human
More row than ever this year, said Mansfield, as he followed Cresswell into his study.
gpt
Ponty's too easy-going.
human
I don't know. If you keep them in too tight they'll burst. I think he's right to give them some play.
gpt
Well, perhaps you're right, Cress; but I'm afraid I shan't be as easy with them as Ponty. My opinion is, that if you give them an inch they'll take an ell. By the way, that was a queer thing about Pledge. Did you expect it?
human
No, but I'm not surprised. He's a low cad--poor Forbes owed his expulsion last term to him, I'm positive. He simply set himself to drag him down, and he did it.
gpt
Pity he's such a good bowler, one's bound to keep him in the eleven, and the fellows always swear by the eleven. By the way, I hear we have our work cut out for us at Grandcourt this year. They're a hot lot, and we play them on their own ground this time.
human
Oh, we shall do it, if only Ponty will wake up.