'I wonder how many people live here, he thought, and with a sick thrust of apprehension counted sixteen pipes in a rack at the side of the chimneypiece. Two gowns hung on a hook behind the door. In a corner were some golf clubs, a walking stick, an umbrella, and two miniature rifles. Over the chimneypiece was a green baize notice‑board covered with lists; there was a typewriter on the table. In a bookcase were a number of very old textbooks and some new exercise‑books. There were also a bicycle pump, two armchairs, a straight chair, half a bottle of invalid port, a boxing‑glove, a bowler hat, yesterday's Daily News, and a packet of pipe‑cleaners.

Paul sat down disconsolately on the straight chair.

Presently there was a knock at the door, and a small boy came in.

'Oh! he said, looking at Paul intently.

'Hullo! said Paul.

'I was looking for Captain Grimes, said the little boy.

'Oh! said Paul.

The child continued to look at Paul with a penetrating, impersonal interest.

'I suppose you're the new master? he said.

'Yes, said Paul. 'I'm called Pennyfeather.

The little boy gave a shrill laugh. 'I think that's terribly funny, he said, and went away.

Presently the door opened again, and two more boys looked in. They stood and giggled for a time and then made off.

In the course of the next half hour six or seven boys appeared on various pretexts and stared at Paul.

Then a bell rang, and there was a terrific noise of whistling and scampering. The door opened, and a very short man of about thirty came into the Common Room. He had made a great deal of noise in coming because he had an artificial leg. He had a short red moustache, and was slightly bald.

'Hullo! he said.

'Hullo! said Paul.

'I'm Captain Grimes, said the newcomer, and 'Come in, you, he added to someone outside.