He ran up the steps and went out into the open. The Head turned and stared after him indignantly. His own intended words had been taken out of his mouth. He had meant only to ascertain without doubt that this scene was on account of his son before himself stepping in and forbidding play. He had been forestalled. Saville was trotting towards the touch-line. The ranks of expectant onlookers opened and let him through. The Head saw Rouse come to meet him, saw him lift his hand and rest it upon Saville’s shoulder, watched them as they spoke. Then Rouse had turned to those nearest to him and explained. The air became very still. Saville had been so clearly the forerunner of sensation. Heads were turned towards the unhappy Roe still standing in splendid isolation on the gravel path, then back to Saville. Finally all eyes settled upon Rouse. He was collecting his team regretfully and there was something in his manner that showed how sorry he was that this had happened. Then Morley’s were walking off the field. All this the Head watched with set eyes, and at last he turned again to that sullen group at the bottom of the steps, regarded them for a moment, then snapped out his dictum: “Find Mr Nicholson for me, one of you. Tell him that I wish to speak to him in my study at once.” And all the while Coles stood beside the Headmaster, staring dully into the distance. For this was the first round and he had lost. It was Betteridge who found Toby and told him, and with just a nod of the head Harley’s games master went sorrowfully along the pathway toward the Head’s room and disappeared through the old oak door, whilst the crowd who had been expecting a dashing game of Rugby football turned almost disconsolately to watch him go. The next five minutes were full of the calm that precedes the outburst of a storm. No one so much as kicked a football into the air. They could only wait now for the worst, knowing that somehow or other the Head was going to hit back. Those dull five minutes were barely passed before Toby came into sight again, walking just as solemnly as before. Saville was moving his way and Toby stopped him. His voice was very tense. “The Head has just told me that after to-day he forbids house friendlies, or any football of any kind, until the captain he selected is recognised by the school. The fellows have chosen a hunger strike and so he intends that it shall be a proper one. He’s hit back with your own weapon.” He paused and looked at Saville earnestly. “It’s going to be a lean year in earnest now. And I only wish I could see where it’s going to end.” CHAPTER XV THE SAFETY VALVE