Arthur Machen

The Secret Glory Arthur Machen

Book Excerpt: ...at this sort of thing isn't going to be tolerated any longer. This is the third time during this term that you have been late for lock-up. You know the rules: six o'clock at latest. it is now twenty minutes past seven. What excuse have you to make? What have you been doing with yourself? Have you been in the Fields?""No, Sir.""Why not? You must have seen the Resolution of the Sixth on the notice-board of the High School? You know what it promised any boy who shirked rocker? 'A good sound thrashing with tuds before the First Thirty.' I am afraid you will have a very bad time of it on Monday, after Graham has sent up your name to the Room."There was a pause. Mr. Horbury looked quietly and lengthily at the boy, who stood white and sick before him. He was a rather sallow, ugly lad of fifteen. There was something of intelligence in his expression, and it was this glance that Chesson, the Headmaster, had resented. His heart beat against his breast, his breath came in gasps and the sweat of t...