The Catalogue of Brimfield Academy was tossed to the further end of the seat, and Steve, nodding vigorously through the window, jumped to his feet.
"I'm going for a walk with Tom, sir," he announced half-way to the hall door.

Mr.Edwards, smothering a sigh of relief, glanced at the weather.
"Very well," he said.

"Don't get your feet wet.

And--er--be back before it's dark." Steve disappeared into the dim hallway and Mr.Edwards gave honest expression to his sense of relief by elevating his feet to the seat of a neighbouring chair, dropping the newspaper and, with a luxurious sigh, composing himself for his Sunday afternoon nap.

But peace was not yet his, for a minute or two later Steve came hurrying in again.