as,
that Tempest being a Sharper, was presumably prejudiced in favour of the
Philosophers. However, he had the reputation of being addicted to fair
play.

"The side that's pulled down," said he, "clears out, and goes somewhere
else; and the side that wins I'll photograph in a group."

It was a tremendous prize to offer, and served to stimulate both teams
to the uttermost. We had a rope with us which easily stretched across
the dell, and admitted the twenty pairs of hands on either side to grasp
it. Tempest carefully saw that neither side started with the least
advantage, and waited till we were all ready before giving the signal.

A tug of war in which each side is ranged up the steep slope of a hollow
is very different work from a tug on the level, as we soon found out.
Indeed, as soon as the rope was stretched, those lowest down were
hanging on to it by their finger tips, while those higher up were
obliged to sit down to get within anything like reach. Under these
circumstances the contest was short and sharp, and ended in a draw. For
each side lost its footing the moment the strain was applied, and almost
before Tempest had given the signal, the whole forty of us were
sprawling in a confused heap on the grassy floor of the Bottom.

This abortive contest had the effect (which probably Tempest intended)
of smoothing over, to some extent, the angry dispute which was on foot,
and which was still further allayed by his undertaking to take a monster
joint photograph of the two clubs, provided we stood or sat still for
the process.

After that, he good-naturedly remained at our invitation, to officiate
as judge in some impromptu sports, in which, once again, the rival
parties proved most evenly matched. Finally, as evening was drawing on,
he consented just to witness a hurried display of our joint fireworks,
after which, he told us, we must at once take to our boats and repair
home.

It was an imposing display. Twelve Roman candles were set up at regular
distances round the hollow, with a fellow in charge of each. Two
rockets were set in position, one on either side, and green and red
lights alternately were planted on the banks above. At a given signal
from Tempest, all were simultaneously lit, and in a perfect blaze of
glory, accompanied by a babel of cheers, we concluded our programme.

At least, not quite. One unrehearsed incident was yet to come. For, as
the smoke cleared off and the noise ceased, an