`Wait a sec,' said Stalky, continuing the conversation in a loud and cheerful voice, as they descended the stairs. `What did Rabbits-Eggs rock King for?'

`I know,' said Beetle, as they passed King's open door. `I was in his study.'

`Hush, you ass!' hissed the Emperor of China. `Oh, he's gone down to prayers,' said Beetle, watching the shadow of the house-master on the wall. `Rabbits-Eggs was only a bit drunk, swearin' at his horse, and King jawed him through the window, and then, of course, he rocked King.'

`Do you mean to say,' said Stalky, `that King began it?'

King was behind them, and every well-weighed word went up the staircase like an arrow. `I can only swear,' said Beetle, `that King cursed like a bargee. Simply disgustin'. I'm goin' to write to my father about it.'

`Better report it to Mason,' suggested Stalky. `He knows our tender consciences. Hold on a shake. I've got to tie my bootlace.'

The other study hurried forward. They did not wish to be dragged into stage asides of this nature. So it was left to M`Turk to sum up the situation beneath the guns of the enemy.

`You see,' said the Irishman, hanging on the banister, `he begins by bullying little chaps; then he bullies the big chaps; then he bullies some one who isn't connected with the College, and then he catches it. Serves him jolly well right. . . . I beg your pardon, sir. I didn't see you were coming down the staircase.'

The black gown tore past like a thunder-storm, and in its wake, three abreast, arms linked, the Aladdin Company rolled up the big corridor to prayers, singing with most innocent intention:

`Arrah, Patsy, mind the baby! Arrah, Patsy, mind the child!
Wrap him up in an overcoat, he's surely goin' wild!
Arrah, Patsy, mind the baby; just ye mind the child awhile!
He'll kick an' bite an' cry all night! Arrah, Patsy, mind the child!'