Part 32 (1/2)

They raided Keyte's very much at their own sweet will, for the old man, who knew them well, was deep in talk with Foxy. ”I make what we've taken seven and six,” Stalky called at last over the counter; ”but you'd better count for yourself.”

”No--no. I'd take your word any day, Muster Corkran.--In the Pompadours, was he, Sergeant? We lay with them once at Umballa, I think it was.”

”I don't know whether this ham-and-tongue tin is eighteen pence or one an' four.”

”Say one an' fourpence, Muster Corkran... Of course, Sergeant, if it was any use to give my time, I'd be pleased to do it, but I'm too old. I'd like to see a drill again.”

”Oh, come on, Stalky,” cried McTurk. ”He isn't listenin' to you. Chuck over the money.”

”I want the quid changed, you a.s.s. Keyte! Private Keyte! Corporal Keyte!

Terroop-Sergeant-Major Keyte, will you give me change for a quid?”

”Yes--yes, of course. Seven an' six.” He stared abstractedly, pushed the silver over, and melted away into the darkness of the back room.

”Now those two'll jaw about the Mutiny till tea-time,” said Beetle.

”Old Keyte was at Sobraon,” said Stalky. ”Hear him talk about that sometimes! Beats Foxy hollow.”

The Head's face, inscrutable as ever, was bent over a pile of letters.

”What do you think?” he said at last to the Reverend John Gillett.

”It's a good idea. There's no denying that--an estimable idea.”

”We concede that much. Well?”

”I have my doubts about it--that's all. The more I know of boys the less do I profess myself capable of following their moods; but I own I shall be very much surprised if the scheme takes. It--it isn't the temper of the school. We prepare for the Army.”

”My business--in _this_ matter--is to carry out the wishes of the Council. They demand a volunteer cadet-corps. A volunteer cadet-corps will be furnished. I have suggested, however, that we need not embark upon the expense of uniforms till we are drilled. General Collinson is sending us fifty lethal weapons--cut-down Sniders, he calls them--all carefully plugged.”

”Yes, that is necessary in a school that uses loaded saloon-pistols to the extent we do.” The Reverend John smiled.

”Therefore there will be no outlay except the Sergeant's time.”

”But if he fails you will be blamed.”

”Oh, a.s.suredly. I shall post a notice in the corridor this afternoon, and--”

”I shall watch the result.”

”Kindly keep your 'ands off the new arm-rack.” Foxy wrestled with a turbulent crowd in the gymnasium. ”Nor it won't do even a condemned Snider any good to be continual snappin' the lock, Mr. Swayne.--Yiss, the uniforms will come later, when we're more proficient; at present we will confine ourselves to drill. I am 'ere for the purpose o' takin' the names o' those willin' to join.--Put down that Snider, Muster Hogan!”

”What are you goin' to do, Beetle?” said a voice.

”I've had all the drill _I_ want, thank you.”

”What! After all you've learned? Come on! Don't be a scab! They'll make you corporal in a week,” cried Stalky.

”I'm not goin' up for the Army.” Beetle touched his spectacles.