I'm sure it wasn't an accident." His three friends looked perplexed by his sudden confusion and change of manner, and Porter had the presence of mind to change the subject.
"I hear there's a jolly row on between Silk and Gilks," said he.

"No one knows exactly why." "I heard it was a bet," said Coates.
"At any rate they've had a split," said Porter.
"They never did much good while they were in partnership," said Coates.
"Young Wyndham got rather drawn in by them, I heard." "Rather!" said Fairbairn.

"He was precious near going to the dogs altogether if old Riddell here hadn't pulled him up." Riddell seemed to lack spirit to join in the conversation, which continued without him.
"Yes, the young 'un cuts them dead now," said Porter, "but he's a bit afraid of them still, I fancy." "I suppose they could let out upon him about some scrape or other," said Coates, "and that's what gives them a pull." "Anyhow, it's a good job he has pulled up," said Fairbairn, "for he's not a bad youngster.

He's got into the second-eleven just lately, and is tremendously proud of it.

He's vowed he'll get old Wyndham to come down and umpire in the match with Templeton second-eleven next month." All this talk was anything but pleasant for poor Riddell.