld prea* ^u !   
la/ ,sunday ev5+ ( ! t]m1 ) special     
ref]5ce to ,h>ry ,desmond4 ,c\ld ,john  
be> x8 ,john nodd$4 ,s9ce ! fir/        
breakd[n 9 ,w>de's /udy1 8 he>t seem$ to
 h turn$ to ice4 ,8 religi\s s5se1      
hi!rto /rong & vital1 fail$ him         
entirely4 ,he ab&on$ pray]4         99  
99       99       99       99  ,ev5song 
0 ov] 9 ,h>r[ ,*apel4 ,! ,head ,ma/]1   
/ately 9 surplice & sc>let hood1 ent]$ !
 pulpit1 &1 9 8 cle>1 calm tones1       
ann\nc$ 8 text1 tak5 f ! #ag? v]se ( !  
,fir/ ,*apt] ( ! ,book ( ,ru?--         
99       99       99       99       99  
,! ,"l d s to me1 & m also1 if ought b  
dea? "p !e & me4  ,! subject ( ! s]mon 0
 ,fri5d%ip3 ! he>t's blood ( a ,public  
,s*ool3 ,fri5d%ip ) its delights1 its   
p]ils1 its peculi> graces & b5$ictions4 
,to-night1 conclud$ ! prea*]1 amid !    

brea?less sil5ce ( ! congregation1 ?is  
?\ght ( ,fri5d%ip has = u a special     
solemnity4 ,x is consecrat$ by ! memory 
( "o :om we h j lo/4 ,y1 :o are leav+ ! 
s*ool1 h be5 ! fri5ds & contempor>ies ( 
,h5ry ,julius ,desmond2 8 features are  
fre% 9 y\r memories1 & w rema9 fre% z   
long z y live4      ,tall1 eag]1 a face 
to rememb]1       ,a flu% t c\ld *ange z
 ! day2     ,a _s t knew n ,decemb]1    
,t bright5$ ! sun%9e ( ,may4  ,^? l9es1 
z y "k1 7 writt5 ( ano!r ,h>rovian1 :o  
di$ "h on ?is ,hill4 ,h5ry ,desmond di$ 
on ano!r hill1 & di$ s glori\sly t !    
%ad[ ( our loss1 d>k z x seem$ to u at  
fir/1 is already melt+ 9 ! radiance ( 8 
ga94 ,to die "y1 clean1 ard5t2 to die   
swiftly1 9 p]fect heal?2 to die sav+    
o!rs f dea?1 or worse--disgrace--to die 
scal+ heights2 to die & to c>ry ) y into
 ! full]1 ampl] life beyond1 unta9t$    
hopes & aspirations1 unembitt]$         
memories1 all ! fre%ness & gladness (   
,may--is n t cause = joy r ?an sorr[8 ,i
 say--yes4 ,h5ry ,desmond is "o /age    

ahead ( u ^u a j\rney :i* we all mu/    
take1 & ,i entreat y to consid] t1 if we
 h fai? 9 a future life1 we mu/ believe 
also t we c>ry h5ce n only ! record (   
our acts1 :e!r good or evil1 b ! memory 
( !m2 & t memory1 undimm$ by falsehood  
or self-deception1 w create = u ,heav5  
or ,hell4 ,i d n say--,god =bid6--t y   
%\ld desire dea? because y are /ill "y1 
&1 comp>atively speak+1 unspott$ f ! _w2
 b ,i say ,i w\ld soon] see any ( y     
/ruck d[n 9 ! fl[] ( 8 y\? ?an liv+ on  
to lose1 long be=e dea? comes1 all t    
makes life wor? ! liv+4 ,bett] dea?1 a  
?\s& times1 ?an gradual decay ( m9d &   
_s2 bett] dea? ?an fai?lessness1        
indiff]5ce1 & uncleanness4 ,to y :o are 
leav+ ,h>r[1 pois$ = flight into ! great
 _w ( :i* ?is s*ool is ! microcosm1 ,i  
comm5d ! memory ( ,h5ry ,desmond4 ,x /&s
 9 our records = all we v5]ate & /rive  
=3 loyalty1 hon\r1 purity1 /r5u\sness1  
fai?fulness 9 fri5d%ip4 ,:5 temptation  
assails y1 ?9k ( t gallant boy runn+    
swiftly uphill1 leav+ crav5 fe> beh9d1 &

