"I thought your grace appeared to be in a bad way," said Bob. "Anyhow, you know, we had to give you something for your cheek, and if you are impudent again we shall have to repeat the dose, so you know what to expect."

"Oh! I don't mind at all. I am only glad you chaps are all right. We'll have no end of fun when Blackie comes; he's the most out-and-out sort you ever came across."

"Who is Blackie?" asked Bob. "Is that the fellow who will be in this room with us? Mrs. Percival did say something about him, but told me that he hadn't turned up today.

"Yes. That's right," replied the young duke; "he won't be here till tomorrow. He's the son of a very great friend of my mother's; I've known him ever so long as he used to spend a lot of time with us. His name is Gaston de Beaupre-he's a Frenchman, you know. I nicknamed him Blackie because he's so dark. He is an awfully jolly sort, and always ready for some fun. My eye! he knows a thing or two; I tell you, he will surprise you. But he's not a bit cocky with it."

"How old is he?" enquired Bob, after listening with interest to the foregoing word-portrait.

"He's about a month or two older than I," replied Jimmy. "He has never been to school before, as he had a tutor. He has always been about with his mother, and, I can give you my word, he has seen no end of sights. The tales he can tell you will make you open your eyes."

"If he is anything like as good as you say, we shall have a ripping time, Jimmy," said Bob. "I'm dying to know your chum."

"My cock is stiff," I exclaimed, turning the conversation; and, to emphasise the words, I pulled up my nightshirt and thrust out my belly, to bring into greater prominence my genital organ, which was turning up its nose in the most aggressive way, as if bent upon calling attention to itself.

"Come on the bed," cried the duke, taking pity on my condition, "and I'll give it a shaking up for you."