e would be sure to betray
us sooner or later. I shall be wiser next time."

"Next--time?" The dismay in Desmond's voice made Scaife smile.

"Don't worry, Caesar. No more bridge for me; but," he laughed harshly,
"the leopard can't change his spots, and he won't give up hunting
because he has fallen into a trap, and got out of it. Come, let's
tackle the salmon."

The winter term came to an end, and the School broke up. Upon the
evening of the last Sunday, Warde said a few words to John.

"I propose to make some changes in the house," he said abruptly.
"Would you like to share No. 7 with Desmond?"

No. 7 was the jolliest two-room at the Manor. It overlooked the
gardens, and was larger than some three-rooms. Then John remembered
Scaife and the Duffer.

"Desmond has been with Scaife ever since he came to the house, sir."

"True. But I'm going to give Scaife a room to himself. He's entitled
to it as the future Captain of the Eleven. That is--settled. You and
Duff must part. He's two forms below you in the school, and never
likely to soar much higher than the Second Fifth. Next term you will
be in the Sixth, and by the summer I hope Desmond will have joined you.
You will find[2] together. Of course Scaife can find with you, if you
wish. I've spoken to him and Desmond."

And so, John's fondest hope was realized. When he came back to the
Manor, Desmond and he spent much time and rather more money than they
could afford in making No. 7 the cosiest room in the house.
Consciences were salved thus:--John bought for Desmond some picture or
other decorative object which cost more money than he felt justified in
spending on himself; then Desmond made John a similar present. It was
whipping the devil round the stump, John said, but oh! the delight of
giving his friend something he coveted, and receiving presents from him
in return.

During this term, Scaife became one of the school racquet-players. In
many ways he was admittedly the most remarkable boy at Harrow, the
Admirable Crichton who appears now and again in every decade. He won
the high jump and the hurdle-race. These triumphs kept him out of
mischief, and occupied every minute of his time. He associated with
the "Bloods," and one day Desmond told John that he considered himself
to have been "dropped" by this tremendous swell. John discreetly held
his tongue; but in his own mind, as before, he was convinced that
Scaife and Desmond would come toget