it was," replied his adviser.

This brave speech went far to make up Railsford's mind.

In the house at Westbourne Park, particularly, the career opening before
our hero was hailed with eager enthusiasm. "Dear Arthur" was in Moss's
house, and at Christmas he would get his remove to the Shell. In both
capacities he would have the protecting interest of his prospective
brother-in-law, spread like an aegis over his innocent head. "It really
seems almost a providential arrangement," said Mrs Herapath.

"I am sure it will be a great thing for Arthur," said Daisy.

"It makes one believe there's some truth in the saying that every man
has his niche waiting for him somewhere in life," moralised Mr
Herapath.

That evening a letter came from Arthur to Daisy. The boy, of course,
knew nothing of Railsford's candidature.

"Such a flare-up!" wrote the youth. "Moss has got kicked out! He's
jacked it up, and is going at Christmas. Jolly good job! He shouldn't
have stopped the roast potatoes in the dormitories. Bickers's fellows
have them; they can do what they like! Dig and I did the two mile spin
in 11.19, but there was too much slush to put it on. All I can say is,
I hope we'll get a fellow who is not a cad after Moss, especially as he
will be Master of the Shell, and I'll get a dose of him both ways after
Christmas. We mean not to let him get his head up like Moss did; we're
going to take it out of him at first, and then he'll cave in and let us
do as we like afterwards. Dig and I will get a study after Christmas.
I wish you'd see about a carpet, and get the gov. to give us a picture
or two; and we've got to get a rig-out of saucepans and kettles and a
barometer and a canary, and all that. The room's 15 feet by 9, so see
the carpet's the right size. Gedge says Turkey carpets are the best, so
we'll have a Turkey. How's Railsford? Are you and he spoons still?
Dig and the fellows roared when I told them about catching you two that
time at Lucerne in the garden. You know, when I thought the window was
being smashed? Could you lend me a bob's worth of stamps till
Christmas? I'll pay you back. Dig says he once had a cousin who went
spoons on a chap. He says it was an awful game to catch them at it.
So, you see, we've lots to sympathise about. Love to all.

"I am, yours truly,--

"Arthur.

"P.S.--Don't forget the stamps. Two bob's worth will do as well."

Daisy laughed and cried over this outrageous epis