"As a matter of fact," said Ronder, "I _have_ gone into the matter. I saw that it was one of the most urgent questions on the Agenda. Unimportant though it may sound, I believe that the School cricket will be entirely held up this summer if they don't secure their roller. They intend, I believe, to get a roller by private subscription if we refuse it to them, and that, gentlemen, would be, I cannot help feeling, rather ignominious for us. I have been into the question of prices and have examined some catalogues. I find that the expense of a good garden-roller is really _not_ a very great one. One that I think the Treasury could sustain without serious inconvenience...." "You think then, Canon, that we should allow the roller?" said the Dean. "I certainly do," said Ronder. Brandon felt the impression that had been created. He knew that they were all thinking amongst themselves: "Well, _here's_ an efficient man!" He burst out: "I'm afraid that I cannot agree with Canon Ronder. If he will allow me to say so, he has not been, as yet, long enough in the place to know how things really stand. I have nothing to say against Dennison, but he has obviously put his case very plausibly, but those who have known the School and its methods for many years have perhaps a prior right of judgment over Canon Ronder, who's known it for so short a time." "Absurd. Absurd," cried Foster. "It isn't a case of knowing the School. It's simply a question of whether the Chapter can afford it. Canon Ronder, who is Treasurer, says that it can. That ought to be enough for anybody." The atmosphere was now very warm indeed. There was every likelihood of several gentlemen speaking at once. Witheram looked anxious, Bentinck- Major malicious, Ryle nervous, Foster triumphant, and Brandon furious. Only Ronder seemed unconcerned. The Dean, distress in his heart, raised his hand. "As there seems to be some difference of opinion in this matter," he said, "I think we had better vote upon it. Those in favour of the roller being granted to the School please signify." Ronder, Foster and Witheram raised their hands. "And those against?" said the Dean. Brandon, Ryle and Bentinck-Major were against. "I'm afraid," said the Dean, smiling anxiously, "that it will be for me to give the casting vote." He paused for a moment. Then, looking straight across the table at the Clerk, he said: "I think I must decide _for_ the roller. Canon Ronder seems to me to have proved his case." Every one, except possibly Ronder, was aware that this was the first occasion for many years that any motion of Brandon's had been defeated.... Without waiting for any further business the Archdeacon gathered together his papers and, looking neither to right nor left, strode from the room. Book II The Whispering Gallery Chapter I Five O'Clock--The Green Cloud