If there was one thing more than another that Dr Hellyer esteemed I
think I have already sufficiently pointed out it was his dignity--to the
glory of which the archdeacon's hat he always wore on Sundays eminently
contributed; and, as may be believed, he venerated this head-covering
accordingly.

It was against this hat I contemplated taking especial proceedings now.

Being held to be an outlaw to all ordinary discipline, the Doctor, to
have me under his own eye, made me walk close behind him in the
procession formed for our march to and from church. Tom and some three
or four other unruly members were also similarly distinguished; and, as
walking two-and-two abreast we made such a long string, that the masters
behind could not see what was going on in front, we usually had a good
deal of fun in the rear of the Doctor, without, of course, his
perceiving it, or the teachers betraying us.

Watching my chance, soon after we came out of church on this eventful
occasion, I dexterously managed to fasten the fish-hooks with the
crackers attached not only to different points of the master's garments,
but also to his hat; and, the scrunching of our feet on the gravel
pathway from the village deadening the sound I made in scratching the
match I used, I contrived to light the crackers before any one, save the
boys immediately alongside of me, perceived what I was doing.

Everything favoured me.

Presently, whiz--crack--and the Doctor's coat tails flew up as if by
magic, swaying to and fro in the air, although there was no wind; and
the fellows, smelling a "rat" as well as the burnt powder, began to
titter.

"What is that?" said the Doctor, sternly, turning round and confronting
us with an even more majestic deportment than usual.

Of course, nobody answered; but, the crack, crack, cracking continued,
and in another minute, with a bang, off went Dr Hellyer's hat!

Nor was that all. Putting up his hand, with a frantic clutch, to save
his headgear from falling into the mire, it being a drizzling, mizzling,
dirty November day, our worthy preceptor pulled away what we had always
imagined to be a magnificent head of hair, but what turned out now, alas
for human fallibility, only to be a wig!

This was a discovery with a vengeance; and, as might have been expected,
all the boys, as if with one accord, shouted with laughter.

Dr Hellyer was speechless with indignation. He was mad with pain as
well, for in clutching at his h