Captain Sankey felt, however, after what Ned had told him of Mr.Porson, that he could trust to him during the school hours, and Ned would be an active protector in the playground.
It was not until a fortnight after the school began that the Four Acre Field was ready.

By that time a flock of sheep had been turned into it, and had eaten the grass smooth, and a heavy horse roller had been at work for a day making a level pitch in the center.
It was a Saturday afternoon when the boys took possession of it for the first time.

As they were about to start in the highest glee, Mr.Porson joined them.

Some of their faces fell a little; but he said cheerfully: "Now, boys, I am going with you; but not, you know, to look after you or keep you in order.

I want you all to enjoy yourselves just in your own way, and I mean to enjoy myself too.