warned me of this kind of
thing. I had been brought up in utter ignorance of such coarse
knowledge as is forced upon one here, and with my reminiscences of home,
I could not bear even that much of it which it was impossible to avoid.
But the very first time such talk was begun in my dormitory, I spoke
out. What I said I don't know, but I felt as if I was trampling on a
slimy poisonous adder, and, at any rate, I showed such pain and distress
that the fellows dropped it at the time. Since then I have absolutely
refused to stay in the room if ever such talk is begun. So it never is
now, and I do think the fellows are very glad of it themselves."

"Well," said Montagu, "I don't profess to look on it from the religious
ground, you know, but I thought it blackguardly, and in bad taste, and
said so. The fellow who began it threatened to kick me for a conceited
little fool, but he didn't; and they hardly ever venture on that line
now."

"It is more than blackguardly, it is deadly," answered Russell; "my
father said it was the most fatal curse which could ever become rife in
a public school."

"Why do masters never give us any help or advice on these matters?"
asked Eric thoughtfully.

"In sermons they do. Don't you remember Rowlands's sermon not two weeks
ago on Kibroth-Hattaavah? But I for one think them quite right not to
speak to us privately on such subjects, unless we invite confidence.
Besides, they cannot know that any boys talk in this way. After all, it
is only a very few of the worst who ever do."

They got up and walked home, but from day to day Eric put off performing
the duty which Russell had advised, viz.--a private request to Ball to
abstain from his offensive communications, and an endeavour to enlist
Duncan into his wishes.

One evening they were telling each other stories in Number 7. Ball's
turn came, and in his story the vile element again appeared. For a
while Eric said nothing, but as the strain grew worse, he made a faint
remonstrance.

"Shut up there, Williams," said Attlay, "and don't spoil the story."

"Very well. It's your own fault, and I shall shut my ears."

He did for a time, but a general laugh awoke him. He pretended to be
asleep, but he listened. Iniquity of this kind was utterly new to him;
his curiosity was awakened; he no longer feigned indifference, and the
poison of evil communication flowed deep into his veins.

Oh, young boys, if your eyes ever read these pages