arde, and became a dangerous
rival of one of the younger masters. He talked to Warde about
genealogies and hunting, topics of conversation in which they had a
common interest outside Harrow. John guessed that Warde was making an
effort to secure Egerton, who, for his part, took the world as he found
it, consorting alike with John and his friends, and also with Lovell
and Co. From the Caterpillar John learned that Beaumont-Greene had
begun to play bridge.

"Scaife and Lovell are skinning the beast," he added confidentially.
"Green he is, and no error."

"Ructions soon," said John.

"I don't believe it," replied the Caterpillar. "Take my word, Warde
knows what he's about. He's playing up to the younger members of the
house--you, Caesar, and you, Jonathan--and he's letting the others
slide."

"Giving 'em rope," said John, "to hang 'emselves."

"Well, now, there's something in that. That hadn't occurred to me.
What? You think that he's eggin' 'em on, eh? Eggin' 'em on!"

"I think that, if I were you, Caterpillar, I'd cut loose from that
gang."

"They've made it rather warm for you."

"I don't care a hang about that."

As a matter of fact, John's life had been made very unpleasant by the
fast set. Upon the other hand, the Duffer, Fluff, and many Lower
School boys reckoned him their leader and adviser. And--such is the
irony of Fate--John's popularity with friends caused him more anxiety
than unpopularity with enemies. Towards the end of the term, Desmond
spoke of applying to Warde for a certain room to be shared by himself
and John. John had to decline an arrangement desired passionately,
because he had indiscreetly promised not to chuck the Duffer. Caesar
dropped the subject. After this, John noticed a slight coldness. He
wondered whether Caesar were jealous, jealousy being John's own
besetting sin. Finally, he came to the conclusion that his friend
might be not jealous but unreasonable. In any case, during the last
three weeks of the term, John saw less of Caesar, and more--more,
indeed, than he wanted--of the Duffer and Fluff.

And then came the paralysing news that Desmond had promised to spend
ten days with Scaife's people, that a Professional had been hired, and
that both boys were going to give their undivided energies to cricket.

Afterwards, John often wondered whether Scaife, with truly demoniac
insight into Desmond's character, had let him go, so as to seize him
with more tenacious