Edward Ellis felt very differently to what he had ever before done when
he returned to Grafton Hall. He was one of the first. His particular
friends had not come back, but the other boys, not knowing what had
happened to him, could not help remarking the change. He walked with a
firmer step, he held his head more erect, and seemed altogether a
changed being; yet he was at the same time the like good-tempered, kind,
gentle, generous-minded fellow he had always been. In a few days the
whole school were collected, and Ernest, and Buttar, and Bouldon and
others welcomed him with even more than their usual cordiality. A new
boy also had arrived,--it was said, indeed, several had come, for the
school was rapidly increasing; they had been seen and judged of, but
this one had not made his appearance. At last it was known that he was
an old school-fellow of Barber's and Ellis's. The morning after his
arrival he entered the school-room, holding by the hand of the Doctor,
who led him up to his desk.
"Silence, boys," said the Doctor; "I have to introduce to you a new
pupil of mine, but before he takes his place in the school he has made
it an especial request that he may endeavour to make amends for a great
wrong he was unintentionally the cause of inflicting on one who has for
some time been your school-fellow--Edward Ellis. He will now speak for
himself."
On this Henry Arden, in a clear distinct voice, repeated the account I
have already given of the cause which led to the suspicion that Ellis
had stolen his purse; blaming himself, at the same time, for his own
neglect and stupidity.
"Since then I find," he added, "that the money of which he was possessed
was entrusted to him by a wealthy relative, who had formed the highest
possible opinion of his integrity and judgment, that he might distribute
it as he thought fit among objects of charity. From henceforth I hope
that you will all think as highly of Edward Ellis as those who know him
best do. Three cheers for Edward Ellis!"
Three cheers were given, the Doctor leading, and three hearty cheers
they were, such as the Doctor delighted to hear his boys give on fit
occasions. Ellis tried to get up and speak, but his heart was far too
full. After two or three brave attempts he was obliged to sit down.
"Bracebridge," he said, "do you get up and tell them all I feel. You
know." Ernest got up, and made a very fitting speech for his friend,
which was loudly applauded, and then three cheers were given for Ernest,
as the "Favourite of the School." Ernest himself was somewhat taken
aback at this, but he was very well pleased, and replied in a way which
gained him yet further applause. From this time Ellis made still more
rapid progress than before, and many people thought him not much
inferior in talent to Ernest Bracebridge. He got up several steps, one
after the other, but his success did not make him less humble than he
had ever been. Out of doors, he made as great progress in his
amusements. Cricket was now in, and in that finest and most interesting
of English manly games he soon gained considerable proficiency. He used
to play, and then only occasionally, with two or three small boys at
single wicket; now he entered boldly into the game, and played whenever
he could. Ernest, who was becoming one of the best players in the
school, always got him on his side when he could. Soon after the
commencement of the half there was to be a game between the six best
players in Ernest's class and five others from any class except the
highest, whom they might choose on one side, and five of the second
class and six others from any other class below them. No school in
England could boast of a better cricket-field than did that of Grafton
Hall. It was, too, a lovely day when that game was played, and there
were a good many spectators. Ernest and Ellis, Buttar, Bouldon, and two
others of their class, together with several good players from other
classes, formed their side. They were all resolved to play their best,
and to fear nothing. They had the first innings.
"Now, Ellis," said Ernest, "you remember our first game at rounders.
You thought you could do nothing with that, but you tried, and did as
well as anybody. So you can with cricket. You have had fair practice,
you know the principles, and you have no vices to overcome."
"I'll do my best, depend on that," answered Ellis, resolving to exert
himself to the utmost. He had thought over and thoroughly studied the
principles of the game, and as his eye was specially correct, he played
far better than many who had infinitely more practice. To make a good
cricketer, a person must have physical powers for it; he must study the
principles of the game; why he should stand in certain positions, and
why his bat should be kept in a particular way; and also he should
practise it frequently, so as to make his hands and arms thoroughly
obedient to the will. Buttar and Bouldon first went in. They made some
capital hits. Bouldon scored twelve by as many runs from four hits in
succession.
