`We concede that much. Well?'

`I have my doubts about it -- that's all. The more I know of boys the less do I profess myself capable of following their moods; but I own I shall be very much surprised if the scheme takes. It -- it isn't the temper of the school. We prepare for the Army.'

`My business -- in this matter -- is to carry out the wishes of the Council. They demand a volunteer cadet- corps. A volunteer cadet-corps will be furnished. I have suggested, however, that we need not embark upon the expense of uniforms till we are drilled. General Collinson is sending us fifty lethal weapons -- cut-down Sniders, he calls them -- all carefully plugged.'

`Yes, that is necessary in a school that uses loaded-saloon pistols to the extent we do.' The Reverend John smiled.

`Therefore there will be no outlay except the Sergeant's time.'

`But if he fails you will be blamed.'

`Oh, assuredly. I shall post a notice in the corridor this afternoon, and --'

`I shall watch the result.'

`Kindly keep your 'ands off the new arm-rack.'

Foxy wrestled with a turbulent crowd in the gymnasium. `Nor it won't do even a condemned Snider any good to be continual snappin' the lock, Mr. Swayne. -- Yiss, the uniforms will come later, when we're more proficient; at present we will confien ourselves to drill. I am 'ere for the purpose of takin' the names o' those willin' to join. -- Put down that Snider, Muster Hogan!'

`What are you goin' to do, Beetle?' said a voice.

`I've had all the drill I want, thank you.'

`What! After all you've learned? Come on. Don't be a scab! They'll make you corporal in a week,' cried Stalky.

`I'm not goin' up for the Army.' Beetle touched his spectacles.

`Hold on a shake, Foxy,' said Hogan. `Where are you goin' to drill us?'

`Here -- in the gym -- till you are fit an' capable to be taken out on the road.' The Sergeant threw a chest.

`For all the Northam cads to look at? Not good enough, Foxibus.'

`Well, we won't make a point of it. You learn your drill first, an' later we'll see.'

`Hullo,' said Ansell of Macrea's, shouldering through the mob. `What's all this about a giddy cadet-corps?'

`It will save you a lot o' time at Sandhurst,' the Sergeant replied promptly. `You'll be dismissed your drills early if you go up with a good groundin' before' and.'

`Hm! `'Don't mind learnin' my drill, but I'm not goin' to ass about the country with a toy Snider. Perowne, what are you goin' to do? Hogan's joinin'.'

`'Don't know whether I've the time,' said Perowne. `I've got no end of extra-tu. as it is.'

`Well, call this extra-tu.,' said Ansell. `'Twon't take us long to mug up the drill.'