andidates themselves, and when at last Sir
George Pony appeared on the scene in his carriage his enthusiastic young
supporters set up a cheer enough to frighten the good old gentleman out
of his wits, and, but for the active interference of the police, would
have insisted on taking out the horses and dragging the triumphal car
themselves round the town.

For a considerable time these juvenile demonstrations were allowed to
pass with good-humoured forbearance by the town; but when presently,
emboldened by their immunity, the schoolboys proceeded not only to hoot
but occasionally to molest the opposite side, the young Shellporters
began to resent the invasion. A few scuffles ensued, and the temper of
both parties rose. The schoolboys waxed more and more outrageous, and
the town boys more and more indignant, so that just about the time when
the poll was closing, and when call-over was being sounded up at the
school, a free fight had begun in the streets of Shellport.

At the first alarm the school had rallied from all sides, and
concentrated its forces on the enemy, who seemed determined to dispute
every inch of the ground between the town and the school.

How that battle ended, and how finally the schoolboys got home, we have
already seen.

Riddell did not feel it his duty under present circumstances to read his
visitors a lecture on the wickedness of breaking bounds. He said it was
a wonder they had all got up as safely as they had, and that no more
damage had been done. As to the penalties, he advised them to turn up
at call-over in the morning and hear all about that from the doctor.

Early next morning, just as Riddell was dressed, there was a knock at
his door, and young Wyndham entered.

He looked dejected and uncomfortable, but otherwise appeared to have
recovered from the effects of yesterday's ill-usage.

"I say," said he, going up to the captain and holding out his hand, "I'm
awfully sorry I was such a cad to you yesterday."

"Not a bit, old fellow," said Riddell, seizing his hand, and glowing
with pleasure at this unexpected visit. "Everybody was a bit riled, and
no wonder."

"But I've no excuse, I know, after all your brickishness to me, and now,
after your helping me out as you did in the scrimmage yesterday, I'm
awfully ashamed of being such a low cad."

This was evidently no put-on apology for the occasion, and Wyndham, as
he spoke, looked as penitent as his words.

"Oh, nonsense!" said Ri