admission.

"The worst of it is, it makes the house run down. I expected we were
going to do big things this term."

"It's not Tempest's fault if we don't," said I.

"Of course not. It's Jarman's. Every one knows that. It's rather a
pity Tempest takes it so meekly, though. Fellows will think he's either
afraid or doesn't care; and neither would be true."

"I should think not."

There was a pause, during which Crofter sculled on. Then he said,--

"Tempest and I don't hit it, somehow. He doesn't like me, does he?"

"Well--no, I don't fancy he does," I admitted.

"I dare say he advises you to fight shy of me, and that sort of thing,
eh?"

This was awkward; but I could not well get out of it.

"Yes."

Crofter laughed sweetly.

"I wish he'd let me be friends. I hate to see a fellow coming to grief,
and not be allowed to give him a leg-up."

"Tempest's not coming to grief," said I.

"Well, not perhaps that, only it's a pity he's adding to his other
troubles by getting head-over-ears in debt. I hear he's been going it
pretty well in the shops. You should give him a friendly tip."

This was a revelation to me. I had gathered some time ago, from what
Pridgin had said, that there was some fear of it; but I had hoped I had
made a mistake.

"Who told you?" said I.

"A good many people are talking about it; including some of the shopmen.
It's just one of those things that a fellow himself never dreams
anybody knows about till it's public property. That's why I wish I were
on good enough terms to give him the tip."

"If he's owing anybody he'll pay," said I, feeling a great sinking in my
heart.

"Look out for that stake in the water there; pull your left! Narrow
shave that. Of course he means to pay. What I'm afraid of is, Jarman
or England or any of them getting to hear of it. Ever since Sweeten
last year got turned out of the headship of his house, and afterwards
expelled, it's seemed to me to be a risky thing for a fellow to run into
debt. These shopmen are such sneaks. If they can't get their money
from the fellow, they send their bills in to the house master, and
sometimes to the head master; and then it's a precious awkward thing.
How are you getting on in your form?"

I had not much spirit to tell him, and if I had there was no time, for
just then the swish of a pair of sculls came round the corner behind us,
and presently a boat at almost racing speed appeared in sight.

"Pull yo