Mr. C. F. Spencer begs to present his compliments to Mrs. Shearne, and returns the postal order, because he doesn't see why he should have it. He notes your remarks _re_ my being a decent chap in your favour of the 13th _prox_., but cannot see where it quite comes in, as the only thing I've done to Mrs. Shearne's son is to fight seven rounds with him in a field, W. G. Phipps refereeing. It was a draw. I got a black eye and rather a whack in the mouth, but gave him beans also, particularly in the wind, which I learned to do from reading "Rodney Stone"--the bit where Bob Whittaker beats the Eyetalian Gondoleery Cove. Hoping that this will be taken in the spirit which is meant, _I remain_ _Yours sincerely,_ _C. F. Spencer_ _One enclosure._ He sent this off after prep., and retired to bed full of spiritual pride. On the following morning, going to the shop during the interval, he came upon Thomas negotiating a hot bun. "Hullo!" said Thomas. As was generally the case after he had had a fair and spirited turn-out with a fellow human being, Thomas had begun to feel that he loved his late adversary as a brother. A wholesome respect, which had hitherto been wanting, formed part of his opinion of him. "Hullo!" said Spencer, pausing. "I say," said Thomas. "What's up?" "I say, I don't believe we shook hands, did we?" "I don't remember doing it." They shook hands. Spencer began to feel that there were points about Thomas, after all. "I say," said Thomas. "Hullo?" "I'm sorry about in the bath, you know. I didn't know you minded being ducked." "Oh, all right!" said Spencer awkwardly. Eight bars rest. "I say," said Thomas. "Hullo!" "Doing anything this afternoon?" "Nothing special, Why?" "Come and have tea?" "All right. Thanks." "I'll wait for you outside the house." "All right." It was just here that Spencer regretted that he had sent back that five-shilling postal order. Five good shillings. Simply chucked away. Oh, Life, Life! But they were not, after all. On his plate at breakfast next day Spencer found a letter. This was the letter-- Messrs. J. K. Shearne (father of T. B. A. Shearne) and P. W. Shearne (brother of same) beg to acknowledge receipt of Mr. C. F. Spencer's esteemed communication of yesterday's date, and in reply desire to inform Mr. Spencer of their hearty approval of his attentions to Mr. T. B. A. Shearne's wind. It is their opinion that the above, a nice boy but inclined to cheek, badly needs treatment on these lines occasionally. They therefore beg to return the postal order, together with another for a like sum, and trust that this will meet with Mr. Spencer's approval. (Signed) _J. K. Shearne,_ _P. W. Shearne._ Two enclosures.