the drive, and looking
anything but a picture of the life and spirits they really represented.

That they were bound on an important journey was very evident. They
were muffled up in ulsters, and wore gloves and top hats--a vanity no
Mountjoy boy ever succumbed to, except under dire necessity. Yet it was
clear they were not homeward bound, for no trunks encumbered the lobby,
and no suggestion of _Dulce Domum_ betrayed itself in their dismal
features. Nor had they been expelled, for though their looks might
favour the supposition, they talked about the hour they should get back
that evening, and wondered if Mrs Ashford would have supper ready for
them in her own parlour. And it was equally plain that, whatever their
destination might be, they were not starting on a truant's expedition,
for the said Mrs Ashford presently came out and handed them each a
small parcel of sandwiches, and enjoined on them most particularly to
keep well buttoned up, and not let their feet get wet.

"It will be a cold drive for you, boys," said she; "I've told Tom to put
up at Markridge, so you will have a mile walk to warm you up before you
get to Templeton."

A waggonette appeared at the end of the drive, and began to approach
them.

"Ah, there's the trap; I'll tell Mr Ashford--"

Mr Ashford appeared just as the vehicle reached the door.

"Well, boys, ready for the road? Good bye, and good luck. Don't forget
whose son Edward the Fifth was, Coote. Keep your heads and you'll get
on all right. I trust you not to get into mischief on the way. All
right, Tom."

During this short harangue the three boys hoisted themselves, one by
one, into the waggonette, and bade a subdued farewell to their
preceptor, who stood on the doorstep, waving to them cheerily, until
they turned a corner and found themselves actually on the road to
Templeton.

Not to keep the reader further in suspense as to the purpose of this
important expedition, our three young gentlemen, having severally
attained the responsible age of fourteen summers, and having severally
absorbed into their systems as much of the scholastic pabulum of
Mountjoy House as that preparatory institution was in the habit of
dispensing to boys destined for a higher sphere, were this morning on
their way, in awe and trembling, to the examination hall of Templeton
school, there to submit themselves to an ordeal which would decide
whether or not they were worthy to emerge from their probati