shall make you. I earnestly pray no spur may be necessary to urge you
at your tasks. Yet, salutary it is that spur should exist. I arrange,
therefore, that in the deplorable event of your failing to pass any
examination your allowance shall be diminished."

"Will it be correspondingly increased when I pass first shot?"

The fearful possibilities of this suggestion Mr. Marrapit had
hesitated to accept. Speculation was abhorrent to this man. Visions of
success upon success demanding increase upon increase considerably
agitated him. Upon the other hand, the sooner these successes were
won, the sooner, he reflected, would he be rid of this incubus, and,
in the long-run, the cheaper. He nerved himself to the decision. "I
agree to that," he had said. "The compact is affirmed."

It was a wretched compact for George.

But the sum had not yet been fixed. George, standing opposite his
uncle, twisted one leg about the other; twined his clammy hands; put
the awful question: "By how much will the allowance be increased or
cut down?"

"By two pounds a quarter."

George plunged: "So if I fail in my first exam. I shall get eleven
pounds at the quarter? if I pass, fifteen?"

Horror widened Mr. Marrapit's eyes; shrilled his voice: "What is the
colossal sum you anticipate?"