For that meant nothing short of the compulsory retirement of his boys from all the clubs, and, as far as athletics went, their total exclusion from every match or contest open to the whole school.
The house was slower at taking in the situation of affairs than the master.

With the exception of Ainger, on whom the full significance of the doctor's sentence had flashed from the first, there was a general feeling of surprise that so big a "row" should be followed by so insignificant a retribution.
"Who cares what time we have dinner," said Munger to some of his admirers, "as long as we get it after all?
Now if old Punch (this was an irreverent corruption of the head-master's name current in certain sets at Grandcourt)--if old Punch had stopped our grub one day a week--" "Besides," broke in another, "we'll get things hotter than when we dined in hall." "A precious sight hotter," said Arthur, wrathfully.

"What are we to do at beagle-time to-morrow?
Just when the hounds start we've got to turn in to dinner.

Bah!" This was the first practical illustration of the inconvenience of the new _regime_, and it instantly suggested others.
"We'll be stumped," said Tilbury, "if this goes on after cricket starts--it'll be all up with any of us getting into one of the School matches." "I suppose," said Ranger of the Fifth, "this will knock all of us out of the sports, too ?" Fellows looked blank at the suggestion.

Yet a moment's reflection showed that Ranger was right.