I say, won't it be jolly if my brother can come down to umpire in the match." "It _will_," said Riddell, and the pair forthwith launched out into a discussion of the virtues of Wyndham senior, in which one was scarcely more enthusiastic than the other.
On their way back to the Big they met Parson and Telson, trotting down to the bathing sheds.
The faces of these two young gentlemen looked considerably perplexed as they saw the captain and his supposed victim walking arm-in-arm.
However, with the delightful simplicity of youth they thought it must be all right somehow, and having important news of some sort to relate, they made no scruple about intruding on the interview.
"Oh, I say, Riddell," began Telson, "we've just come from the Parliament.

No end of a row.

Last time was nothing to it!" "What happened ?" asked the captain.
"Why, you know," said Parson, "it was Game and Ashley's affair summoning this meeting.

They sent round a private note or something telling the fellows there would be a special meeting, signed by Game, First Lord of the Admiralty, and Ashley, Home Secretary.

A lot of the fellows were taken in by it and turned up, and of course they had taken good care not to summon anybody that was sweet on you.