like envy in his tones. "It takes half an hour's bawling
to stop a row like that in our house, and a licking or two into the
bargain; doesn't it, you fellows?"

Riddell laughed.

"They are cricket-mad at present," said he, "and I suppose they're
afraid of having their match against Parrett's stopped."

It was a modest way, no doubt, of accounting for their obedience to his
authority; but whatever the reason might be, it was certain the captain
had no further occasion to interfere that evening.

"There's one comfort about this match," said Fairbairn, after a pause,
"we probably shall not hear any more of that wretched boat-race now."

Whatever induced him to start this most unfortunate topic at this time
of all others?

Riddell, who amid all the excitement of the match had contrived
partially to forget the burden that lay on his spirit, started
uncomfortably at the words, and his face changed to one of undisguised
trouble. The others could hardly help noticing it.

"No, we're never likely to get at the bottom of it," said Porter; "so
the sooner it drops the better."

"It's very odd, all the same," said Fairbairn, "that there's not been a
single hint as to who did it. I wonder if, perhaps, we were wrong in
taking for granted it was more than an accident."

This last question was addressed to Riddell, who replied, nervously and
uneasily, "No, that is, yes. It can't have been. I'm sure it wasn't an
accident."

His three friends looked perplexed by his sudden confusion and change of
manner, and Porter had the presence of mind to change the subject.

"I hear there's a jolly row on between Silk and Gilks," said he. "No
one knows exactly why."

"I heard it was a bet," said Coates.

"At any rate they've had a split," said Porter.

"They never did much good while they were in partnership," said Coates.
"Young Wyndham got rather drawn in by them, I heard."

"Rather!" said Fairbairn. "He was precious near going to the dogs
altogether if old Riddell here hadn't pulled him up."

Riddell seemed to lack spirit to join in the conversation, which
continued without him.

"Yes, the young 'un cuts them dead now," said Porter, "but he's a bit
afraid of them still, I fancy."

"I suppose they could let out upon him about some scrape or other," said
Coates, "and that's what gives them a pull."

"Anyhow, it's a good job he has pulled up," said Fairbairn, "for he's
not a bad youngster. He's got into the second-elev