in
thinking you know everything, whereas you're about as green as they make
them. Why ever do you pretend not to be? Look at that other new kid--
the other one who sang. He's green too; but, bless you, it's no crime,
and all the fellows take to him because he doesn't put on side like you.
Why, that song you sang--oh, my stars!--what on _earth_ put that rot
into your head?"

This finished up poor Fisher minor. The recollection of his performance
last night was more than he could stand, and he began to whimper.

"Come, old chap," said Fisher major, kindly, patting him on the
shoulder; "perhaps it's not all your fault. I suppose I ought to have
given you a leg-up, and prevented you making a fool of yourself. You'll
get on right enough if you don't swagger. And in any case, don't
blubber."

"I shall never get on here," said the new boy. "All the fellows are
against me. Besides--I didn't know it was wrong; and--oh, Tom?--I lent
a fellow half a crown, and now I've nothing to pay for the clubs!"

Fisher major laughed.

"I thought from your tones you were going to confess a murder, at least.
You'd better look alive and get the half-crown back."

"That's just it. I lent it in the dark to a--a Modern chap; and I don't
know his name."

"Upon my honour, Joey, you are a-- Well, it's no good saying what you
are. I hope you'll see your money again, that's all."

Fisher minor groaned.

"Would you ever mind lending me half-a-crown for the clubs, just this
once?" he pleaded.

"Very convenient arrangement. I suppose I shall have to. At least I'll
mark you as paid; and if you've not got back what you've lent your
friend before I have to shell out, I shall have to pay it for you."

"Thanks, Tom; you're an awful brick," said the younger brother,
brightening up rapidly. "I say, I wish I could be your fag. Couldn't
I?"

"Ranger's bagged you--you'll get on better with him than me. He won't
stand as much nonsense as I might. There! he is calling. Cut along,
and don't go making such an ass of yourself again. You'll have to get
on the best you can with your fellows; I can't interfere with them
unless they break rules, you know. You can come in here, of course, any
time you like, and if you want a leg-up with preparation, and Ranger's
busy, you may as well do your work here."

After this Fisher major felt a little easier in his conscience, and was
able to face the tasks of the day with a lighter mind than if he