rushes
resulting in nothing. It was an amazingly dull game to watch. From one
of these rushes Gordon got clear; the full-back fell on the ball, Gordon
took a huge kick at the ball. One had to kick hard on such a sticky
ground. He missed the ball, and caught the back on the side of the head.

"Oh, damned sorry," he said.

It was quite unintentional, as would have been obvious to anyone who
knew anything about the game. No one would be fool enough to kick the
man, when by kicking the ball he might score a try. But Princeford was
on Gordon like a shot. He began to lecture him before all the masters on
unsportsmanlike play, and threatened to send him off the field. Gordon
glowered at him. It was a combat of temperaments. The game resulted in a
draw. No try was scored. It was a dull performance, occasionally
relieved by individual brilliance. Everyone was disappointed.

Sullen and silent, the House side trooped up to tea. They had won the
match, of that there was no doubt. And they had been done out of their
victory.

The limit was reached when, muddy and cold, they found that the new
boot-boy had forgotten to heat the boiler, and there was only cold water
to wash in.

The changing-room was filled with the sound of oaths and curses.

But when the effects of Princeford's refereeing and the boot-boy's
forgetfulness had worn off slightly, the House felt more content. After
all, they had not been beaten. They had got the cup for half the year at
any rate. Things might be worse. And when in hall that night Hazelton
gave him his House cap, all Gordon's rage was overwhelmed by the feeling
that his dearest object had been achieved. The boot-boy was forgiven;
Princeford faded into the background of insignificance from which he had
temporarily emerged.

But the matter did not end there: other fingers were itching to be in
the pie. Christy and Rogers, walking up from the field together, came to
the conclusion that that incorrigible nuisance Caruthers had disgraced
Fernhurst football. Princeford was a master from Sedbury; he had only
come for one term as a special concession, because his headmaster was a
great friend of the Chief. What sort of an impression would he carry
away of Fernhurst manners and sportsmanship, if Caruthers should be
allowed to go unpunished, not only for playing a deliberately foul game,
but also for using most foul language? And so these two, neither of whom
knew anything about football, while both were