scinating hobby of
training his favourite pupil for the Team, much as an owner delights
in running a favourite horse for the Derby. And, when one evening I
uprooted his leg-stump twice in succession, he said:

"Good. Now we shall see what we shall see."

In the meantime Lancaster had buttonholed Doe.

"You used to be a great cricketer, usedn't you?"

"When I was a boy, Honion," said Doe.

"And you've slacked abominably."

"Thou sayest so, Honion."

"Well, my son, the last place in the Team is vacant. You should be
too good for the Second. Practise like fury, and the situation's
yours."

Sec.2

"What do you think, Doe?" said I. "Radley's making me sweat to get
into the Team."

A momentary pain and jealousy overspread Doe's face. Quickly
passing, it gave place to a whimsical glance, as he rejoined:

"What do you think? Honion's doing the same with me."

"Look here, then," said I, as much despairingly as generously, "I'll
stand down. You'll be fifty times better than I shall."

"You won't do anything of the sort. Don't you see Radley's running
you as a candidate to spite me? No, we'll fight this out, you and I.
Shake on it, and good luck to your candidature!"

"You ripping old tragedy hero!" answered I. "Good luck to yours."

Now, all Kensingtowe amused itself speculating who would be the last
man. Many names were mentioned, but Ray was not one of them. Bets
were made, and the odds were slightly in favour of Doe. The
sentiment of the school said that he ought to be played on the
strength of the brilliant things he might do.

The match drew nearer, and the secret as to the last man was
severely kept, if, indeed, any decision had been come to. But Doe
was establishing himself as favourite. Every day a crowd surrounded
the Second Eleven net, where he, with his face suffused in colour
and his hair glistening with moisture, was striving to create the
necessary impression. Honion, as general, surrounded by his
staff-officers in their caps and colours, sometimes stood by the net
and pulled his chin contemplatively. And, if Doe made a fine
off-drive, all the onlookers (and Doe himself) turned and glanced at
Honion, as though for a sign from Heaven. But the great man's face
betrayed no emotion.

On the day before the match, which was to be a one-day game, Honion
might have been seen crossing the field from the pavilion, where a
council of war had just concluded. He was approaching the
school-buildings, and