"Bravo, Tom!--bravo, Bouldon!" resounded on all sides. Bouldon got into
high spirits; he felt as if the whole success of the game depended on
him, that he could work wonders. He made one or two more capital hits,
but every instant he was growing vainer and more confident. He began to
hit wildly; to think more of hitting far than of where he sent the ball,
or of how he guarded his wicket. Proper caution and forethought is
required at cricket as well as in all the other affairs of life. A ball
came swiftly and straight for his wicket. He hit it--off it flew, but
the watchful eye of one of the other side was on it, and ere it reached
the ground it was caught. Tom threw down his bat, and declared that he
was always out of luck; that having done so well he hoped to have stayed
in to the end. Another boy took his place. He also did good service to
his side, but at length was bowled out. Buttar, who always played
coolly, remained in. He got several runs, but seldom more than two at a
time at the utmost. Ernest now went in. He had become a first-rate
cricketer. He possessed strength, activity, eye, and judgment, all
essential requisites to make a good player. Great things were therefore
expected from him. He, of course wished to do his best. He quietly
took up the bat, weighed it for a moment, and finding that he had a
proper grasp, threw himself into the position ready for the ball. His
first hit was a telling one. Often had he and Buttar played together,
and they well knew what each could do. They ran three without risk.
They looked at each other, to judge about trying a fourth one, but it
was too much, they saw, to attempt. Had they, Ernest would have been
out. Hit after hit was made, several, however, without getting runs,
for the field was exerting itself to the utmost. If they could put
these two players out quickly they might win easily; if not, they would
have a hard struggle to beat them. Buttar played capitally, but at last
he was growing weary, and a new bowler was sent in. The very first ball
he delivered came curling round, and sprung in between the wicket and
his bat, and down went his stumps. A very good player succeeded him,
who, though he did not get many runs off his own bat, enabled Ernest to
get them. He, however, after doing very well, made an imprudent run,
and he was stumped out. Still Ernest kept in, and it was Ellis's turn
to take the bat. All his former awkwardness of gait was gone. He stood
well up to his bat. His first stroke showed that he was no despicable
opponent, and he got four runs. This awakened up the field again, who
had been expecting soon to get in. The two played capitally, and made
their runs rapidly and fearlessly. They knew that the opposite side
must play well to score as many as they had done. It was fine to see
the two friends hitting away, and crossing each other as they made one
run after another, almost insuring the success of their side. However,
the best of players must be out at one time or the other. Ernest was
caught out, and ultimately Ellis was run out by the next player who went
in. At last the other side got their innings, and played well; but when
the game was concluded it was found that Bracebridge's side scored
thirty more than they had done,--an immense triumph to the lower class.
His success did Ellis a great deal of good, and he now made even more
rapid progress than before, both in and out of school. It was the last
time either he, or Ernest, or Buttar played in that class, for by
Michaelmas they got another step, and by the Christmas holidays Ernest
and Ellis got into the first class, distancing Buttar and Bouldon, who
were only in the second. This rise was of the very greatest benefit to
the school. The two first were now above Barber, and thus were able to
exercise a considerable influence over him and fellows of his sort.
They could look down also on Bobby Dawson, and several others who were
inclined to patronise them when they first came to school. They also
received all the support they could desire from Selby and other
gentlemanly if not clever boys like him, and from warm-hearted
enthusiastic ones like Arden and Eden. They completely, in the first
place, put a stop to anything like systematic bullying. Of course, they
could not at all times restrain the tempers of their companions, or
prevent the strong from oppressing or striking the weak when no one was
present. Bullies and tyrants, or would-be bullies and tyrants, are to
be found everywhere; but when any little fellow complained to them, they
never failed to punish the bully, and to bring to light any act of
injustice, making the unjust doer right the wronged one. They did their
utmost to put a stop to swearing or to the use of bad language. They at
once and with the exertion of their utmost energy put down all indecent
conversation; and if they found any boy employing it, they held him up
to the reprobation and contempt of their companions. Falsehood of every
description, either black lying or white lying, they exhibited in its
true colours, as they did all dishonest or mean practices; indeed, they
did their very utmost to show the faults and the weak points of what is
too generally looked on as schoolboy morality. The system of fudging
tasks, cribbing lessons, deception of every sort they endeavoured to
overthrow. Some people might suppose that they undertook far more than
they could perform, but this was not the case; all they undertook was to
do their best. They did it, and succeeded even beyond their own
expectations. Of course they at first met with a great deal of
opposition. They knew well that they should do that. Some fellows even
asked them for their authority in acting as they presumed to do.
