On the second Friday of term Anthony Bevan, whom all his world called "Bruiser Bevan," Housemaster of "B. House" in Hamchester College, sat at dessert with three of his prefects. They had exhaustively discussed the prospects of the coming football season, had mutually exchanged their holiday experiences, and now, when it was really time that the boys should betake themselves to their several studies, they still lingered enjoying the last few pleasant moments over the walnuts and the very light port that their housemaster considered suited to their young digestions. The big window at the end of the room stood open to the soft September evening, and the sudden crunch of wheels upon the newly graveled drive was plainly audible, followed as it was by a loud ring. Master and boys fell silent, listening, and the parlor-maid opened the dining-room door.
