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 *save youngsters from making fools of themselves."

"Also enable us to get in an extra round of golf on a Saturday," said Mr. Topott, viewing the beef he had exchanged for the mutton with a deep suspicion. "But seriously, Weekes," said he, "I don't want you to leave me until they've returned their verdict. You can just let that nisi prius business alone this afternoon, and stay with me. I have a presentiment that things might go wrong."

"Presentiment!" said Mr. Weekes impatiently. "Deuce take your presentiments! Waiter, bring me some red pepper."

"The fact is, I am frightened to death by that young fellow," said Mr. Topott cheerfully. "I suppose you know who he is?"

"I know what he is," said Mr. Weekes incisively. "He is a confounded nuisance."

"He is the greatest player of Rugby football the game ever saw," said Mr. Topott impressively.

"Pity he didn't stick to it," said Mr. Weekes. "Better for him, better for us. But what has his football got to do with his advocacy?"

"Well, I always think, you know," said Mr. Topott modestly, "a man is all of a piece as you might say. If he is preëminent in one thing he will be preëminent in another."

"Not at all, my dear fellow," said Mr. Weekes, breathing contradiction, a pastime that was dear to him. "It doesn't follow in the least. A man may be supreme as a crossing-sweeper, but it does not follow that he would be equally great as a member of Parliament."

"I am only advancing a theory," said Mr. To