At length, however, all these little details were arranged, and as the school clock began to chime the hour the order to march was given, and the company proceeded at the double to Mr Stratton's house.
Mr Stratton was more or less of a favourite with both sides at Fellsgarth.

He had a small house, in which were representatives of both factions, but most of them of the quieter sort, who, being obliged to live together under one roof, did not see so much to quarrel about out of doors.

Mr Stratton, too, took the juniors' divisions of each school, and so kept fairly well in touch with both.

Add to this, that he was a good all round athlete, that he had a serene and cheerful temper, and, what is of scarcely less importance, a charming young wife, and you have several very good reasons why he was one of the most popular masters at Fellsgarth.

The juniors, on the whole, appreciated him.