e heard the remark, Dr. Simpson-Martyn--irreverently
nicknamed 'Simmy'--would probably have 'expected' two hundred lines the
next morning, for disrespect.)

'Learn crochet and fancy work,' suggested Harvey, helpfully.

'Form an "anti-games" league,' said another.

'Or promote a debating society where your humour and intelligence might
be displayed,' added Howard.

'If you chaps would use that brilliance in trying to find a way out of
this hole, we might arrive at something definite,' said Crowther,
returning to his grievance. '"Substitute some athletic pursuit involving
less danger to the general public: something more conducive to the
preserving of law and order,"' he quoted, bitterly, with a clever
imitation of the fussy little Doctor's pompous manner. 'Fancy giving up
hare-and-hounds for some "pursuit" like croquet, or ping-pong,' and
Crowther's scowl deepened.

'It was jolly hard that we should be throwing down the scent just as old
Simmy's trap drove along. I wonder he isn't ashamed to own an animal,
supposed to be a horse, that is frightened at the sight of a few
fragments of paper.'

'I suppose he would have no objection to our continuing the pursuit of
our favourite pastime, providing no "element of danger," such as paper,
was introduced?'

Britt, the common corruption of Leslie's nickname of 'Encyclopaedia
Britannica,' spoke with the drawl that usually meant the origination of
some new scheme.

'What's the idea?' asked Harvey, coming briefly to the point.

'It is only in the region of the town that Doctor Simpson-Martyn has
forbidden us to scatter the dangerous element, is it not?' Britt asked,
very calmly, ignoring his questioner. Then he ducked just in time to
avoid a well-aimed book.

'Oh, dry up, Britt, and come to the point,' exclaimed the irritated
Harvey, but Crowthar nodded in answer to Britt's remark.

'Well, why not make a chalk mark, or something of that kind, on the
pavement or walls, as long as we are in the town, and use the paper when
we are out of bounds? Of course, it won't be so exciting, and not half
such sport, but it is better than nothing, seems to me.'

The group considered thoughtfully.

'It seems a pretty tame idea,' said Harvey, without enthusiasm.

Britt was not in the least disturbed by this cold reception. 'Suggest a
better one,' he rejoined, promptly; but Harvey's ideas did not seem to
be numerous.

Crowther's brow had cleared. He had great faith in Britt's schem