"Here is our authority," answered Ellis, the colour coming into his
cheeks and his eye flashing. He lifted up a Bible which he held in his
hand. "We are ordered to do all the good we can in this world: we are
doing it by trying to improve the character of the boys in the school.
We are ordered to exert our power and influence to the utmost to do
good: all the power and influence we possess we are exerting for that
purpose. You see we are doing nothing strange; only our duty."
Some few of the boys sneered at Ellis behind his back for what he had
said, but they were the meanest and worst boys in the school. No one
uttered a word before his face; the greater number applauded him, and
wished they could follow his example.
It is impossible to describe the various events which took place at
Grafton Hall during the time Ernest was there. He gained more and more
the good opinion of the Doctor, and of all the masters, and at length
reached, more rapidly than any boy had before done, the head of the
school. He gained this distinction by the employment to the best
advantage of a bright, clear intellect; by steady application to study;
by an anxious wish to do his duty; by never losing an opportunity of
gaining information; and more especially, by not fancying himself a
genius, and that he could get on without hard reading. Those were very
happy days at Grafton Hall, both for him and his immediate friends, as
also for the boys below him.
Another Christmas passed by, and another summer drew on. It was
understood that he would leave at the end of another half. As the boys
rose to the top of the school at Grafton Hall, they had many privileges
and advantages which, of course, the younger ones did not possess. They
had separate sleeping-rooms, where they might study, and they enjoyed a
considerable amount of liberty. One day Bouldon came into Ernest's room
in high glee.
"Come along, Bracebridge; it's all settled! You are to go, and so is
Ellis. We are to be back in four days; but we will enjoy those four
days thoroughly."
"I have no doubt that we shall," said Ernest quietly, looking up from
his desk. "But where are we to go?--when are we to go?--what are we to
do? Tell me all about it; you have not done so yet."
"To be sure I have not! How stupid of me!" said Bouldon, laughing. "I
forgot that you did not know anything about a plan I formed long ago.
You know that I have a brother at Eton--a jolly good fellow--a year
older than I am. There is not a better brother in the United Kingdom
than my brother Jack. Well, for the last two years, I should think, he
has wanted me to go down to see him while he's at school; but as our
holidays are much about the same time, I've not been able to manage it.
Lately, he has been writing home about it; and, at last, he has
persuaded our father to get leave for me to go from the Doctor, and to
invite two friends. I fixed on you at once, and it was a toss up
whether I should ask Buttar or Ellis; and I thought that the trip would
be more novel and amusing to Ellis than to Buttar. The Doctor did not
give in at first; but then he said you were both of you deserving of
reward, and that if you wished to go you might. Of course, you'll wish
to go; you'll enjoy it mightily."
Ernest thought that he should, and so did Ellis, who was quickly
summoned to the conference; and the Doctor having been prepared to grant
their request, gave them leave directly they asked it, giving them only
some sound advice for their guidance during their stay among strangers.
In high spirits they all set off for London, and were soon carried by
the Great Western down to Eton. Tom had told his brother when to expect
them, and Jack Bouldon was at the Windsor Station ready to receive them.
He fully answered the description which had been given of him.
"I'm so glad you are come!" he exclaimed. "We have a fine busy time of
it--lots to do. I've luncheon for you in my room. We are to dine at my
tutor's, to meet our father, you know, Tom; and after it we'll go and
see the boating. I belong to a boat; but I have sprained my arm, and
mustn't pull, which is a horrid bore. Come along, though."
