True, Mr Cripps did use some words which didn't seem exactly proper, but that Stephen put down to the habit of men in that part. The man seemed to take such an interest in boys generally, and in Stephen in particular, and was so interested and amused to hear all about the Guinea-pigs, and the _Dominican_, and the Sixth _versus_ School, that Stephen felt quite drawn out to him. And then he told Stephen such a lot of funny stories, and treated him with such evident consideration, that the small boy felt quite flattered and delighted. So they reached the Cockchafer. Here Stephen, whose former visits had all been to the lock-house, pulled up. "I say," said he, "is this a public-house?" "Getting on that way," said Mr Cripps. "We aren't allowed to go in public-houses," said Stephen, "it's one of the rules." "Ah, quite right too; not a good thing for boys at all. We'll go in by the private door into my house," said Mr Cripps. Stephen was not quite comfortable at this evasion, but followed Mr Cripps by the side door into his bar parlour. "You won't forget the paper," he said, "please. I've got to be back in school directly." "I'll have a look for it. Now, I guess you like ginger-beer, don't you?" Stephen was particularly partial to ginger-beer, as it happened, and said so. "That's the style," said Mr Cripps, producing a bottle. "Walk into that while I go and get the paper." Stephen did walk into it with great relish, and began to think Mr Cripps quite a gentleman. He was certain, even if that bat had been a poor one, it was quite worth the money paid for it, and Oliver was unjust in calling Cripps hard names. The landlord very soon returned with the paper. "Here you are, young governor. Now don't hurry away. It's lonely here all by myself, and I like a young gentleman like you to talk to. I knew a nice little boy once, just your age, that used to come and see me regular once a week and play bagatelle with me. He was a good player at it too!" "Could he get clear-board twice running with two balls?" asked Stephen, half jealous of the fame of this unknown rival. "Eh!--no, scarcely that. He wasn't quite such a dab as that." "I can do it," said Stephen with a superior smile. "You? Not a bit of you!" said Mr Cripps, incredulously. "Yes, I can," reiterated Stephen, delighted to have astonished his host. "I must see it before I can believe that," said Mr Cripps. "Suppose you show me on my board." Stephen promptly accepted the challenge, and forgetting in his excitement all about school rules or Loman's orders accompanied Cripps to the bagatelle-room, with its sanded floor, smelling of stale tobacco and beer-dregs. His first attempt, greatly to Mr Cripps's glee, was unsuccessful. "I knew you couldn't," exclaimed that worthy. "I know I can do it," said Stephen, excitedly. "Let's try again." After a few more trials he made the two clear-boards, and Mr Cripps was duly astonished and impressed.