the school.

So the gathering broke up and the boys set to at their games, which
were played with a heartiness and zest all the greater that none
of them were in pain from recent punishment, and that they could
look forward to the afternoon without fear and trembling.

When at twelve o'clock the boys of the first class came out from
school the others crowded round to hear the result of the morning's
lessons. They looked bright and pleased.

"I think he is going to turn out a brick," Ripon, the head of the
first class, said. "Of course one can't tell yet. He was very quiet
with us and had a regular examination of each of us. I don't think
he was at all satisfied, though we all did our best, but there was
no shouting or scolding. We are to go in again this afternoon with
the rest. He says there's something which he forgot to mention to
us this morning."

"More speeches!" Mather grumbled. "I hate all this jaw."

"Yes," Ripon said sharply; "a cane is the thing which suits your
understanding best. Well, perhaps he will indulge you; obstinate
idleness is one of the things he mentioned in the address."

When afternoon school began Mr. Porson again rose.

"There is one thing I forgot to mention this morning. I understand that
you have hitherto passed your play time entirely in the playground,
except on Saturday afternoons, when you have been allowed to go where