He went about fruitlessly endeavouring to instigate rebellion against Sir Gregory, that very Sir Gregory whom he had for many years all but worshipped.

Poor Jones was, to tell the truth, in a piteous case.

He told the Secretary flatly that he would not compete with a lot of boys fresh from school, and his friends began to think of removing his razors.

Nor were Brown and Robinson in much better plight.

They both, it is true, hated Jones ruthlessly, and desired nothing better than an opportunity of supplanting him.