It is extraordinary how quickly Ernest and Ellis became acquainted with
their new friend, and how fine a fellow they could not help thinking
him, though he was scarcely older than either of them. They had not
gone far when Jack stopped in front of Layton's the pastry-cook's.
"Come in here, by the by," he exclaimed, pulling Ernest by the arm. "I
ordered some refreshment as I came along; we should not be able to do
without it, do you see."
The visitors required but little persuasion to enter, and as soon as
they appeared a supply of ices and strawberry messes were placed before
them.
"No bad things!" they pronounced them.
"No, indeed!" said Jack, carelessly. "They slip down the throat
pleasantly enough. We don't patronise anything that isn't good at Eton,
let me assure you."
All present fully concurred in this opinion, the food they were
discussing being a strong argument in its favour; but at last the
strawberry messes came to an end, and they continued their walk into
Eton. Although the town itself did not exactly excite their admiration,
they expressed their pleasure when they saw the college buildings, and
the meadows, and the rapidly-flowing clear river, and the view of
Windsor Castle, rising proudly above all, a residence worthy of
England's sovereigns.
"Now," said Jack Bouldon, "come along to my tutor's. You'll want some
rest before the fun of the day begins."
His tutor's house was a very comfortable, large one, not far from the
college gates. Jack ushered them into his room. He was not a little
proud of it. It was all his own, his castle and sanctum. It was not
very richly furnished, but it looked thoroughly comfortable. There was
a turn-up bedstead, and washhand-stand, which also shut up, and
prevented it having too much the appearance of a bedroom. A
good-looking, venerable oak bureau served to hold most of the occupant's
clothes, below which, in the upper part, were his cups and saucers; and
in the centre his writing materials. In one corner was a chest,
containing a quantity of miscellaneous articles too numerous to name;
and in another was a cricket-bat and fishing-rod, while the walls were
adorned with some prints of sporting scenes, one or two heroes of the
stage, and another of the Duke of Wellington; a table, an arm-chair, and
three common chairs completing the furniture of the apartment.
"You are cozy here, Jack," said his brother, throwing himself into a
seat, and pulling Ernest into the arm-chair. "There's nothing like
independence!"
"As to that, we have enough of it, provided we stick to rules," answered
the Etonian. "However, I don't find much difficulty in the matter. I
like my tutor, and he is very considerate, so I get on very well."
"But, I say, Jack, what do you do? How do you amuse yourselves all the
year round," asked Tom Bouldon. "You Eton fellows seemed to me, as far
as I could make out, to do nothing else but play cricket and boat. All
other games you vote as low, don't you?"
"Not at all," answered Jack. "Let me see. At the beginning of the
year, between Christmas and Easter, we have fives. You know how to play
it. We have very good fives-courts. We play fifteen up. Then we have
hockey; that's a capital game. You play it at your school, don't you?
But, after all, there is nothing like making up a party to go jumping
across country. It is rare fun, scrambling through hedges, tearing
across ploughed fields, leaping wide ditches and brooks, and seeing
fellows tumbling in head over heels. Then we have running races in the
play-fields, of about a hundred yards, which is enough considering the
pace at which fellows go. Better fun still are our hurdle races; and a
fellow must leap well to run in them. But the greatest fun of all are
our steeple-chases, of about two and a-half miles, over a stiffish
country, let me tell you. There are no end of ditches, streams, and
brooks with muddy banks, into which half the fellows who run manage to
tumble, and to come out very like drowned chimney-sweepers. Those are
all good amusements for cold weather. From Easter to the end of July is
our great time for games. Of course, cricket and boating are the chief.
You understand that our playing-fields are divided between different
clubs. Every fellow subscribes to one or the other of our clubs. The
lowest is called the Sixpenny; that belongs to the lower boys; they are,
you will understand, all those in the upper school below the fifth form.