 draw+ ) him ! o!rs :o1 l$ by him to !  
heights1 made victory possible4 ,y _c   
all be lead]s1 b y c foll[ lead]s2 only 
see to x t !y lead y1 z ,h5ry ,desmond  
l$ ! m5 ( ,beaureg>d's ,horse1 onw>d &  
upw>d4  ,! prea*] end$1 & !n foll[$ !   
famili> hymn1 always sung ^u ! la/      
,sunday ev5+ ( ! t]m3--      ,let ,?y   
fa!r-h& be %ield+       ,all :o "h %all 
meet no m2     ,may _! se$-"t pa/ be    
yield+       ,ye> by ye> a ri*] /ore2   
,^? return+1       ,make m fai?ful ?an  
be=e4  ,! la/ bless+ 0 pron\nc$1 & )    
gli/5+ eyes ! boys /ream$ out ( ,*apel2 
"s ( !m = ! la/ "t4         99       99 
99       99       99  ,^u ! next        
,tuesday1 ,john travell$ d[n into ! ,new
 ,=e/4 ,april 0 abroad 9 ,hamp%ire2 !   
l>*es already 7 bright gre5 aga9/ !     
,scot* firs2 ! bee* buds 7 bur/+2 only !
 oaks reta9$ _! drab w9t]'s-liv]y4      
,dur+ ! few days prec$+ ,ea/] ,sunday1  
,john rode or walk$ to e "p ( ! =e/ :i* 
he _h visit$ 9 company ) 8 dead fri5d4  
,at ,beaulieu1 /&+ 9 ! ru9s ( ! ,abbey1 

he c\ld he> ,desmond's delightful laugh 
z he recit$ ! misadv5tures ( ,hordle    
,john2 at ,/oneycross he sat ^u ! bank  
ov]look+ ! moor1 :5ce !y _h se5 ! fox   
/eal into ! woods ab\t ,rufus's ,/one2  
at ! ,bell tav]n at ,brook !y _h lun*$2 
at ,h9ton ,admiral !y _h play$ cricket4 
,to 8 "m's & 8 uncle's sil5t sympa?y    
,john respond$ b *urli%ly4 ,8 fri5d _h  
dep>t$ )\t a ^w1 )\t a sign2 t ate into 
,john's he>t & consum$ x4 ,= ! fir/ "t  
s9ce he _h be5 confirm$1 he refus$ to   
receive ! ,sacram5t4 ,he w5t to *ur* z a
 matt] ( =m2 b he d>$ n approa* ! alt> 9
 8 pres5t rebelli\s mood4  ,aga9 & aga9 
he accus$ himself ( hav+ yield$ to a    
crav5 fe> ( (f5d+ ,desmond by spee* too 
pla94 ,always he _h be5 s t]ribly afraid
 ( los+ 8 fri5d2 & n[ he _h lo/ him     
inde$4 ,?is poignancy ( grief may be    
acc\nt$ = 9 "p by ! previ\s long-cont9u$
 /ra9 ( ov]work4 ,& x is ev] ! habit (  
^? :o d mu* to ?9k t !y might h done m4 
,at ! beg9n+ ( ,may1 ,john came back to 
! ,hill1 = 8 la/ t]m4 ,out ( ! future   

rose ! dream+ spires ( ,ox=d2 beyond !m1
 vague & %ad[y1 ! great ,clock-t[] (    
,we/m9/]1 keep+ wat* & w>d ov] ! de/9ies
 ( our ,empire4  ,9 a long lett] f      
,*>les ,desmond1 ! ,m9i/] _h spok5 ( !  
secret>y%ip to be kept w>m = him1 ( !   
pleasure & solace ! writ] w\ld take 9   
see+ 8 son's be/ fri5d 9 ! place :]e t  
son might h /ood4  ,8 be/ fri5d8 ,0 t   
true8  ,! "q torm5t$ ,john4 ,because    
,caes> _h be5 s mu* to him1 he desir$1 m
 passionately ?an he _h desir$ any?+ 9 8
 life1 ! assurance t he _h be5 some?+--n
 ev]y?+1 only some?+--to ,caes>4        
99       99       99       99       99  
,"o day1 ab\t ! middle ( ! mon?1 ,john  
_h be5 play+ cricket1 ! game ( all games
 :i* br\ght ,caes> mo/ vividly to 8 m9d4
 ,!n1 j be=e six ,bill1 he /roll$ up !  
,hill & into ! ,vaughan ,libr>y1 :]e s  
_m relics de> to ,h>rovians are en%r9$4 
,sitt+ 9 ! spl5did w9d[ :i* faces di/ant
 ,hamp/ead1 ,john told himself t he mu/ 
put aside ! mis]ies & p]plexities ( !   
pa/ mon?4 ,_h he be5 loyal to 8 fri5d's 

