Roe."

"Mr Roe can scarcely be aware that I have refused a similar application
to boys in my own house."

Smedley made no reply to this observation, about which he had nothing to
say.

"You had better go in, Smedley. I will explain to Mr Roe."

Smedley looked at him in blank astonishment. It sounded more like a
jest than sober earnest.

"I have my master's _exeat_" he said; "if he or the doctor cancels it I
shall go in at once, sir."

It was Mr Bickers's turn to stare now. He had overdone it for once in
a way. His genius for interference had carried him a step too far; and
with a "Very good, Smedley," in terms which were meant to be ominous, he
turned away and proceeded to where Railsford was.

It was to speak to Railsford that he had come out into the fields that
morning. His interviews with Miss Violet and the captain had been by
the way. Railsford was busy marshalling the competitors for the Shell
quarter-mile, of whom there was an unusual number. He was too much
engrossed to notice Mr Bickers until that gentleman called him by name.

"I want a word with you, Railsford," said Mr Bickers.

"Now then, toe the line and be ready. Be careful about fouling. Are
you ready?"

"Railsford, I want a word with you."

Railsford looked sharply round and perceived who the intruder was.

"I can't speak to you now, Mr Bickers, I'm busy. Now, boys, are you
all ready? Off!"

And he started to run beside the race. Mr Bickers put as cheerful a
face on this little rebuff as he could, and presently walked across to
the winning-post to make another attempt. The race had been well won by
Tilbury, who had beaten the School record hollow, and shown himself a
long way ahead of his fellow-runners. He of course came in for an
ovation, which included a "Well run" from Smedley, and a "Bravo, indeed"
from Railsford, which he valued specially. It was while he was
receiving these friendly greetings that Mr Bickers once more approached
Railsford.

"Now you have a moment or two to spare," he began.

"I've not a moment to spare," said Railsford, irritated. "What do you
want?"

"I want you to look at this letter. It concerns you."

And he produced an envelope from his pocket.

"Give it to me," said Railsford. "I'll read it when I have time."

"No, thank you. I want you to--"

"Ring the bell for the high jump," said Railsford, turning his back. At
the signal the whole company closed in a solid phalanx round the