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The next moment he gives the word, and the two boats dart forward like arrows from a bow, and the race has begun. Gilks and Silk up above Willow Corner heard the shout which greeted the start, and turned anxiously towards the direction from which it came. "They're off now!" said Silk, trying to appear more unconcerned than he really was.
Let him imagine all that a sympathetic and honest fellow like Riddell could say to cheer and encourage a broken-down penitent like Gilks. And let him imagine all that that forlorn, expelled boy, who had only just discovered that he had a friend in Willoughby, would have to say on this last night at the old school. It was a relief to him to unburden his mind, and Riddell encouraged him to do it.
"And just because you hadn't the patience to hold out a week or two you go and spoil everything. I didn't think you were such a fool, upon my word." Gilks was cowed by the wrath of his friend. "I couldn't help it," he said. "I'm awfully sorry." "It's done us completely now," said Silk. "For all we know they may win. Who's to take your place?" "Crossfield." "Just the man I was afraid.
The only thing was either to make up his mind to his fate, or else, by getting Silk and Gilks to release him from his promise, to get his tongue free to make a full confession of his own delinquencies, and throw himself entirely on the doctor's mercy. This last chance seemed feeble enough.
"Take my advice and back out of it. It won't come to anything, and if you're not mixed up in it our pious friends will think you are one of them, and that'll pay. Do you twig? Good-night. You are a nice boy!" So saying these two worthies separated. Gilks acted on his friend's advice, and contrived to be absent after chapel next morning, when it was proposed to present the petition to the doctor.
His three friends looked perplexed by his sudden confusion and change of manner, and Porter had the presence of mind to change the subject. "I hear there's a jolly row on between Silk and Gilks," said he. "No one knows exactly why." "I heard it was a bet," said Coates. "At any rate they've had a split," said Porter. "They never did much good while they were in partnership," said Coates.
"What a nice boy you are, to be sure! I suppose you've a bet on Parrett's, like me?" "No, I haven't," said Gilks, "but I want it to win all the same, because of Bloomfield. If Parrett's gets to the head of the river, there's all the better chance of getting Bloomfield for captain next term; and things would be far pleasanter then." "Yes. I don't suppose Bloomfield's very particular," said Silk.
"I mean," said Silk, slowly, "that last time you took Gilks and me down to Beamish's " "I took you!" exclaimed Wyndham. "You took me you made me go." Silk laughed. "Well, the last time we three went to Beamish's, if you like the Saturday before the race; last Saturday, in fact somebody saw us, or rather saw you." "What!" cried Wyndham, turning pale. "Who was it?"
"I think we'd better wait, as you say, till they've been to Paddy. Then if nothing has come out, you ought to see Gilks." "I think so, but I wish you'd be there too. As captain of the clubs, you've really more to do with it than I have." "You're captain of the school, though," said Bloomfield, "but I'll be there too, if you like." "Thanks," said Riddell.
Among the few Willoughbites who took no interest at all in the juniors' match was Gilks. It was hardly to be wondered at that he, a schoolhouse boy, should not concern himself much about a contest between the fags of Welch's and Parrett's.
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