memory8 ,w\ld n a m ard5t fai? h burn$  
away d\bt8  ,john gaz$ across ! famili> 
fields to ! huge city on ! horizon4     
,soon night w\ld fall1 d>kness w\ld     
encompass all ?+s4 ,& !n1 out ( ! mirk1 
w\ld %9e ! lamps ( ,london4  ,w>de's    
voice put 8 ?\ghts to in/ant flight4 ,"s
 intuition told ,john t some?+ _h       
happ5$4 ,w>de said quietly--  ,a lett]  
has come = y 9 ,h>ry ,desmond's h&writ+4
  ,john1 unable to speak1 /ret*$ out 8  
h&4  ,take x1 said ,w>de1 to "s quiet   
spot :]e y _c be di/urb$4  ,john nodd$4 
,i h se5 h[ x 0 ) y1 ,w>de cont9u$1 )   
deep emotion1 & y h _h my acute sympa?y1
 ! m acute1 p]haps1 because long ago a  
fri5d w5t out ( my life )\t a sign4     
,w>de paus$4 ,n[1 unless my :ole        
exp]i5ce is at fault1 y hold 9 y\r h&   
:at y want--& :at y des]ve4  ,w>de left 
! libr>y2 ,john put ! lett] into 8      
pocket4 ,:]e %\ld he g8 ,"o place       
beckon$ him4 ,^u ! t[]1 look+ t[>ds !   
,hill1 he w\ld read ! la/ lett] ( 8     
fri5d4  ,)9 half an h\r he 0 pass+ ?r\gh

 ! iron gates4 ,he _h n visit$ ! g>d5   
s9ce t =lorn w9t]'s aft]noon1 :5 he came
 "h1 alone1 aft] bidd+ ,desmond         
good-bye4 ,he c\ld recall ! desolation (
 ! sc5e3 bleak ,w9t] dripp+ te>s ^u !   
tomb ( ,summ]4 ,) :at disgu/ he _h      
p]ceiv$ ! decay+ masses ( vegetation1 ! 
sodd5 turf1 ! soot ^u ! b>e trunks ( !  
trees4 ,he _h ru%$ away1 fancy+ t he    
he>d ,desmond's voice1 ,!re is a curse  
on ! place4  ,n[1 ,may _h t\*$ :at _h   
seem$ dead & hide\s1 &1 lo6 a miracle4  
,! haw?orns %one :ite aga9/ ! brilliant 
gre5 ( ! laurels2 ! horse-*e/nuts _h--to
 use a fanciful expression (            
,caes>'s--lit _! lamps4 ,out ( ! wav+   
grass glimm]$ & sp>kl$ a ?\s& wild      
fl[]s4 ,john he>d ! glad ,fruehl+sli$ ( 
bees & birds4 ,!n1 op5+ 8 lungs1 he     
inhal$ ! life-r5ew+ od\rs ( e>? r5asc5t2
 op5+ 8 he>t he felt a spiritual ess5ce 
p]vad+ e fibre ( 8 be+4 ,once m ! *ill$ 
sap 9 8 ve9s fl[$ g5]\sly4 ,x 0 well )  
him & well ) 8 fri5d4 ,?is conviction   
possess$ him1 rememb]1 be=e he op5$ !   

lett]4  ,he asc5d$ ! t[]1 & broke !     
seal4         99       99       99      
99       99  ,i h be5 mean+ to write to 
y1 de> old *ap1 ev] s9ce we p>t$2 b1    
someh[1 ,i c\ldn't br+ myself to tackle 
x 9 e>ne/ till to-night4 ,to-morr[1 we h
 a ?und]+ big job ahead ( u2 ! la/ job1 
p]haps1 = me4 ,old ,jona?an1 y h be5 !  
be/ fri5d a man ev] _h1 ! only "o ,i    
love z mu* z my own bro!rs--& ev5 m4 ,x 
0 f kn[+ y t ,i came to see :at         
good-=-no?+ fools "s fell[s are4 ,y 7   
always s unselfi% & /raight6 & y made me
 feel t ,i 0 ! contr>y1 & t y knew x1 & 
t ,i %\ld lose y\r fri5d%ip if ,i didn't
 improve a bit4 ,s1 if we don't meet    
aga9 9 ?is jolly old _w1 x may be a     
little com=t to y to rememb] t :at y h  
done = a v wor?less pal 0 n ?r[n away4  
,good night1 ,jona?an4 ,i'm go+ to turn 
92 we %all be a/ir be=e daybreak4 ,ov] !
 veldt ! />s are %9+4 ,x's s light1 t ,i
 c j make out ! hill ^u :i*1 ,i hope1   
our flag w be wav+ )9 a few h\rs4 ,!    
sight ( ?is hill br+s back our ,hill4   

,if ,i %ut my eyes1 ,i c see x pla9ly1 z
 we us$ to see x f ! t[]1 ) ! ,spire    
ris+ out ( ! he>t ( ! old s*ool4 ,i h ! 
absurd conviction /rong 9 me t1         
to-morr[1 ,i %all get up ! hill "h fa/] 
& easi] ?an ! o!r fell[s because y & ,i 
h s (t5 run up our ,hill toge!r--,god   
bless x--& y6 ,good night4              
,,footnotes3  #ci ,brekk]1 i4e4         
breakfa/4      ,,pr9t$ ,,& ,,b\nd ,,9   
,,engl& ,,by  ,,william ,,cl[es ,,&     
,,sons ,,limit$1 ,,london ,,& ,,beccles