hy didn't you
kick him?"

"Eh? Kick him? Yes, I was just going to," began Loman, scarcely
knowing what he said, "when--"

"When I turned up? Well, I shouldn't have interfered. By the way,
Loman, I suppose you've given up going to that public now? What's the
fellow's name?"

"Cripps," said Loman. "Oh, I never go near the place now."

"That's a good job. It was awkward enough his turning up as he did last
term, and all a chance the Doctor didn't hear of it, I can tell you.
Anyhow, now I'm captain, that sort of thing will have to drop, mind."

"Oh, I assure you I've never been near the place since," said Loman,
meekly, anxious if possible to keep the new captain in humour, much as
he disliked him.

"I'm glad of it," said Wren, coldly.

Just at that moment a third personage arrived on the scene. This was
Simon, who approached, not noticing Wren, and crying out with his usual
gush, "Hullo, Loman, I say. I saw Cripps to-day. He was asking after
you. He says you've not been down since last Sat--Hullo, Wren!"

And here the poet caught sight of the captain.

"So _you've_ been down to the Cockchafer, have you?" inquired Wren.

"Well. Oh, don't tell, Wren, I say. I don't often go. Ask Loman if I
do. He's always there, and could easily tell if I went. Do I go often,
Loman? Besides, I've given it up now!"

"Quick work," observed Wren, drily, "if you were down there this
morning."

"Well," said Simon, shifting his ground slightly, "I didn't think there
could be any harm, as Loman goes. _He's_ a monitor. And then I don't
owe Cripps money, do I, Loman? Or play cards and bet, like you, do I?
Oh, look here, Wren, do let us off this time. Don't report me, there's
a good fellow. I promise I won't do it again! Oh, I say, Loman, beg us
off. I never let out on you--not even when you got--"

Wren, who had allowed this burst of eloquence to proceed thus far, here
turned sharply on his heel, and left the two companions in wrong in
possession of the field.

Next morning, when Loman got up, he found the following note on his
table:

"Wraysford takes your place as monitor. The Doctor will be told you
have `resigned.'--C.W."

Loman crushed the paper angrily in his hand, and muttered a curse as he
flung it into the fire. He felt little enough gratitude to Wren for
describing him merely as resigned, and not, as was actually the case,
dismissed. Yet, even in his wretchedness, there was an atom of relief