Then there is the Lower Club, to which those in the fifth form belong
who are not considered to play well enough in the upper club. Only, of
course, first-rate players can belong to that. It is the Grand Club to
which the eleven belong, and those who play equally well, and will some
day become one of them. There is another club called the Aquatics,
which belongs exclusively to the members of the boats. Cricketing is
fine work; but, for my part, I like boating even better. Here, before a
fellow is allowed to go on the river, he is obliged to learn to swim.
It is a very necessary rule, for formerly many fellows lost their lives
in consequence of being unable to swim. There are numerous bathing
places on our river devoted to our especial use, and at each of them is
stationed, with his punt, a paid waterman belonging to the college,
whose sole duty it is to teach the boys to swim. Twice every week
during the summer one of the masters in turns examines into the swimming
qualifications of the boys, and he gives a certificate of proficiency to
those whom he considers can swim well enough to preserve their lives if
capsized in a boat. After a boy is qualified he is allowed to boat on
the river. The masters generally make him swim thirty-five yards up and
down the stream, and then about ten across it, round a punt, and back
again to the point from which he started. Some fellows very quickly do
this, if they are strong and not afraid; in fact, if they feel that they
can do it. Others never gain any confidence, and if they were capsized
could do very little to help themselves. In most cases, the first thing
a fellow does when he wants to begin to boat is to agree with some chum
to take a boat between them. This costs them five pounds for the
summer-half. It is called a lock-up, because when it is not being used
it is supposed to be carefully locked up in the boat-house. Sometimes
fellows who do not care so much about boating, and don't want to give
five pounds, pay a smaller sum, and take any chance boat which may be
disengaged. The boats we generally use are called tubs, tunnies, and
outriggers. Besides these there are `The Boats' especially so called.
There are seven of them, all eight-oared. Anybody can join these who is
in the fifth form. There are three upper and four lower boats; that is,
three belong to the upper and four to the lower fifth form. Each has
her captain, who fills up his crew from the candidates who present
themselves. The higher boats have, of course, the first choice,
according to their rank. Each crew wears a different coloured shirt
from the others, and have different coloured ribbons on their straw
hats. On grand occasions, as to-day, we all appear in full dress, and a
very natty one I think you will agree that it is."
Ernest and Ellis listened attentively to the description, and could not
for the moment help wishing that they also were Eton boys. Luncheon was
soon over, for the ices and strawberry messes had somewhat damped their
appetites. Then they went out into the playing-fields, where a
cricket-match was going forward. Jack Bouldon pointed out some of their
crack players with no little pride.
"There's Jeffcott; he's at my tutor's," he observed. "The tall fellow
with the light hair; he's just going in. Did you see how beautifully
Strangeways was caught out? See! Jeffcott is certain of making a good
hit. I knew it! He'll get two runs at least. There's Osbaldiston, the
fellow who is in with him. It's worth watching him. He's even a better
player than Jeffcott, though he is still so young. There! I knew it!
What a grand hit! Run! run! three times, you'll do it! Capital! He's
at my tutor's. A first-rate fellow, and expects to be one of the eleven
next half."
So Jack Bouldon ran on, his companions heartily joining in his
enthusiasm. Then they went back to his tutor's, as dinner was to be
early, to be over in time for the boating in the evening. They there
found Mr Bouldon, who expressed himself much pleased at meeting Ernest
and Ellis, as friends of his son's. Dinner they thought the slowest
part of the day's amusements, and were very glad when the time came for
them to repair to the Brocas. That is the name given to the field by
the river whence the boats start.
The Brocas presented a very gay and animated appearance as the crews of
the boats, and the other boys, and the visitors began to collect from
all directions. As Jack Bouldon had said, the costume of the boats'
crews was very natty. It consisted of a striped calico shirt of some
bright colour; white trousers, with a belt round the waist; a coloured
necktie, to suit the shirt; a straw hat, and a ribbon round it to match,
the rest of the dress; silk stockings, and pumps with gold buckles. The
ribbons round the hats had the name of the boats on them, with some
appropriate device, and generally a wreath of flowers worked on them.
Nothing, indeed, could well exceed the neatness and elegance of the
boating dresses; so Ernest and his friends agreed.
