They executed intricate twirls and flourishes smoothly and in unison; and at last, with a simultaneous flourish, they tucked their clubs under their arms, bobbed a little bow, and amidst applause pattered off to the stairway.
Next came the vaulting contest, won by Watts, captain of the School track team; Sheldon was second. Then two Fifth Formers with basket-like helmets on their heads and padded sweaters on their shoulders engaged in a spirited but bloodless fencing-bout; after which Payne and Blanchard, who were two of the best boxers in the School, had a sparring-match which was not quite bloodless and which provoked great hilarity among the boys.
Mrs. Crashaw thought that was almost too much, even though assured by Lawrence that Payne and Blanchard were bosom friends; she preferred the performances on the horizontal bar and on the parallel bars, in both of which Sheldon took part,—not very gloriously, for he failed in attempting feats which the others executed. Mrs. Crashaw had by that time begun to notice him; she commented
