d only
came to L4 16 shillings 6 pence, instead of L4 17 shillings 6 pence. I
don't want the other shilling, but hope you bought yourself something
nice with it. You must consider it a present from Tempest, not me."

I timed red and white in the sudden confusion of that announcement. I
was positively certain 2 shillings 6 pence had been the change, and that
if there was any mistake it must be on the part of the tradesmen, not
me. But how was I likely to convince Crofter, or, for the matter of
that, Tempest, that such was the case?

"I promise you," said I, "I only had 2 shillings 6 pence change.
Really, Crofter, do believe me."

"I believe every word you say," said Crofter, with a smile. "I have
every reason to, haven't I?"

"But, really and truly--"

"What's the use of saying any more? Of course, it's all really and
truly. I've no doubt Tempest believes it too."

"Please let me see the bills," pleaded I; "I'll show you I'm right."

"Unfortunately Tempest has them. I dare say he will be delighted."

"You haven't told him about this, have you?" I gasped, in helpless
misery.

"I'm going to; it's too good a joke to be kept to myself; I don't
suppose he'll mind. Certainly he won't be surprised."

"Oh, Crofter, for goodness' sake, don't tell him this!" said I,
blundering on into an appearance of guiltiness of which I was quite
innocent. "I'm wanting so awfully to be friends with him again. I've
given him back all I got out of the shops; and it will spoil everything
if you tell him this, really--it isn't true either."

Crofter laughed pleasantly.

"It's rather likely I should shield you, isn't it? when all this term
you and your friends have been insulting and defying me, and setting
yourself to upset my authority as captain of the house."

"Oh, but we aren't!"

"What does this precious thing mean?" demanded he, producing the famous
round-robin; "it's meant to be all politeness, I suppose."

"It only means," faltered I, "that we are sorry Tempest is not captain."

"Naturally. It's nice to have a captain one can swindle and rob, isn't
it?"

I groaned miserably--it seemed no use trying to put myself right.

"If you chose to be civil and back me up, it would be different," said
Crofter.

"But we are--we're going as steady as anything," said I.

"What do you mean by going to Pridgin and Wales and Tempest for _exeats_
and special leave instead of to me?" he demanded.

This was a point I was