The crews now quickly took their seats in the boats. They went about
the business easily, as if they were going to take part in a naval
review rather than in any serious engagement. The boats, as they were
ready, began to leave the Brocas, the lowest boat going first, and
laying off in the stream till all were ready. Then a signal was given,
and away they started, the highest boat leading, and the rest in order
taking one turn up and down before the Brocas, that the spectators might
have the opportunity of admiring them.
At about three miles from Eton is a place called Surly. Here a repast,
on tables spread in the open air, was prepared for them; and as the
boats' crews were expected to be not a little thirsty after their long
pull, some bottles of champagne were provided for each boat. After the
boats had been sufficiently admired by the spectators on the Brocas, off
they started, as fast as the pullers could bend to their oars, with long
and sweeping strokes towards Surly, accompanied by a boat with a band of
music playing enlivening strains.
Jack Bouldon, though he could not pull himself, had secured a boat for
his father and his friend, and a crew to man her; and as soon as the
boats had gone off, they all jumped into her, that they might follow and
see the fun. Each boat had her sitter jealously guarding the
exhilarating beverage.
They were not long in reaching Surly. The crews landed, and lost no
time in seating themselves to enjoy their cold collation, or in
quenching their thirst in the hissing, popping, sparkling champagne.
The viands were quickly despatched and thoroughly relished, aided by
music and champagne, and good appetites; and then toast after toast
succeeded in rapid succession, all drunk with the greatest
enthusiasm,--"The Queen," and "Floreat Etona," however, calling forth
even a still greater amount of applause. Capacious as champagne bottles
may be, their contents will come to an end; and this consummation having
occurred, once more the crews embarked in their boats and commenced
their homeward voyage, music, fun, and laughter enlivening the way.
It was dusk as they approached Eton, where, in the centre of the river,
a vessel was moored, whence, as they began to pull round her, burst
forth a magnificent display of fireworks. Then the crews of the boats
stood up, and, waving their hats, cheered vociferously. Up went the
rockets, surrounding them, as it were, with a sparkling dome of fire,
and afterwards, in succession, burst forth Catherine wheels, spiral
wheels, grand volutes, brilliant yew-trees, and showers of liquid fire,
and a number of other productions of the pyrotechnic art too numerous to
describe.
The boats continued pulling slowly round and round the vessel all the
time of the exhibition, producing a very pretty and enlivening effect.
As Jack Bouldon and his friends walked back to his tutor's, of course he
enlarged on the excellencies of Eton, and the amusements of the school.
"Oh, I wish that you would come back at the end of the half, and see our
pulling matches, and swimming and diving matches! We have several of
all sorts. We have a grand race between two sides of college, the upper
and lower boats. Then there is a sculling sweepstakes, open to all the
school. The prize is a cup and a pair of silver sculls, which the
winner holds for a year, and on giving them up has his name inscribed on
them; so that he has the honour of being known ever after as a
first-rate sculler. Then there is a rowing sweepstakes for a pair of
oars, which is also open to all the school; and each of the houses have
their own private sweepstakes, when they draw lots for pairs. The
distance we row is about two and a-half miles. Now I must tell you
about the swimming matches which we have at the end of the half. There
is one prize for the best swimmer in the school, and another for the
best swimmer of those who have passed that half. In the diving matches
we dive for chalk eggs, and out of fifteen thrown in, I have seen as
many as twelve brought up. I have brought up nine myself, and I cannot
boast of being first-rate. Another prize is given to the boy who takes
the best header from a high bank; and those are all the prizes given.
We have another grand day, called Election Saturday, the arrangements
for which are very like to-day. The chief difference is, that the eight
are chosen out of all the boats, and row by themselves, in their dress
of Eton-blue shirts, and blue hat-bands and ties, as I have described to
you."
It was nearly half-past ten when the boys got back to Jack's tutor's,
and he had to leave them, while they went to the inn with Mr Bouldon,
who had undertaken to see them off the following morning, on their
return to Grafton Hall.
They all declared that they never had enjoyed so amusing a day as that
spent at Eton.