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`Were they, Turkey?' said Beetle unblushingly. `Don't you think Clewer looks a little cleaner, Padre?' Stalky interrupted. `We're no end of moral reformers,' said M`Turk. ****** `It was all Stalky, but it was a lark,' said Beetle. `I have noticed the moral reform in several quarters. Didn't I tell you you had more influence than any boys in the Coll. if you cared to use it?' `It's a trifle exhaustin' to use frequent--our kind of moral suasion. Besides, you see, it only makes Clewer cheeky.' `I wasn't thinking of Clewer; I was thinking of--the other people, Stalky.' `Oh, we didn't bother much about the other people,' said M`Turk. `Did we?' `But I did--from the beginning.' `Then you knew, sir?' A downward puff of smoke. `Boys educate each other, they say, more than we can or dare. If I had used one half of the moral suasion you may or may not have employed--' `With the best motives in the world. Don't forget our pious motives, Padre,' said M`Turk. `I suppose I should be now languishing in Bideford jail, shouldn't I? Well, to quote the Head, in a little business which we have agreed to forget, that strikes me as flagrant injustice. . . . What are you laughing at, you young sinners? Isn't it true? I will not stay to be shouted at. What I looked into this den of iniquity for was to find out if any one cared to come down for a bathe off the Ridge. But I see you won't.' `Won't we, though! Half a shake, Padre sahib, till we get our towels, and nous sommes avec vous!' |
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