Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2012 16:22:11 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tom Browning's Schooldays

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			    Chapter FortyThree


I watched as the pair went from the room.  Being very inquisitive and
hoping that no harm would come to Robin I followed a few moments later when
two of the others also left the room. It was dark outside but two lanterns
had been lit so a little light made the path towards the main door of
Ridley's House visible.  I saw Collett and Robin in earnest conversation
side by side.  I could not hear what was being said as I tarried by the
door I had just exited.  They turned and faced each other and stood a pace
or so apart.  I was ready to rush forward but a hand clutched my sleeve.
"Stay still!" I was commanded.  It was George.  I was then relieved because
arms were stretched out and there were hearty handshakes between the pair.
"I thought so," came a throaty whisper, "But in case..."  He pulled my
sleeve again.  "Come inside, it's warmer!"

     I followed him in and joined the others who had settled to chess like
Aubrey and Theo, or the various card games preferred by Branscombe,
Maitland and Gordon.  George picked up a discarded pack of picture cards.
"A little child's play while we wait, eh?"  It was: a game of 'Snap'.  He
won as I was more concerned about that interchange between Collett and
Robin.  The handshake was a comfort as I knew Collett had been disparaging
about Robin's change of status.  It was common knowledge that the niceties
of class in society could lead to rifts and animosities.  With my own group
of schoolfellows I had not experienced any notions of greater or lower
status although we all came from different levels of good society.  I had,
of course, noticed it in the churlish behaviour of others and the
overweening pomposity of some in the School.  I could keep my distance but
unfortunately those in lowly station, such as the servants, could not.

     I did not see the pair enter as I had my back to the door but the
smile on George's face told all.  I peered round and they were arm in arm
and sharing some jest.  My fears abated and George wrinkled his nose at me.
"All's well that end's well, eh?"  We set to again and I won this time but
George was bored with such infantile pursuits I could see.  "I'm more than
weary," he admitted, "I will sleep well tonight with no disturbance from
sharing.  Young Henry is a mighty fidget and I got kicked awake more than
once with him between us.  I threatened to tie him to the bedpost but
Gordon put him on the outside the next night and endured the kicks."  I
assumed 'Young Henry' was Radcliffe.

     "How many shared the room each time?" I asked.

     "Most of the early way it was just Gordon and myself but as the others
joined us we put them into another room each night.  Four in one bed there
for the last couple of nights, though," he said moving his hands outwards
to indicate numbers in a big bed.  "One little bugger almost wet the bed
but his cousin knew he might.  He's a friend of Lawson's brother I learned
and got that thrashing, too."

     Most probably a friend of Freddy Neville in that case.

     George stood and nodded to Theo who had finished his game with Aubrey.
I said goodnight to Robin who was now seated with Branscombe, Maitland and
Collett as a close group discussing some important issue I was sure.

     In our room George began to yawn.  It was barely half after eight
o'clock but George needed his bed.  The fire Theo and I had sat by was
still glowing so we banked it with coals to keep us warm during the night.
George stripped off, displaying that he still wore no underclout.  "I am
ready to sleep," he groaned as he tugged his nightshirt over his head, "If
you wish to talk longer do not wake me, Theo, nor with any bouncing around
when you creep in.  That is a request, dear friend."

     We were silent until we heard the more than gentle snores of a very
tired George.  His snoring diminished as he fell into a deeper sleep.  We
did not need to talk as we both had taken a book to read.  I thought I had
better become acquainted with the copy of Smollett's History of England
which we had never opened all last term in Mr Martin's classes.  His rule
was he would get one of us to read from another text, or he would read and
expound on one he had before him.  I browsed through the headings and found
that Chapter Eight dealt in part with the reign of Queen Anne.  Mr Martin
had mentioned her in dealing with the list of our sovereigns.  He had
intrigued us by saying that she had upwards of seventeen children, who all
died, and was so fat she was buried in a square coffin.  Poor Megson had
been rather vocal in saying she had been a good Protestant and such things
should not be used to belittle her reign.  Mr Martin said nothing but just
looked over the top of the spectacles he wore when reading to us.  His
silences always made us more aware of Megson's rather extreme outpourings
which were a feature of his contributions to any discussion in the class.

