But Yorke knew, as well as anybody, that the Classics meant to keep their house Cock-House at Fellsgarth.
Nor was it the accounts; although Fisher minor had to own to himself he was not a grand hand at finance, and that if he was appointed treasurer of the School clubs, as well as of his House clubs, he would have his work cut out for him to keep both funds clear and solvent.
What then was it?
His young brother?
He supposed it must be.

The young donkey had made a bad beginning at Fellsgarth--which was bad enough.

But had the elder brother done quite the decent thing in half disowning him, and letting him run on his fate in the way he had?
A little brotherly backing up, a word or two of warning, and, if needs be, a little timely intimidation, might have made all the difference to the youngster, and would not have done the senior much harm.
Yes; it was this precious minor of his who was on Fisher major's mind.
It was too late, of course, to pick up the milk already spilled.

But it might be worth while to give him a word of admonition as to his future conduct.
With this view he sent Ashby (who, with all the alacrity of a brand-new fag, punctually presented himself for orders before getting-up bell had ceased ringing) to summon Fisher minor to his brother's room.
"Well, kid," said the elder brother, commencing his toilet, "how did you get on?
Sleep well ?" "Middling," said Fisher minor.

"Some of the fellows had put pepper on the blankets, and it got into my eyes--that's all." "It's a good job they did nothing worse." "Well," said Fisher minor, who was evidently in a limp state, and had not at all enjoyed his night, "they _did_ tease a good deal." "Humph--who did!" "Well, there was that boy they call--" "Stop," said Fisher major, turning round fiercely in the middle of brushing his hair; "do you mean to say you don't know that it's only cads who sneak about one another ?" "But you asked me." "Of course I did, and made sure you wouldn't let out.