s if you weren't certain of a first
class even if you were not to look at another book between now and
then."

"I'm not at all certain," said George, anxiously.

"Yes you are, and if you hadn't worked yourself into an unhealthy,
morbid state you would know it. No, old fellow, we've never quarrelled
yet, and don't let us begin."

"Certainly not. Why should we?"

"We shall if I don't get my way. Now tell me, what time did you go to
bed last night?"

"Three, I believe."

"No, it wasn't, it was four, for I heard you over head; and the night
before it was three; and the night before that, if I mistake not, you
didn't go to bed at all. Eh?"

George smiled, but said nothing.

"Well," said Jim, putting down his foot, "this must be stopped. You may
work till ten every night, but then you _must_ go to bed, or you and I
will fall out."

Jim looked so grave as he said this that George was bound to take it in
the earnest way in which it was meant. A long argument ensued. George
pleaded, Jim bullied, and at last my master was obliged to promise to
give over work at twelve every night for the next fortnight. But more
he would not promise. No persuasions could tempt him out of doors for
more than a hurried five minutes' walk, or induce him to yield to the
fascinations of the organ. As the days went on, too, he grew more and
more despondent about his own chances, and implored more than once to be
released from his promise. But Jim was inflexible, and held him grimly
to his engagement.

"You're certain to be among the first three," he said, over and over
again, "and if you'll only give yourself two days' rest you may be
first."

"Yes, of the third class," mournfully replied my master. "I tell you
what, Jim, it isn't fair to bind me down to a promise I made almost
under compulsion, and for fear of making you angry."

"It's quite fair, and you would make me angry if you didn't stick to it.
Why, my dear fellow, has it ever occurred to you I'm in for the same
Tripos as you, and I'm not behaving as ridiculously as you?"

"You are safe to be in the second class," said George.

"I wish I were as safe of a second as you are of a first; but I wouldn't
kill myself to be senior classic."

"You forget how important it is for me to take a good place."

"It is far more important to retain your health."

"Think what a difference it would make at home if I got a fellowship."

"What a difference it would make if you ha