It was during one of these games that I suddenly came across Worthing. He caught a flying glimpse of me as I was diving for shelter into a bush, and called severely, "Tommy, come here." "Hush!" I whispered, creeping out. "I want to speak to you," he went on sharply. "Go to the haunted room," I said, and slipped away, making a circuit to avoid Jenny who was stalking me. At length I reached the haunted room, and found Worthing awaiting me. I remembered then that I hadn't given a thought to my friend all these days. "Worthing!" I cried, and would have taken his hands in mine, but he clasped them firmly behind his back. "What sort of a little fool do you think you're making of yourself?" he asked me coldly. I explained rather confusedly that I had left school. "That story won't do for the officers," he replied. "The officers?" I questioned blankly. "They're after you. You might have guessed that. And you know the penalty of running away." "I know most of the penalties," I replied with unusual bitterness for me. "Well, then, you'd better come back quickly," he said. "They'll need wild horses to get me there," I declared. For a while he surveyed me pityingly, then turned on his heel and made for the door, saying, "Well, I give you up." "Worthing," I cried, catching him by the arm, "don't go like this." He merely swung round and faced me. "Look here," I went on, "you're my friend, aren't you? Well, come and live here with me. It's simply splendid, I tell you." He gave a short little laugh, and said, "Thanks; no." And again he was going. But at the door he turned, and in a more relenting tone added, "Tommy, your heart's in the right place, but it's too big; and there's no room for brains." And just then Jenny came leaping into the room, and collided with him full tilt. He fell back a step and looked at her, while for her part she stood motionless gazing at him, much as she had done at her first meeting with me. "Jenny, this is Worthing," I said. "Worthing?" she enquired. "He's my friend, Worthing Bright," I explained. "I don't like him," she said. Worthing stood silent, and I couldn't read what was passing in his mind; but he looked stiff and scornful. I was troubled, and said, "But you must like him, Jenny; he's my friend." "I won't like him," she declared with emphasis. "But, Jenny!" I protested. Worthing cut in coldly, "I don't see the need at all." And turning to Jenny he went on, "If you don't like me, perhaps you may learn to fear me." "If I could fear you," she answered defiantly, "I should like you too." They gazed fiercely at each other, and I stood helpless; for I seemed to be between two elemental forces. Their eyes were electric in their intensity of antagonism. The combat passed beyond me. My nature was too lax and mild for such a strain of hate.