d not take long for the good news to spread round the
studies that only "the Cockroach" was about.

The first sign of trouble was a continual sound of opening doors. Archie
was rushing round, stirring up strife; then there came a sound of many
voices from the entrance of the studies, where were the fire hose and
the gas meter. Suddenly the gas was turned out throughout the whole
building, and pandemonium broke out.

It would be impossible to describe the tumult made by a whole house that
was inspired by only one idea: the desire to make a noise. The voice of
Sandham rose in a high-pitched wail over and again above the uproar; but
it was pitch dark, he could see none of the offenders. Then all at once
there was peace again, the lights went up, and everyone was quietly
working in his study. It had been admirably worked out. Archie was
"some" organiser.

For the time being the matter ended; but in a day or two rumours of the
rebellion had reached Clarke. Strong steps had to be taken; and Clarke
was not the man to shirk his duty.

That evening after prayers he got up and addressed the House.

"I have been told that two nights ago, when I was absent, there was a
most unseemly uproar in the studies. I am not going into details; you
all know quite well what I mean. I want anyone who assisted in the
disturbance to stand up."

There was not a move. The idea that the Public School boy's code of
honour forces him to own up at once is entirely erroneous. Boys only own
up when they are bound to be found out; they are not quixotic.

"Well, then, as no one has spoken, I shall have to take forcible
measures. Everyone above IV. A (for the Lower School did their
preparation in the day-room) will do me a hundred lines every day till
the end of the term. Thank you."

That night there was loud cursing. Clarke had hardly a supporter, the
other prefects, with the exception of Ferguson, who did not count for
much in the way of things, agreed with Meredith, who said:

"If the Cockroach can't keep order, how can Clarke expect there should
be absolute quiet? It's the Chief's fault for making such prefects.
Damned silly, I call it."

The term did not end without a further row. There had been from time
immemorial a system by which corps clothes were common property.
Everyone flung them in the middle of the room on Tuesday after parade;
the matron sorted them out after a fashion; but most people on the next
Tuesday afternoon found themse