d with zeal for their
studies. At the first preparatory creak they made a simultaneous dash
for the entrance, which caused much mirth amongst the boarders.

Cadbury waved his arm in their direction, and turned up his eyes with an
air of mock tragedy, while he spouted with rolling "r's":

"How fair a sight it is to see
Youth lay aside its giddy glee,
Athirst for learning's boundless sea!
How different from you and me!"

"My dear boys," said Vickers, with pretended solemnity, "I require
obedience in you, but I desire something more--something which you can
give, but I cannot command. That something is cheerful obedience--ready
obedience--obedience that hurries gladly at the call of duty. And now
that you see a pattern of such obedience, you might do worse than copy
it."

His imitation of Mr. West's emphatic voice and rather studied manner was
so true to life that it was greeted with a roar of laughter, and for
once Vickers had the gratification of seeing his wit appreciated. The
very phrase, "you might do worse", was a favourite with the head-master,
and one which the boys had long ago selected for mimicry.

But now there came the faint, irregular stroke that foretold the
stopping of the bell, and the boys moved quickly towards the entrance,
and began to jostle one another in their haste. On reaching the door,
however, much fumbling and kicking began.

"Hi, you in front there! Look sharp and go in! We're waiting!" cried
Hallett in a voice of angry authority, and pushing commenced in the
rear.

"It's no good pushing; it's stuck!" was holloaed back, and the kicking
and banging increased in vigour.

"What nonsense! Let me come! It must be opened! Won't Pepper wire into
us in a minute!"

Green elbowed his way to the front, and turned the handle violently.
Only once, and then he faced round with the exclamation, "You fools!
It's locked!"

At which news much breath and a little time were wasted in furious
threats towards those by whom they had been tricked.

"Won't they pay for this!"

"West shall hear if they don't let us in sharp."

"I'll knock their heads together when I do get in!"

"The impudent beggars! We'll give them such a lesson!"

But within all was glee and triumph. Simmons and Bacon fairly danced
with malicious satisfaction, whilst Armitage and Mason chuckled grimly.

"What'll they do? Go round to the front?"

"They'll catch it if they do."

"We shall too if the joke once re