tter begin."

The youthful champion evidently was not prepared for this cordial
invitation, and looked anything but pleased to hear it.

"Well, why don't you begin?" said Heathcote, following up his advantage.

"Because," said the boy, looking rather uncomfortably around him, "I
wouldn't dirty my fingers on such a beast."

Now if Heathcote had been a man of the world he would have divined that
the present was a rare opportunity for catching his bumptious young
friend by the ear, and making him carry out his threat then and there.
But, being a simple-minded new boy, unlearned in the ways of the world,
he merely said "Pooh!" and walked on, leaving his assailant in
possession of the field, calling out "coward!" and "sneak!" after him
till he was out of sight.

He was rather sorry afterwards for his mistake, as it turned out he
might have been much more profitably and pleasantly employed outside
than in.

Aspinall, whom he had come to look after, was nowhere visible, and,
feeling somewhat concerned for his safety, Heathcote ventured to enquire
of a junior who was loafing about in the passage, if he knew where the
little new fellow was.

"In bed, of course," said the junior, "and I'd advise you not to let
yourself be seen, unless you want to get in an awful row," added he
solemnly.

"What about?" asked Heathcote.

"Why, not being in bed. My eye! it'll be rather warm for you, I tell
you, if any of the Fifth catch you."

"Why, it's only half-past seven?"

"Well, and don't you know the rule about new boys always having to be in
bed by seven?" exclaimed the junior in tones of alarm.

"No. I don't believe it is the rule," said Heathcote.

"All right," said the boy, "you needn't believe it unless you like. But
don't say you weren't told, that's all," and he walked off, whistling.

Heathcote was perplexed. He suspected a practical joke in everything,
and had this junior been a trifle less solemn, he would have had no
doubt that this was one. As it was, he was sorry he had offended him,
and lost the chance of making quite sure. Dick, he knew, was still out
of doors, and he, it was certain, knew nothing about the rule.

But just then a Fifth-form fellow came along, and cut off the retreat.

He eyed the new boy critically as he advanced, and stopped in front of
him.

"What's your name?" he demanded.

"Heathcote."

"A new boy?"

"Yes."

"How is it you're not in bed? Do you know the time?"

"Yes," sa