p and the Hemp Breaker had been duly applauded, the
master took John Best aside and discussed a private matter.

"The boy has come back for his holidays," he said; and Best, who knew
that when Raymond spoke of 'the boy' he meant Sabina's son, nodded.

"I hope all goes well with him and that you hear good accounts," he
answered.

"The reports are all much the same, term after term. He's said to have
plenty of ability, but no perseverance."

"Think nothing of that," advised the foreman. "Schoolmasters expect boys
to persevere all round, which is more than you can ask of human nature.
The thing is to find out what gets hold of a boy and what he does
persevere at--then a sensible schoolmaster wouldn't make him waste half
his working hours at other things, for which the boy's mind has got no
place. Mechanics will be that boy's strong point, if I know anything
about boys. And I believe all the fearful wickedness that prompted him
to burn the place down is pretty well gone out of him by now."

"I've left him severely alone," said Raymond. "I've said to myself that
not for three whole years will I approach him again. Meantime I don't
feel any too satisfied with the school. I fancy they are a bit soft
there. Private schools are like that. They daren't be too strict for
fear the children will complain and be taken away. But there are others.
I can move him if need be. And I'll ask you, Best, to keep your eye on
him these holidays, as far as you reasonably can, when he comes here. It
is understood he may. Try and get him to talk and see if he's got any
ideas."

"He puts me a good bit in mind of what poor Mister Daniel was at that
age. He's keen about spinning, and if I was to let him mind a can now
and again he'd be very proud of himself."

"Rum that he should like the works and hate me. Yes, he hates me all
right still, for Mister Churchouse has sounded him and finds that it is
so. It's in the young beggar's blood and there seems to be no operation
that will get it out."

Best considered.

"He'll come round. No doubt his schooling is making his mind larger,
and, presently, he'll feel the force of Christianity also; and that
should conquer the old Adam in him. By the same token the less he sees
of Levi, the better. Baggs is no teacher for youth, but puts his own
wrong and rebellious ideas into their heads, and they think it's fine to
be up against law and order. I'll always say 'twas half the fault of
Baggs the boy thou