s motor-cars, his exploits at regimental cricket, at
polo and at golf.

He patronized every one with a splendid affability, every one except
Sir Maurice; and him he addressed, with a flattering air of perfect
equality, as "Maurice, old boy," or "Maurice, old chap," or plain
"Maurice." He did shine; his agreeable exertions threw him into a warm
perspiration; his nose shone especially; and they all hated him.

The Twins were busy handing round tea-cups and cakes, but they were
aware that their mother's tea-party was a failure. As a rule her
little parties were so pleasant with their atmosphere of friendliness;
and her guests went away pleased with themselves, her and one another.
The Terror was keenly alive to the effect of Captain Baster; and a
faint persistent frown troubled his serenity. Erebus was more dimly
aware that her enemy was spoiling the party. Only Sir Maurice and Mr.
Carrington really enjoyed the humorist; and Sir Maurice's enjoyment was
mingled with vexation.

Every one had finished their tea; and they were listening to Captain
Baster in a dull aggravation and blank silence, when he came to the end
of his panegyric on his possessions and accomplishments, and remembered
his grievance. Forthwith he related at length the affair of the night
before: how he had been stoned by a dozen hulking scoundrels on the
common. When he came to the end of it, he looked round for sympathy.

His audience wore a strained rather than sympathetic air, all of them
except the higher mathematician who had turned away and was coughing
violently.

The vicar broke the silence; he said: "Er--er--yes; most extraordinary.
But I don't think it could have been the villagers. They're--er--very
peaceful people."

"It must have been some rowdies from Rowington," said the squire in the
loud tone of a man trying to persuade his hearers that he believed what
he said.

Erebus rose and walked to the gravel path; their eyes fixed in an
incredulous unwinking stare.

She picked up three pebbles from the path, choosing them with some
care. The first pebble hit the weathercock, which rose above the right
gable of the house, plumb in the middle; the second missed its tail by
a couple of inches; the third hit its tail, and the weathercock spun
round as if a vigorous gale were devoting itself to its tail only.

"That's where I meant to hit it the first time," said Erebus with a
little explanatory wave of her hand; and she returned to he