"Five years, sir," said Beetle hotly.

King scowled. "_One_ of you was that thing called a water-funk. Yes, a
water-funk. So now you wish to wash? It is well. Cleanliness never
injured a boy or--a house. We will proceed to business," and he
addressed himself to the call-over board.

"What the deuce did you say anything to him for, Beetle?" said McTurk
angrily, as they strolled towards the big, open sea-baths.

"'Twasn't fair--remindin' one of bein' a water-funk. My first term,
too. Heaps of chaps are--when they can't swim."

"Yes, you ass; but he saw he'd fetched you. You ought never to answer
King."

"But it wasn't fair, Stalky."

"My Hat! You've been here six years, and you expect fairness. Well,
you are a dithering idiot."

A knot of King's boys, also bound for the baths, hailed them,
beseeching them to wash--for the honor of their house.

"That's what comes of King's jawin' and messin'. Those young animals
wouldn't have thought of it unless he'd put it into their heads. Now
they'll be funny about it for weeks," said Stalky. "Don't take any
notice."