But here a new peril arose.
Sliding down water-pipes is an acquired art, and not nearly as easy as it seems.

Jack, who volunteered to make the first descent, looked a little blue as he found the pipe was so close to the wall that he couldn't get his hands round, much less his feet.
"You'll have to grip it hard with your ankles and elbows," he said, beginning to slide down an inch or two; "and go slow, whatever you do." It was nervous work watching him, and still more nervous work when at length I braced myself up to the effort and proceeded to embrace the slender pipe.

How I ever managed to get to the bottom I can't say.

I remember reflecting about half way down that this would be good daily exercise for the Henniker, and the mere thought of her almost sent me headlong to the bottom.
At last, however, I stood safe beside my chum on the gravel walk.
"Now!" said he.
"Now," I replied, "where shall we go ?" "London, I think," said he, solemnly as ever, "All right--how many miles ?" "Eighty or ninety, I fancy--but where's your coat ?" "In the dormitory.

I was too much flurried to put it on." "Never mind, we can use mine turn about.