I've a good mind to cut the whole concern." And so in rather desponding mood the two friends separated, and Telson had an exciting chase across the quadrangle to avoid two monitors who were prowling about there (as he concluded) for the express purpose of "potting" him.
In this, however, he was mistaken.

The two monitors were Gilks of the schoolhouse and Silk of Welch's, who were taking the air this hot summer evening, and thinking and talking of anything but Master Telson.
"I tell you," said Gilks, "I detest the fellow." "You detest such a lot of fellows, Gilks," said Silk.
"I know I do," said Gilks, "but I hate Riddell more than the lot put together." "I should have thought he was rather an inoffensive duffer," suggested Silk.
"That's just the worst of it.

I'd give anything to catch him out in anything that wasn't quite square, just to pay him out for his sickening priggishness.

Why," he exclaimed, with increasing anger in his tone, "what do you think he did the other day, long before he was captain, or had any pretence to give himself airs?
He pulled me up before all the fellows for--well, for using--" "For swearing ?" said Silk.
"Yes, if you like.

For swearing.