and sink into private life."

"Now I just vow to goodness, as I'll do all I can to get these
cloisters took from you boys," shrieked old Ketch, clasping his hands
together. "There's insults as flesh and blood can't stand; and, as sure
as I'm living, I'll pay you out for it."

He turned tail and hobbled off, as he spoke, and the boys raised "three
groans for Jack Ketch," and then rushed away by the other entrance to
their own dinners. The fact was, the porter had brought ill will upon
himself, through his cross-grained temper. He had no right whatever to
interfere between the boys and the cloisters; it was not his place to
do so. The king's scholars knew this; and, being spirited king's
scholars, as they were, would not stand it.

"Tom," said Arthur Channing, "don't say anything at home about the
organ. Wait and see if I get it, first. Charley did not hear; he was
ordered off with the juniors."





CHAPTER VIII.


THE ASSISTANT-ORGANIST.

Things often seem to go by the rule of contrary. Arthur returned to the
office at two o'clock, brimful of the favour he was going to solicit of