`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!'