Be it said to his credit, he resisted the temptation, and gallantly finished his toilet, putting on an extra "sweater" and pea-jacket to boot--for he had seven pounds to run off between now and the sports.

He peered out of the window; it was dark, but a patter on the panes showed him that a light sleet was falling outside.

If so, being of a frugal mind, he would not run in his new shoes, but in his old boots.
Now, his old boots were in the cupboard under the staircase by the front door.

And the reader understands at last why it is I have taken so much trouble to describe Master Simson's movements on this particular morning.
It was so rare an event for any boy to be up at six o'clock on a winter morning in Railsford's, that no one had ever thought about making a rule to prevent the early birds leaving the house at that hour, if they could succeed in getting out.

Simson, who had interest with the cook, believed he could get an _exeat_ through the kitchen window; meanwhile he must get his boots.