When I was at Winchester there were twin brothers who were so exactly alike that if they themselves knew which was which it was more than any one else did. On one occasion they turned this likeness to account in a very ingenious manner. They were both in the same Part, and both took up [in one lesson at any rate] the same Standing-up. One of them, who knew his tolerably well, went to the Master and got through successfully; on going out he met his brother, who was just going to say his, in great trepidation, as he was not prepared; however, a bright idea struck the more fortunate brother, he changed his neck-cloth, tousled his hair, put a bit of sticking-plaster on his nose, went back, and said his lesson a second time, on his brother’s account, with great _éclat_. When Standing-up was over the Commoners went home, as their Præfects and Senior-part had nothing to do with the examination in Election week, which was solely for competition for scholarships at New College, which were not then open to them. This leads me to mention some peculiar solemnities which took place in Commoners towards the end of the half. About six weeks before that happy period, for three consecutive Fridays, a victim was chosen who had made himself unpopular in the school, and immediately after breakfast he had to mount on the Toys (which were in the dining-hall) and quietly submit to be pelted with Pontos, (balls made of hot bread,) the ceremony being commenced and ended with chaunting a “Peal,” which was, on the first Friday, “Locks and Keys;” on the second, “Boots and Leathers;” and on the third, “Gomer Hats.” The senior Præfects appointed the sacrifice the first day, the junior the second, and the Coursekeeper the third. Immediately after dinner on the last three Sundays, Commoners exercised their lungs with the following peals: On the first “Party Rolls,” after which the senior Præfect made out a list of the routes to be taken by the different boys; on the second, “Money and Direction Rolls,” when each boy had to write on a piece of paper his governor’s address, and the amount of journey-money he required; and on the last “Packing up.” [Illustration] CHAPTER XIV. THE JUNIOR IN ELECTION WEEK. “Ad Portas”—“Electors”—“Candlesticks”—“Founders”—Examinations— “Superannuates”—Medal Speaking—Election Dinners—Effects of Eating Ice when Hot—Resignation—“Domum”—“Ball”—“Jam Lucis”—“Batlings”—Last Breakfast. The last week of the Long half, or “Election week,” was indeed a “Jubilee” for the Fags, inasmuch as there were no lessons whatever, and the Præfects were either undergoing their examination or preparing for it, and consequently too busy to play cricket to any great extent.