     Here in the first pages of the chapter I read of the Jacobite Plot of
1703 and was most amused at the forthrightness of the author when dealing
with Lord Lovat.  I read that he was described as 'a man of desperate
enterprise, profound dissimulation, abandoned morals, and ruined fortune,
who had been outlawed for ravishing a sister of the marquis of Athol'.  I
was grinning at that description when Theo must have noted my amusement and
asked in a whisper what I was reading.  I whispered back that Tobias
Smollett did not waste words but I was puzzled about 'ravished'.  I showed
him the page which he read rapidly. Theo just shook his head and grinned as
well.  "Have you not read Othello?  And 'making of the beast with two
backs'?"  I said I had not and was informed it was the act I must have
witnessed many times with beasts but used for the act between man and
woman.  I was made aware in the space of five whispered minutes that men
and woman did not, as far as Theo knew, perform that act of procreation as
the beasts, but face to face.  My astonishment must have registered in the
look I gave him.  "Did you not know that?"  I shook my head.  I had only
witnessed Lemuel's naked back above Sarah Rogers so had not discerned her
position.  I asked him how he knew.  He smiled.  "My brother thought it
best to advise me last year as he had seen me with the copy of Mr
Shakespeare's play and realised I was puzzled.  He found I was of the same
opinion as you and disabused me of that notion."  He shook his head.  "Not
that I have had experience yet but it is best to know."

     This did make plain things I had heard but had not comprehended fully.
He went on to say that if the act were done with the woman being unwilling,
or forced, then 'ravished' would be a term for it.  I whispered my thanks
for the information and said perhaps all ignorant boys should be given
Shakespeare to read.  He nodded.  "But there are many things he writes
which are thought by some to be indelicate."  I agreed.  I remembered the
talk about the porter in Macbeth whose speeches were excluded from some
editions. I thought I would have to question Robin about his knowledge as
it had never been a subject of any of our conversations.

     Theo was yawning and I was ready for my bed as well.  George was well
asleep so he would not be taking his usual pleasure.  We both undressed and
used the pots before Theo whispered a prayer and blew out the candles.  He
climbed in beside George and I tucked myself into my truckle bed.  It was
strange as I heard no usual sound from above.  I must also have fallen
asleep quickly with no desire to frig myself as my thoughts were just of
the return to School.  I slept most soundly to be awoken by a fully
refreshed George who pulled the covers from me and rolled me from my bed.

     "Up! Up! Tardy child!" he commanded as he stood above my head, "The
privy calls and we shall be first!"

     The 'child' yawned but George was impatient.  I knew I had better put
shirt and britches on quickly as Theo was also aroused from his slumber by
the same action.

     He was more vocal.  "George, all this holiday I have been woken
carefully and serenely and now I am cast from my bed like an old shoe!"

     "What do you mean?" asked George who was tugging off his nightshirt
and scrabbling for something to make himself decent. "You do not wear shoes
in bed.  Get up and you can wear those good slippers I made for you so your
dainty feet are not damaged as we run to the hellhole.  At least it will
not stink so early in the term."

     I was still lying on the floor and staring upwards.  I had seen George
many times before Christmas in a naked state and there was no doubt he was
still growing.  I was certain his ballsack was heavier and the pizzle which
dangled fatly above my head had increased both in girth and length over
those months I had been in his company in this room.  He must have seen me
staring as he hopped on one leg putting his other into his trousers.  He
smiled down at me and contrived to swing his length from side to side
before he hoisted his trousers and hid the object from view.

     "I said up!" he reiterated, "I have no desire to enter that place with
the miasmas of twenty young arses already rising."  He held up a finger.
"But first I have a present for you, too."  He flourished a pair of leather
slippers.  "I spent good time slaving over these so be grateful!"  I
grinned at him as he took hold of a leg and set the slipper on my foot.
"See it fits well!"  He was smiling as I thanked him and took the other
from him and put it on. "Now, we'll rouse those others next door and you
can have the privilege of waking that fellow Goodhew and his fag masters!"
He thumped me on the arm and with no more ado he tugged my nightshirt off
over my head as I stood up.  My bare backside was then slapped.  "I warrant
that is only a light scolding for what might come your way now you have had
time to learn the ways of a good fag."

