Happy thought! He would not stay where he was. He would retire, as the Latin book said, into winter quarters, and entrench himself in the stronghold of Wally and D'Arcy and Ashby. If he _was_ to get it hot, he would sooner get it from them than from the barbarians in Forder's. With which desperate conclusion, and once more devoutly wishing himself safe at home, he made tracks, at a rapid walk, to Wally's room. His three comrades were all there. "What's up?" said they as he entered, with agitated face. "Oh, I say, it's all because you and your brother are so alike. I met him just now; and--he's heard about that canvassing, you know, and I thought you'd like to know." "You mean to say you blabbed?" said Wally, jumping to his feet. "It's your fault," said D'Arcy. "I've made the same mistake myself. Why can't you grow a moustache or something to distinguish you?" "Why can't you get your brother to be a Classic! then it wouldn't matter--either of you would do," suggested Ashby. Ashby was beginning to feel quite at home in Wakefield's. "I'll let some of you see if it won't matter," retorted Wally. "If they've got wind of that affair the other side, there'll be a fearful row. They'll want another election. Oh, you young idiot! That comes of trusting a new kid, that sings comic songs, and parts his hair the wrong side, with a secret. D'Arcy's nearly as big an ass as you are yourself, to trust you." After this Philippic, Wally felt a little better, and was ready to consider what had better be done. "He's bound to come here, you chaps," said he. "You cut. Leave him to me--I'll tackle him." Fisher minor considered this uncommonly good advice, and obeyed it with alacrity. The other two followed less eagerly. They would have liked to stay and see the fun. As Wally expected, his affectionate relative, being baulked of his prey outside, came to pay a fraternal visit. "What cheer?" said he. "I say, have you seen a kid called Fisher minor? The new kid, you know, that we had a lark with at dinner on first- night." "Oh, that chap. Bless you, he messes in our study. What about him?" "I want him. I want to say something to him." "I'll tell him." "All right. He's come and told you, has he? and you're hiding him? Never mind; I'll bowl him out, the beauty. I know all about that little game of yours, yesterday, you know!" "What little game?" "As if you didn't know! Do you suppose I didn't find five of 'em shut up here yesterday, being kept out of the way at Elections?" "Yes; and do you suppose if it hadn't been for me they'd have got into the Hall at all? Don't be a beast, Percy, if you can help. They stayed here of their own accord. No one kept them in. I say, have some toffee?" "Got any?" "Rather. A new brew this morning. I say, you can have half of it." "Thanks, awfully, Wally."