e. During the school hours matters went on in their ordinary
routine. Some of the boys, who had been thinking over what was to be
done, were less attentive than usual, and had more faults in their
exercises. Games were got up and carried on by the boys with their
accustomed spirit. Hockey and football had now come in. The Doctor did
not prohibit any games, but he insisted that all should be played with
good temper; and a few he only allowed to be played in the presence of a
master. Hockey was one of these, and consequently it was not often
played, except when a large number could join in it together. A great
game of hockey was to be played one Saturday afternoon in November.
Blackall came forward as the chief on one side. He called over the
names of a number of boys, but only a few of the younger ones joined
him. He remarked that they were entirely Dawson's companions. Another
big fellow stood up to lead on the opposite side, but so few consented
to play that he was obliged to throw up his leadership. Then
Bracebridge, urged by several standing round him, stepped forward, and
he instantly had forty or fifty boys ranged under him. Those who had
previously ranged themselves under the other big fellow, Haddon, went
over to Blackall.

The sides were now more equal, but still Blackall had not enough on his
side. He cried out for followers, but still no one would go over to
him. Bracebridge had at last to send off some of his side to make both
parties equal. There were thus about forty on each side. Everybody
knows what a hockey-stick is like. It is a tough fellow, made of oak or
crab-apple tree, and turned up at the end in a crook, flattened somewhat
at the convex side. It is a formidable weapon, and it is very
disagreeable to receive a blow from it on the shins. In some places a
cork bung is used, but I have always seen and played with a light ball
made on purpose, and covered with leather. We were very particular at
Grafton Hall about our hockey balls. Though late in the year, the
weather was fine, so we played in the cricket-field. It was a fine wide
extent. A line drawn twenty yards in advance of the hedge on either
side formed the respective boundaries. It was nearly due north and
south. Ernest's party were on the north side, and their goal
consequently on the south side of the field. Bracebridge and Blackall
tossed up to settle which side was to begin. "Heads!" cried Ernest.
The shilling came