     I knew this was jesting so I play acted back.  "Yes, master," I said
in the most childish voice, "I am but a humble servant to all my master's
wishes."

     George did something I had not experienced before.  He put a hand out
with finger and thumb in a circle and flicked my almost upright prong.
That stung and my poor peg went limp.  I winced and looked at George who
had realised I was hurt.  He was contrite.  He took my arm.  "I did not
mean to do you hurt.  I am sorry." He grinned then.  "I do not think that
will have harmed it as we can well see."  He had noted that there had been
a stiffening and without a thought from me it was quite upright.  "Put your
britches on and the cold air outside might make you more respectable."

     Theo had been watching as he dressed.  "Leave the poor boy alone,
George.  It is something none of us can help.  It is a wonder you are not
displaying yourself as usual in the morning."

     George just laughed but I had not finished.  "Sirs," I said still in
that childish voice, "Please also accept a small gift to make yourselves
more comfortable."  I bent down to my bed where I had secreted three
packages.  These were of that soft paper.

     George took his eagerly and split it open.  "This is such a joy.  This
is even finer than we use at Garthorpe and much better than that sponge I
endured for many years."

     Theo was smiling, too.  "From London I assume?  As provided there in
abundance for the Nobility and Gentry!"

     "There is soap, too," I said and handed them each a small cake from
those which Jabez had tucked into my hamper.

     George put his to his nose.  "I shall smell as sweet as a young maid
with this."

     I said it was not for maidens but was from a packet 'For Gentlemen'.
Theo sniggered but said nothing as we had to hurry as George was impatient
to be first in the privy.  We knocked at next door and there were shouts as
George rushed in and pulled the covers away from Collett and Gordon.  I
gave Aubrey Bayes the same treatment and he waved a fist at me, in jest I
hoped.  We were at the end door before any recriminations could ensue and
woke the three there.  Robin was tucked away in his truckle bed and was
also subjected to George's rough ways as his covers were off him in a
trice.  The other two had the same course and we were off down the stairs
past Pullen's cubby-hole with George looking back with a finger to his
lips.  The door was already open and there was no sign of Pullen so we
rushed to the shelter of the privy and, yes, we were first.  The coldness
of the wooden seat certainly aided the quick evacuation of our turds and
just as the three from the next room appeared we were finished and escaped
to the washroom before we were assaulted with imprecations.  At least they
would have warmed seats if they noted where we had been!

     Young Potts was already in the washroom and the water in the copper
was steaming.  George slapped him on the back and passed him a coin.  "You
have earned that, my lad.  I am more than partial to good hot water and
felt much better after that damned journey yesterday with the quick soak in
the bath.  Not today, though, I need just a hot rinse to set me up."  He
held up the lump of soap and as young Potts ladled water into a basin for
him he dipped his face into it then lathered his face and neck.  We also
copied him and each finally dropped our britches and cleaned ourselves
under but I knew I was not so smeared having used that better paper.  I was
flicked by George with his towel and told to hurry.  This made me somewhat
flustered as I tried to pull up my britches still with my underdrawers
down.  I managed without falling over as Theo being kinder held my arm.  I
think George called me 'Stupid boy!' but he was laughing.

     It was then the school clock in the tower struck seven.  Theo looked
at George as he finished drying his legs.  "George, there was no necessity
to rise so early.  Breakfast is not for a good hour!"

     George was not abashed.  "It is better to start as one intends to
proceed.  You will thank me for being first as you already know from last
term that place is unbearable after all those arses have been seated."

     We had to agree and made our way upstairs.  Pullen was in his
cubbyhole now and looked as if he had taken too much liquor the night
before as his face was flushed and his squinting eyes showed more red than
white around the edges.  His absence when we came down was made evident for
without any greeting to us he was up and out through the main door and we
heard him retching somewhere.  There was a sour and fetid smell left behind
and Theo pinched his nose as we went up the stairs.

     "I think to copy George's words that Pullen has started how he intends
to proceed this term!" he said with a snort.

     George was in front of us and turned and shook his head.  "I am mighty
glad I am no more in Bartleby's room and having that creature prowling and
switching any perceived misdeed."

     "You are in Mr Prior's room now and there you will remain," said Theo
emphatically as we reached our top corridor and George rapped loudly on
still-closed doors.  Theo held his arm.  "Leave them be, they can sleep on
as you well know."

