“He created a stir, sir—that is what I am getting at. Good may have resulted too. Possibly a deal of pestilence was scorched out of the city in that mighty fire.” The Head eyed him seriously. “Let me see, Rendall,” he said, “how old are you?” “Sixteen, sir.” “Sixteen. You are a precocious boy. You have revolutionary qualities that do not altogether please me. You are far too introspective, and introspection is a dangerous thing in unskilled hands. It is a pity you do not cultivate a greater taste for outdoor games.” “Thank you, sir, but I don’t want to shine in after life as a cup-tie footballer or a Rugby international.” “Possibly not, but healthy exercise promotes a healthy mind, my boy.” “I believe, sir, that is the general opinion.” “You venture to doubt it?” “Well, sir, I would not attach much value to a champion heavyweight’s views on a matter of æsthetics.” “Æsthetics are beside the point altogether. Too much æsthetics is quite as bad as—as—” “Too much football, sir?” “You are disposed to be impertinent, Rendall; I have no desire to staunch the flowings of your brain, but I would remind you that God equipped mankind with legs and arms, and it was clearly not the intention that we should allow them to stagnate from disuse. That is a piece of wisdom you would do well in taking to heart. A brain that is overworked will conduct its owner unworthily, therefore I should tonic yours with a little exercise.” Wynne had never held a very high opinion of the Head since the day he had been informed of the mysteries of perpetuating the species. On that occasion the Head had fallen very considerably in his esteem. He had floundered sorrowfully in his logic, had shown embarrassment, and made a muddle of what he had to say. For some reason the good man had confused the subject with the commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” and as his exposition was by no means clear on either count Wynne had been greatly perplexed. He was informed of certain consequences of sex and at the same time warned that indulgence was forbidden. When it was over he felt he had been told of something which by holy law was impossible of achievement. He left the study far more uncertain as to how the race was perpetuated than he had been on entering. Incidentally he felt rather sick, and in the privacy of his little den he had thrown his books about and stared at himself in the glass with a new and half-fledged understanding.