The two lines were deepening between his eyebrows, and the corners of his mouth were drawn down.

The boys had seen that look before, as he stood at the wicket when runs were few and the bowling dangerous.

"Stop! Speak the truth: you're not my friend." "Allingford says we are not friends," continued the speaker, with the same eternal smile upon his lips.

"I'm sorry to hear it.

I know I've always tried to be his friend, ever--" "You're lying!" interrupted the other sharply.