     We entered our room and found that the servant-boys had already been
and taken the pots as well as tidying the beds and pushing mine underneath.
The fire was burning brightly as we stripped down and dressed in our full
clothing for the day.  I was glad I had new britches as I had grown too big
for those from last term which I knew would be handed down to young Philip
Goodhew or some other deserving boy in the village..

     "We have time now for more discussion, eh?" said George taking one of
the chairs and setting it nearer the blaze.  "You have not mentioned my
brother, yet."  This last was directed at me.

     "I had no opportunity last evening," I said in my defence, "But I can
tell you he was well-received and accompanied my brother Torquil on his
visits to the dignitaries of Peterborough and Stamford.  I need to say that
he must learn to control his steeds better as he landed on his backside
when in my father's and my company."  George looked at me aghast.

     "Geoffrey is the most steady and skilful rider," he said immediately
and then saw I was grinning.  "It was no accident then?"

     I explained the happening and the trick played on Geoffrey and Torquil
which set George grinning, too.  "My father thinks he is a fine fellow," I
said, "He would not tease someone who was not.  He has been remarked on by
my cousin Lancelot who is most discerning and all are sure he will meet
with my Uncle Billy's approval."  George was appeased and I could see he
was justly proud of his brother.  I then went on to tell of the big parade
and the news of my uncle's knighthood and the meeting with the Duke of
Cambridge.

     George was shaking his head at the end of this recital.  "You move in
the most illustrious circles and have done more than I have.  My great wish
is to visit London sometime and now my brother is to be there I might have
opportunity.  We all wished him well on his departure from Garthorpe and
you have confirmed our family's opinion of him as well."

     I said about Geoffrey's remarks about young Timmy and how he had
treated him so well.  George was nodding.  "My father has assured Old
Mother Campion that the boy is well and has a good home and position. I
think even father is somewhat in awe of that old woman and knew he must
make amends.  I trust the horse is well-cared for?"

     I said it was in the best of hands and Timmy was learning to be a good
rider.  I related how he had captivated our cook and also had my mother's
blessing.  George was smiling as I described Miss Barnes who had given
Timmy a flute but had also given me a new one, too.  I also told of the
carving but did not mention the calculation which Robin had made.  That was
a story for another time!

     It was time now to prepare for breakfast and I saw George peer into
the piece of mirror glass and comb his tawny locks even more.  His
preparation for his visit to Mrs Ridley no doubt!

     We were first arrivals for the meal and had the fresh porridge from
the bowl held out to us by young Japhet.  George was ready with his packet
of good brown sugar to sprinkle on the hot surface.  There was also warm
new bread and we made good use of the butter and preserve set out.  Theo
said if the next ones also availed themselves of the same amounts there
would be little for the most tardy ones. "Too bad" murmured George through
a mouthful.

     Robin and his fag masters, Branscombe and Maitland, came in next.  My
goodness: Robin did look smart in his neat school britches and jacket with
his school cap and its light blue tassel.  The three were enjoined to sit
by us and we heard again of the travails of the journeys this time mainly
from Maitland.  He did say his soreness was much relieved after my
ministrations and he would pay my doctor's fee with gingerbread!

     We each had another tankard of the hot cordial to complete our repast
and watched as more and more entered.  There were greetings all round from
either bright-eyed fellows or those still half-asleep.  At last it was time
for Robin to have his meeting with Mr Ridley and to learn his placement.
George nodded at him and the pair left us to walk over to the house

     Theo and I chatted on with Branscombe telling Theo and Maitland some
more of our adventures in London.  I think Theo was also wishing to visit
our capital city.  I did mention the stink surrounding everything in the
place and Branscombe said his mother was glad to get back to Canterbury as
she was convinced she would succumb to some dreadful disease cause by the
miasma emanating from all the rot and mess.  He said that would not stop
her attending the wedding.

     The news that my brother was to wed Branscombe's sister in St Paul's
Cathedral of all places caused Theo's eyebrows to rise.  "That is a most
singular honour," he said.  I had to explain that my brother-in-law was a
dignitary in that establishment and would take part in the ceremony and my
Uncle Dodd would be conducting the marriage itself with the permission of
the Bishop and the Dean.  I wondered if Theo and George might be invited if
I asked my mother?

