came rushing, helter-skelter, along the garden-path, cramming Mrs.
Vesey's answer into one of his crowded pockets, one could not be
surprised at his popularity, for a merrier-faced boy than Geoff did not
exist. And his looks did not belie his laughter-loving nature. The
boy overflowed with mischief and good-humour. His was one of those
natures that never fail to take their colour from their surroundings.
Geoff was influenced this way and that by every wind that blew. Had it
not been for Alick's bad example, the boy would have been as orderly
and obedient a pupil as even his tutor could desire. As matters stood,
however, Geoff trod on the heels of his mutinous elder brother in every
mischief hatched at the Bunk. There was this distinct difference
between the rebels, however: Alick's tricks and practical jokes, as
well as his rebellion against authority, had in them the strain of
_malice prepense_ which made of them blacker faults, while Geoff's
misdemeanours were committed in the name of, and for the sake of, pure
mischief. Splutters and Shutters instinctively recognised this kindred
spirit in the boy, as they tore madly after him through the garden,
barking vociferously their affectionate admiration.

'Binks, I say!' Geoff almost yelled in his endeavour to drown the
terriers' voices. 'Who do you think has come back to the village?
Why, Jerry Blunt, with one arm, poor chap, from that North Pole
expedition. He has given up the sea; and you'll never guess the land
trade he means to take up, not if you sat down for six weeks to think
it out. You couldn't, so I may as well tell you. Training young
bullfinches to sing tunes. Ho! ho! He! ho!' Geoff Carnegy had a most
extraordinary laugh of his own, and it rang out on the crisp salt air.

'Who told you? How did you hear?' shouted Alick from above.

'Why, Jerry himself has just been up to the Vicarage to tell Mr. Vesey
all about it, and---- But, wait a bit, I'll come up beside you and
finish the story!' and Geoff clambered up alongside of his brother.

'Whatever's that you're a-sayin' of, Muster Geoff?' Binks, with spade
in mid air, was open-mouthed.

'Jerry Blunt--you remember old Jerry, Binks, don't you? He has come
back from the North Pole.'

'Oh, comed back, has he? Jes' so! Well, I ain't surprised.'

'No, you never are, Binks!' Alick drily observed. 'Take an earthquake
to wake you up!' he added under his breath.

'And do'ee say as the lad's le