“Tommy,” he said, “does Cox ever help you with your sums?”
“No,” replied Brown, “he can’t do his own always.”
“Yes, he gets them done quickly sometimes, but at other times he keeps making figures and crossing them out.”
“He told me that King does sometimes in the evening.”
That was all that Walter said at the moment, as he did not wish to let Brown suspect anything.
“Mr. Harmer,” he said, “as the weather is so fine and warm, I should like to arrange a paper-chase for the boys to-morrow morning directly after service. I am going to give them all a good dinner at Brangton, and we will come back by train in time for the afternoon service. We ought to get to Brangton by one, following the hares, and then we shall have an hour and a quarter for dinner and be back before three o’clock.”
“Very good, Mr. Young,” replied Mr. Harmer. “If the day should be as fine as it is to-day, they will all enjoy it very much.”
“Will you come as well, or would you rather not walk so far?”
“If you really do not mind, I think I should prefer to go by train and meet you there, Mr. Young.”
“Then, boys, I hope you will not forget to be in the cloisters punctually for the start. I have plenty of paper ready for the chase.”
In one moment every boy’s tongue was let loose, and they were talking to each other about the chase, while Mr. Harmer and Mr. Young arranged the details.
“Silence, boys!” said Mr. Harmer; “who will be the hares?”
“King and Gray are the quickest runners,” said Walter.
“Yes,” said Mr. Young, “I know they can run well; so can Cox and Pitt. Then let King and Gray be the hares. Now, boys, get on with your work again.”
Mr. Young went away, and the boys again turned their minds to their work, and were as busy as bees, or at least they looked as if they were. When they were free, nothing was talked about except the paper-chase.
The following day was fine, and directly after morning service in the cathedral all the boys were ready. Mr. Young soon joined them, and gave King and Stephen each a bag of torn paper. Off they started, crossing the bridge and making for a wood which lay in the direction of Brangton, about a mile from the cathedral. Brangton was a pretty village, with a railway-station, about five miles away.