goin' to let us drill the corps in turn—privatim et seriatim—so that we'll all know how to handle a half company anyhow. Ergo, an' propter hoc, when we go to the Shop we shall be dismissed drill early; thus, my beloved 'earers, combinin' education with wholesome amusement.'
'I knew you'd make a sort of extra-tu. of it, you cold-blooded brute,' said M'Turk. 'Don't you want to die for your giddy country?'
'Not if I can jolly well avoid it. So you mustn't rot the corps.'
'We'd decided on that, years ago,' said Beetle scornfully. 'King 'll do the rottin'.'
'Then you've got to rot King, my giddy poet. Make up a good catchy Limerick, and let the fags sing it.'
'Look here, you stick to volunteerin', and don't jog the table.'
'He won't have anything to take hold of,' said Stalky, with dark significance.
They did not know what that meant till, a few days later, they proposed to watch the corps at drill. They found the gymnasium door locked and a fag on guard.
'This is sweet cheek,' said M'Turk, stooping.
' 'Mustn't look through the key-hole,' said the sentry.
'I like that. Why, Wake, you little beast, I made you a volunteer.'
'Can't help it. My orders are not to allow any one to look.'
'S'pose we do?' said M'Turk. 'S'pose we jolly well slay you?'
