dred boys," replied Pocket, a little puzzled.

"And how many keepers do they require?"

A grin apologised for the word.

"There must be over thirty masters," returned Pocket more pointedly than
before. He was not going to stand chaff about his public school from a
mad German doctor.

"And they arm you for the battle of life with Latin and Greek, eh?"

"Not necessarily; there's a Modern Side. You can learn German if you
like!" said Pocket, not without contempt.

"Do you?"

"I don't like," said the boy gratuitously.

"Then we must stick to your excellent King's English."

Pocket turned a trifle sulky. He felt he had not scored in this little
passage. Then he reflected upon the essential and extraordinary kindness
which had brought him to a decent breakfast-table that morning. That made
him ashamed; nor could he have afforded to be too independent just yet,
even had he been so disposed in his heart. His asthma was a beast that
always growled in the background; he never knew when it would spring upon
him with a roar. Breakfast pacified the brute; hot coffee always did; but
the effects soon wore off, and the boy was oppressed again, yet deadly
weary, long before it was time for him to go to Welbeck Street.

"Is there really nothing you can take?" asked Dr. Baumgartner, standing
over him in the drawing-room, where Pocket sat hunched up in the big
easy-chair.

"Nothing now, I'm afraid, unless I could get some of those cigarettes.
And Dr. Bompas would kick up an awful row!"

"But it's inhuman. I'll go and get them myself. He should prescribe for
such an emergency."

"He has," said Pocket. "I've got some stuff in my bag; but it's no use
taking it now. It's meant to take in bed when you can have your sleep
out."

And he was going into more elaborate details than Dr. Bompas had done,
when the other doctor cut him short once more.

"But why not now? You can sleep to your heart's content in that chair;
nobody will come in."

Pocket shook his head.

"I'm due in Welbeck Street at twelve."

"Well, I'll wake you at quarter to, and have a taxi ready at the door.
That will give you a good two hours."

Pocket hesitated, remembering the blessed instantaneous effect of the
first bottle under the bush.

"Would you promise to wake me, sir? You're not going out?"

"I shall be in again."

"Then it is a promise?"

Pocket would have liked it in black and white.

"Certainly, my young fellow! Is the stuff i