The fellow who began it, threatened to kick me for a conceited little fool, but he didn't; and they hardly ever venture on that ground now." "It is more than blackguardly--it is deadly," answered Russell; "my father said it was the most fatal curse which could ever become rife in a public school." "Why do masters never give us any help or advice on these matters ?" asked Eric thoughtfully.
"In sermons they do.

Don't you remember Rowlands' sermon not two weeks ago on Kibroth-Hattaavah?
But I for one think them quite right not to speak to us privately on such subjects, unless we invite confidence.
Besides, they cannot know that any boys talk in this way.

After all, it is only a very few of the worst who ever do." They got up and walked home, but from day to day Eric put off performing the duty which Russell had advised, viz .-- a private request to Bull to abstain from his offensive communications, and an endeavor to enlist Duncan into his wishes.
One evening they were telling each other stories in No.7.

Bull's turn came, and in his story the vile element again appeared.

For a while Eric said nothing, but as the strain grew worse, he made a faint remonstrance.
"Shut up there, Williams," said Attlay, "and don't spoil the story." "Very well.