the term went on very peacefully, but with a growing expectation that
this would not be the last one in Wales. News from Uppingham of the
unpreparedness of the place to receive us left little room for doubt, but
the question was not decided (at least, officially) even at the date of
the break-up. The prospect of a fresh period of makeshift life was not a
welcome one; but the worst had been faced by this time, and found, after
all, not hard to deal with. The long dark evenings of November proved a
less difficulty than was anticipated. With afternoon school shifted to
the hour of sunset, and with meetings of the Debating and other societies
on half-holiday evenings, the dark hours did not hang heavily, and the
expected tedium of an Arctic winter was not experienced. The term closed
with a concert given in the Assembly Room at Aberystwith, December 13th,
and another on the next night in the Temperance Hall at popular prices.
On the 14th, a team of Old Boys played the usual football match against
the Present School, and were beaten by two goals to one. That evening
the class-list was read and the prizes given. If the boys hoped to
gather from the Headmaster's speech an intimation of where they would
meet him after Christmas they were disappointed. The government had as
yet no communication to make. Next morning, in the darkness before dawn,
the special train carried them to their homes, to await with curiosity
their next marching orders.




CHAPTER XI.--LUDIBRIA MARIS.


_Sit down_, _and hear the last of our sea-sorrow_.