for power and position; yet when they were won he despised them.
The future was impenetrable. But he returned for the Easter term
determined to do his duty by the House, however much he might disappoint
himself.

On the very first day of the term "the Bull" called him up.

"You remember," he began, "there was some talk last year about altering
the conditions of the Three Cock. I think it would be much better in
every way if we could come to some arrangement by which you should play
against two houses instead of three. Conditions are so very changed.
When the match was started you had ninety boys and each outhouse had
thirty. Now you have under seventy and each outhouse over thirty-five.
It is ten years now since you won, and it is a pity it is not more of a
game. Your men can't enjoy it, and I know mine don't. What do you
think?"

"I think we would all rather go on as we are at present, sir."

"But don't you see how hard it is for you ever to win?"

"Yes, sir; and it is also rather hard for us to accept charity."

"Of course, I can't force anything on you. It is a matter for you to
decide. But it does seem a pity to make a match like the Three Cock a
permanent farce, merely because you are too proud to see that you can't
take on the whole school. We'll discuss the matter at the end of the
term again."

When the House learnt of this interview it raged furiously.

"Confounded insolence calling it a farce," said Foster. "And, after all,
we stand a chance of winning. Heavens! we will boot them to blazes."

Everyone in the School House considered the idea of a change
preposterous. Gordon alone realised that the present was an impossible
state of affairs. Sixty-four against a hundred and twenty! They couldn't
hope to win more than once in six years. He pointed this out to Morcombe
in second hall that evening.

"As a matter of fact, if we win this year, I believe I shall go to 'the
Bull' and offer to change it."

"But why?" said Morcombe. "There are times when I can't understand you,
and this is one of them. Surely, if we win, it is a proof that we are
good enough to go on playing! Why stop then?"

"Because, if we did win, it would be only once in a way. And I can't
bear to think of our giving in after a beating by seventy points. It is
an anti-climax. I would much rather lay down our privilege willingly.
That's why I admire Sulla so much. At the very height of his power he
laid it down, and went into a glorious