But the days were not entirely devoted to school work. There were hours of recreation set down in the programme. One of the conditions of remaining in health was that exercises should be practised in which old and young took part. The boys climbed trees, getting up to the lower boughs by means of a rope wound round the trunk. They jumped with and without the pole. They swam in the lake, and those who could not swim were soon taught to do so. They ran races and swam races for prizes. They practised with the bolas and the lasso. They played cricket and rounders and quoits, and with regard to the last, a dispute occurred which had very serious consequences.
It was on the 25th of April, in the afternoon. Eight of the boys were playing, four on a side; Donagan, Webb, Wilcox and Cross, against Briant, Baxter, Garnett, and Service.
On the level strip on the terrace the two "pins " had been driven into the ground about fifty feet apart, and it was, of course, the object of the players to throw their quoits on to them, or as near them as possible. The players were greatly excited, particularly as Donagan was opposed to Briant. Two games had been played. Briant's side had won the first with seven points; Donagan' s had won the second with six. And now they were playing the conqueror, and there were only two quoits to throw.
"Now, Donagan! It is your turn," said Webb. "Aim straight. It is our last chance."
"Don't get excited," replied Donagan.
And with one foot in front of the other he stood, the right hand holding the quoit, the body bent forward, and in such a position as to give him the best chance of a good throw. His whole soul was in the game, his teeth were clenched, his cheeks were pale, his eyes glowed beneath the knitted brows. After a careful look, he threw the quoit straight and true—a long, low throw that only just missed ringing the pin, and struck it just at the side.
