did ye not, see my notice-boards? Don't attempt to deny it! Ye did.
Silence, Sergeant!"

Twenty-one years in the army had left their mark on Foxy. He obeyed.

"Now. March!" The high Lodge gate shut with a clang. "My duty! A
sergeant to tell me my duty!" puffed Colonel Dabney. "Good Lard! more
sergeants!"

"It's King! It's King!" gulped Stalky, his head on the horsehair
pillow. McTurk was eating the rag-carpet before the speckless hearth,
and the sofa heaved to the emotions of Beetle. Through the thick
glass the figures without showed blue, distorted, and menacing.

"I--I protest against this outrage." King had evidently been running
up hill. "The man was entirely within his duty. Let--let me give you
my card."

"He's in flannels!" Stalky buried his head again.

"Unfortunately--most unfortunately--I have not one with me, but my
name is King, sir, a house-master of the College, and you will find
me prepared--fully prepared--to answer for this man's action. We've
seen three--"

"Did ye see my notice-boards?"

"I admit we did; but under the circumstances--"

"I stand _in_loco_parentis_." Prout's deep voice was added to the