     There was so much to tell as Maitland had tales to narrate of having
George visit him after Christmas and then being at Garthorpe for New Year
with a great Ball held there for the County.  He said how Gordon had been
at the Ball, too, and danced in his Scotch dress to everyone's amusement
and delight.  "I must not tell him of the amusement because he might
threaten me with that small sword he had tucked in his stocking."

     Theo laughed and said he thought it was called a dirk though he had
seen one man in the kilt at a gathering in Peterborough with a short sword
at his belt.  Maitland said this was the one tucked into Gordon's stocking
and was sharp and ready for any enemy.

     Rather hesitantly I asked Branscombe and Maitland if Robin had slept
well.  I thought that the most convenient way of asking if he was settled
with them.  Both laughed and said he, without any commands, had taken over
the stoking of the fire, placing the guard carefully, and, just before
retiring arranging the pots at convenient places in case they were needed
in the night.

     "He is uncommonly tidy," said Maitland, "I think our friend here might
receive censure for not placing his discarded clothing neatly in the
wardrobe..."

     "...and you for leaving shoes and boots which could be tripped over!"
said Branscombe giving his room-mate a dig in the arm.  "My books were
placed on the shelf with one leaning so they would not topple over where I
just pile them up.  I think we shall have to smarten ourselves if we are to
have a quiet life."

     "I will say we have little to complain about our fag," said Theo,
"There is a tendency to correct us when he finds errors in our schoolwork
but it is done with a certain kindness."  I received a dig this time.

     I forbore from commenting as Maitland went on to say all three had
settled to sleep and none were disturbed by snores.  I did not ask if any
or all had succumbed first to the usual desires thinking that last night as
far as I knew neither Theo nor George, and certainly not I, had indulged in
that most pleasurable activity.  Thinking those thoughts also made me
somewhat uncomfortable as I felt stirrings which could not be relieved at
the moment.  However I was thankful that Robin had been so readily accepted
by this most worthy pair.

     Theo said he must go back to our room as he had to collect his own
Book of Common Prayer and hymn book ready for the opening service of the
term.  As the rest of us relied on the books being handed out when we
entered the Chapel we said we would also wait in the warmth of our rooms
until the tolling bell started.  We stood and Maitland was holding forth on
some matter as we walked to the door of the House.  Here we met the last
tardy trio just hurrying to breakfast who shouted their greetings in
passing us.  "I do not think they will be pleased," Maitland said as we
made way for them, "There was little of that good bread left and no butter
in the dish on our table. If I were a servant-boy I would keep quite clear
of that trio, especially that older pair of ruffians."

     I had heard rumours that the pair, Pritchard and Fullbright, had a
liking for attending prizefights with Fullbright's older brother who was a
well-known sportsman and gambled heavily.  Both were renowned for the
efforts they put into their play at football.  George said he was always
glad to be on the same side as they, for any opponent in the way would be
bruised, battered and bloodied in the encounter.  My encounter with
Fullbright was much happier.  He had waylaid me one day as he needed help
with a passage in Greek which did not make sense to him.  I noted he had
construed 'bios' as 'bow' whereas to make sense it should be 'life'.  He
had not realised that the same word could mean something different
according to the accent or stress on a particular syllable such as with
'neos' with the meanings being 'young' or 'fallow land'.  "I am a dolt!" he
said when I had shown him, "I hope I may question you again when I have
other difficulties."  He had smiled and said he had heard I was as good a
scholar as a Hare in the chases.

     Branscombe had gossip to impart. He tossed his head towards the
retreating backs of the trio. "That young buck Mountfitchet they have as a
fag.  I hear his father has the ear of that Whig Russell and my father says
there will be trouble if either goes further in government."  I knew my
father was considered a Tory but he was often heard to say that most
politicians were just rogues and vagabonds with money and power!  I
wondered where Mr Mountfitchet and the Whig fitted into my father's
opinions?

