`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!'


  By PanEris using Melati.

Previous chapter/page Back Home Email this Search Discuss Bookmark Next chapter
Copyright: All texts on Bibliomania are © Bibliomania.com Ltd, and may not be reproduced in any form without our written permission. See our FAQ for more details.