     I was rather agitated as I waited with Theo as I wondered how Robin
had fared with Mr Ridley.  I had no doubt that George would be entertained
with some delectable sustenance to help fill his always empty belly even
after a good breakfast.  No, I must not be jealous.  I then had a horrid
thought.  How much should I divulge to George of Jabez's finding about
Black Jack?  I must tell him or I would lose all his confidence if he found
I was keeping such information from him.  But how to broach the subject?
It was somewhat through accident that Jabez had first found the lodge-boy
though my Uncle Digby knew the address.  It was important that George
should know that a watch was being kept.

     We were ready to go to Chapel when George arrived back puffing as he
had run in case the bell started.  He said he had good news to share.  This
consisted of a sheet of newsprint wrapped round three good-sized pieces of
heavy cake.  Theo played the ass and asked where he should read the good
news and I made the mistake of asking how many pieces George had already
consumed.

     "None," was his immediate reply as he picked up one piece and took an
almighty bite.  "There, this is yours," he said through a stuffed mouth and
was about to hand me that piece.  He held it up.  "If I had known it was so
good I would not have brought any back to ungrateful creatures such as
you."

     Theo asked why we were ungrateful.  George said perhaps he didn't mean
to be so forceful but I had questioned his reasons for wishing to see Mrs
Ridley.  "I had a letter from my mother for her and I found it was the
quickest way of making the delivery.  It was a good coincidence that young
Goodhew should be required to attend on Mr Ridley."  He sneered at Theo and
then grinned.  "In reward Mrs Ridley suggested I might like to taste a new
receipt and her cook cut me three pieces while I stood and waited.  I am
not so slow-witted as some of my fellows maintain.  My standing looking
hungry meant I would not be satisfied with a single piece."

     Theo just laughed.  "George, there is no one more astute than you in
everyday matters and we thank you for your thought but, if we do not shift
ourselves, we will incur the wrath of the praepostors.  That would mean you
will be banned from your next football game and we will languish with lines
of Virgil to copy."

     I could not question George about Robin but gabbled my thanks, too, as
he grabbed his cap and left us standing as he rushed out for the five
minute bell began tolling at that moment.  We were not the only ones who
had spent time in gossip.  Gordon, Collett and Bayes joined us in the
passageway.  Gordon was not limping badly now and said he would try a dance
at the Sing-Song.  As this was directed at me I said that both I and Robin
would accompany him with the accordion player as well.  I also said I had
some good arnica in my box which would help with any bruising and would
apply it after luncheon if he desired.  He patted me on the back.  "Ye have
a good heart, my friend, I would be most grateful."

     I walked with Aubrey who wanted to know if I had purchased the
microscope.  I shook my head and said there had been no time.  I did not
say it was something still to be discussed with my cousin Lancelot and not
when he was dissecting particular objects like foals' ballocks which would
raise questions of my intentions. Of course, I was fully intending to view
samples of my own emissions and most probably some of Robin's!

     I compromised.  "I know my cousin has been looking at scrapings of
some kind taken from one of the servants with an itch.  He said they
resembled the rust mould found on plants and wondered if they might be
alike."

     Aubrey was intrigued.  "I have used my father's microscope many times
and there are many things to explore with it.  I have looked at water taken
from our supply from the conduit and compared it with water in various
pools and even from the Thames.  There are many small moving creatures and
particles in all of them but the water from the conduit has far fewer than
the others.  I think the Thames water has most and also has an unpleasant
smell."

     "My cousin wonders if it is the water which bears disease rather than
the miasmas," I said hesitantly.

     Aubrey shook his head.  "That is not the view of the most eminent of
doctors.  It is well-known that where there is a foul stench then disease
will be most likely to ensue.  I have attended lectures with my father and
this is the view I have always heard expressed.  I do not know any other
reasons given."

     I could not make an argument as I did not know any more other than my
cousin's doubts.  I would have to study it in detail if I wished to become
a physician.  If it was the miasma was there a different stench for each
differentiated disease?  I knew when I had a flux from my arse the stench
from that was like that of bad eggs.  I remember Lancelot saying the worst
smell he had encountered was of a decaying limb which his tutor had
amputated saying it was the only thing he could do which might save the
life of the sufferer.  This was when Lancelot had mixed some chemicals and
put the pot under my and Robin's snouts.  I never learned if the man
survived as I followed Robin out of Lancelot's den to the bushes where
Robin's breakfast joined the brambles.  We never learned what was in the
pot either as Lancelot said he would not mix such things again.  He said he
was sorry but there was the hint of a grin.  We forgave him as he always
had so many tales to tell us and after that the smells were more agreeable.
Dear Robin was still somewhat wary whenever Lancelot invited us to his den
and I had seen what had happened when the head in the jar was viewed!

     We had just arrived at the Chapel when Mr Martin approached at the
same time accompanied by Robin.  He saw Aubrey and me together and beckoned
us over.  "I have been with Goodhew while he was with Mr Ridley."  He
smiled.  "He is to join us and I am told that he and Master Bayes here will
also have mathematics with Mr Dimbleby as an extra."  Aubrey nearly tripped
as he took a step back.  He was smiling broadly.

     "That is something I have wished for, sir," he said.  He looked at
Robin who had not spoken but was also smiling.  "We will learn much I am
sure."

     Mr Martin laughed.  "You will learn more mathematics from him than
with me.  I shall be at my limits soon and will be glad to unleash my form
for Mr Dimbleby's attention as a whole twice a week."  He looked at me.
"That will give me more time to find the most difficult passages in
Thucydides and Catullus to match the problems Mr Dimbleby might be offering
in his subject."  The tolling bell had stopped and many boys were still
filing into their places.  He nodded to Robin and me and I am sure he
winked.  "We will meet at two and I shall have to decide if you should sit
together or apart." He laughed.  "I am not sure I can tell you one from the
other even now."  He waved a hand and made his way to the side entrance to
join the other masters.

     Aubrey and I led Robin in to find our places but Robin had still said
nothing.  He smiled and looked rather bemused.  We had only just taken our
places when the masters filed in to take their places and Mr Ridley
followed and stood on the raised dais in front of the communion table.
There was the usual reverential hush before he began to speak.  He welcomed
all back to school and also those who were newly entered.  He mentioned no
names but I knew that welcome was at least for Robin.  He then said he had
sad news to impart.  A brave boy had perished when trying to rescue a
youngster who had fallen through the ice while skating.  I did not know the
lad named who had been in Carstairs' House.  Mr Ridley then said a young
boy from Prior's House had succumbed to a contagion which was spreading in
parts of a district in Manchester.  I wondered if Mr de Vere and his
daughter were well as that was where they lived when not in London.  But
two boys who had lost their lives.  One sixteen, the other about my age.
The news had hit all of us very hard for I could see more than one wiping
his eyes.

     I could not concentrate on the service as my mind flitted between that
news and the death of that poor babe. I thought also of that mother and son
in London.  How would I feel if someone near and dear was no longer with
us?  It was not until Mr Ridley said 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us
evermore," and I joined in with the 'Amen' that my racing thoughts were
stilled.  Even then I was confused.  How could it be the 'Love of God'
which produced the deaths of those so young?

     I had other thoughts to consider then as we swiftly made our way out
of the Chapel.  It was only when we were on the path back to the House that
I was able to question Robin about his interview.  He was shaking his head
in wonderment.  "Not only will I join you in Mr Martin's room and have
those extra lessons with Mr Dimbleby but Mr Ridley said he wanted me to
join his class on Fridays.  I feel that is such an honour.  He said we will
meet first next week as he has a raft of matters to deal with for the
beginning of term."

     I wanted to turn and hug and kiss him and....  But this was neither
the time nor place.  As Aubrey was murmuring about his good fortune in
being chosen for extra mathematics the three of us were more or less
surrounded by all our fag-masters which caused some consternation.  If
three younger lads were ringed around by six older and bigger fellows it
usually meant a fight was being stopped or some punishment was to be meted
out.  It was nothing like that.  It was a mixture of finding out where
Robin was to be placed, a desire to make haste to get to the stables for
all to see George's fine gelding to be named, and for some of us to ride
for the next hour or so.

     In our room Theo was laughing as George and I hurried to change into
our riding clothes.  George had prudently packed his leather britches
knowing his father had sent word by his brother Geoffrey for a suitable
steed to be selected for him.  He was yet to meet that good gelding.  When
we were ready another procession formed and was swelled by others who
inquired what the excitement was about.  George being so popular meant the
ranks increased until he asked that only those collecting their mounts
should enter the stables so as not to disturb the other horses nor the work
of that place.

     As we four entered the main door so Maitland said he had the
forethought to rush to the stable after breakfast to warn them of what was
to happen.  That foresight had paid off.  Mr Darlow was there with Shem and
Natty and the other grooms in the background and led us first to where
George's mount was in its stall already saddled.  George looked at the roan
and looked as if he might burst into tears.  "He is so beautiful," he said
and turned and hugged me and said how grateful he was to have such a horse
chosen for him.  Natty went into the stall and gathered the reins and the
gelding followed him out most obediently.

     Natty held onto the reins.  "Please, sir," he said most confidently,
"Mr Browning instructed me to give you this as well."  He held out a folded
piece of paper which had been sealed.  It was something I had not been
privy to.  George thanked Natty, broke the seal and unfolded the note.

     He smiled as he turned to me.  "Your father says he is honoured to
have prepared this horse for me and wishes me many years of happy riding.
He has also added a banker's draft which I can use to celebrate my father's
gift or to keep towards my next mount in twenty years.  I think your father
likes a jest, eh?"  He handed me the paper.

     "For five pounds," I said, "That will buy half a foreleg at that time
I heard my father say if the income tax rises. It would be better to spend
it now."

     "Let me look," said Maitland.  He nodded after he had read it.  "That
will purchase a good few of Thacker's best sausages."  He winked at me.  "I
am always mighty hungry after football and running always gives me an
emptiness which needs filling later.  I say we vote George celebrates
rather than wait until he is an old man and will need to use a dog-cart to
drag his gouty self around."

     "There is to be a Sing-Song on Saturday as well as football in the
afternoon if the field is not frozen," said Robin who came from Silver's
stall where he had been stroking his horses's muzzle.

     "Good lad!" said Maitland, "That is enough to remind him to think of
his friends."

     George was full of smiles.  "I will decide who my friends are but I
warrant there is enough to pay for more than one indulgence."

     At that moment another figure in riding clothes appeared and the
grooms stood back as Mr Darlow touched his tall hat.  "Mr Dimbleby, sir,"
he said, "I have your new steed ready for you."  Mr Dimbleby saw us boys
standing in a row and nodded and must have observed me.  He beckoned me to
stand by him.

     "Ah, Browning, I hear the boy who was here last term has chosen the
horse for me and you have named him already.  I must see if I agree."

     I stepped forward as naming a horse was most important and I wondered
if we had been too forward in appropriating that task from the owner.
"Sir, I must report he is a fine roan gelding and was one of two foals out
of a fine mare named Leda.  He answered to the name Castor immediately."

     Mr Dimbleby burst into laughter.  "Browning, that is a scholar's
response and Castor he will be."  There was a quiet neigh from the stall.
"I hear he agrees.  I thank you.  Now to see how he responds to me."

     A groom led the good horse from the stall and handed a carrot to Mr
Dimbleby who gave it to the beast before stroking its muzzle and taking the
reins.  He looked at Mr Darlow.  "I will ride into Ashbourne as I must
visit my son."  He led the horse to the mounting-block and Mr Darlow stood
by as he mounted.  We watched as Castor walked into the yard most sedately
with Mr Dimbleby bending down to stroke his head.

     Mr Darlow walked back.  "That is a fine and gentle beast.  I will set
his name on the stall before Mr Dimbleby returns."  He turned to George.
"You are to name the other roan.  Do not delay as we have much work to do."
Mr Darlow was not in awe of the Honourable George Lascelles and we were
taking up time and space.

     "Mr Darlow, I apologise," said George, "I have much to admire and we
will go to the yard."  He tucked my father's paper into his jacket pocket.

     We each took the reins of our steeds and walked them into the main
yard outside the stable followed by Natty leading Kerry.  There were a good
dozen of our fellows all stamping their feet against the cold.  As we
approached so Angus Gordon stepped forward and held out a small glass
bottle.

     "I hae poured a dram in here for ye!" he said as he handed the phial
to George and patted the horse's head as he did so.  "Aye, 'tis a fine
beast."

     As we watched so George uncorked the bottle.  "I name this horse
Barbary!" he announced loudly and also patted its head.  He then uptipped
the phial over his own open mouth and all cheered as the fiery liquid made
him cough and splutter.


To be continued:

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